US, UK alarmed by blasts

The United States and British governments have warned their citizens in the Philippines to take precautions due to tension in Metro Manila and Minda-nao.

The US Embassy issued an advisory last May 18 after a spate of bombings over the past days that have alarmed the government and prompted authorities to tighten security in Metro Manila.

Meanwhile, Defense Secretary Orlando Mercado said the bombing incidents have been brought about by the pressure being exerted by the government against the secessionist Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the extremist Abu Sayyaf group.

He said the rebels want to project an image that they are everywhere and the country is unstable.

"While it is prudent for us to be careful, we should not overreact. As far as we are concerned, we are doing everything to stop these cowardly acts of terrorism by separatist rebels," Mercado said in a telephone interview.

Authorities however claimed to have found no link between the rebels and the explosion in Makati City and the recent rocket grenade attack on Camp Crame.

"While the communist NPA (New People's Army) has claimed responsibility for grenade attacks at the PNP (Philippine National Police) headquarters, no group or individual has claimed responsibility for any of other incidents; nor is there any indication at this time that they are linked to one another," the US advisory said.

Contrary to the advisory, no one has claimed responsibility for the Camp Crame attack. The embassy did not say where it got its information on the NPA.

Mercado said the bombings in the South were confined only in certain areas, "it does not mean the entire Mindanao is hazardous."

He also said many of the bomb threats are made by prank callers taking advantage of the situation.

And even Western countries, he said, are not immune to terrorist acts, and where these are worse because scores of civilians are killed.

Metro Manila police commander Chief Superintendent Edgardo Aglipay claimed the other day that a disgruntled group close to former President Fidel Ramos may be behind the Camp Crame blast.

According to Aglipay, the group was out to embarrass the Estrada administration.

Americans have been advised to immediately notify authorities of security situations especially if they find suspicious-looking packages or objects. They are also to stay away from the scene of a bombing.

On the other hand, the British government has issued a travel warning on Mindanao because of the series of bombings in the region, the ongoing hostage crisis in Basilan and Jolo, and sporadic clashes between the military and the MILF.

"We strongly advise against travel to the southern Zamboanga peninsula," as well as islands southwest of Mindanao, especially Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi, the advisory said.

The Abu Sayyaf was blamed for last Thursday's grenade attack in Jolo and last Friday's grenade attack in Isabela, Basilan -- both Abu Sayyaf strongholds.

Abu Sayyaf rebels both in Jolo and Basilan are holding several hostages. Authorities suspect the attacks were meant to divert the military's attention from the hostage crises.

Last Wednesday's explosion at the Glorietta mall in Makati City triggered fears of MILF rebel attacks in Metro Manila. Last Saturday, a stick of dynamite was found at Rizal Park in Manila, increasing the tension, but police suspected that pranksters were responsible.

The MILF had threatened to target cities across Mindanao in retaliation for a military offensive against their forces occupying Narciso Ramos Highway in Maguindanao.

Fierce clashes there -- the worst in Mindanao in recent years -- died down only after the rebels withdrew. Despite an MILF assurance not to retake the key road, the military is bracing for a rebel offensive. - With Paolo Romero