BRITAIN, AUSTRALIA ISSUE NEW RP TRAVEL WARNING
MANILA, June 24, 2004 (STAR) Australia and the United Kingdom warned yesterday their citizens against traveling to the Philippines as they fear that the planned presidential inauguration on June 30 could trigger violence.
"These attacks could occur anytime," Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said in its latest advisory.
"We have concerns that attacks may be timed to coincide with the presidential inauguration on 30 June."
On the other hand the UK said: "Political tension surrounding the 10 May elections is likely to continue until after the inauguration of the new president, scheduled for 30 June.
"Political rallies and demonstrations have so far been relatively peaceful. The police have used water cannons to disperse demonstrations in some instances."
Australia said Metro Manila has experienced a series of bombing campaigns, shootings and grenade attacks, and that police have discovered explosive devices in strategic points in the metropolis.
Previously, Australia and the UK cautioned their citizens against traveling to Mindanao, particularly the Zamboanga peninsula, Sulu, Basilan, and the Tawi-Tawi islands, where foreigners have been kidnapped by the Abu Sayyaf.
"There is a danger of kidnapping throughout the Philippines, including in Manila and around the coastal and island tourist resorts throughout the country," read Australia’s advisory.
"The kidnapping of foreigners and local residents from a resort in Palawan in 2001 and more recent kidnappings from coastal areas in Indonesia and Malaysia by terrorists based in the southern Philippines have demonstrated that these groups have the capacity to operate across a wide area."
Australia said the Philippines had not taken any action to stop the terrorist threats and kidnappings.
"The security agencies have made recently a number of important arrests of suspected terrorists, but the risk of further terrorist attacks and kidnappings remain," read Australia’s advisory.
Recently two powerful bombs were found in the Department of the Interior and Local Government building along EDSA, Quezon City, the Department of National Defense building at Armed Forces headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City, and the Santuario de San Antonio church in Forbes Park, Makati.
Malacañang has warned that destabilizers will be prosecuted. — Marvin Sy
Reported by: Sol Jose Vanzi
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