Canada, UK renew travel warnings on RP

The United Kingdom and Canada have renewed their travel warnings on the Philippines because of tensions brought about by the recently concluded elections.

According to the British advisory, "political tension surrounding the May 10 elections is likely to continue through the vote-counting period."

"The Philippine authorities are on high alert in case of political unrest and security incidents and have issued warnings about suspected bomb threats in Manila and elsewhere," the advisory said.

The UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office said there is a high general threat from terrorism and kidnapping throughout the country.

"You should be particularly vigilant in all public places and when traveling. You should be alert to the risk of street crime," the advisory stressed.

The UK warning replaces the one issued last April 21, which cited the grenade attack on the Shell office in Makati City and also took into account the arrests of six suspected Abu Sayyaf members who were said to be planning "Madrid-level" bombings in Metro Manila.

"British institutions and businesses and representatives of all non-governmental organizations should constantly review their security, taking local advice when appropriate," the advisory stated.

The Canadian travel advisory, on the other hand, urged travelers to "maintain a high level of personal security awareness at all times and monitor local developments until the official voting results have been declared and the situation has been reassessed."

The Canadian Department Foreign Affairs and Trade said that "threats from various terrorist groups have increased and reports continue to indicate that terrorist elements throughout the region could be planning attacks."

Canadians were advised to exercise extreme caution, particularly in commercial and public areas known to be frequented by foreigners.

Concerns about kidnapping were also raised in the advisory as it noted that incidents led by the Abu Sayyaf group have increased. "Deaths have resulted in several instances. In 2001, a Canadian was kidnapped in Davao del Sur and held hostage for seven weeks. Canadians should be cautious when traveling to and around coastal areas and island resorts," it noted.

The Canadian advisory also cited the arrest of the suspected Abu Sayyaf bombers and the SuperFerry fire last February that was said to have been perpetrated by the bandit group.

Both countries advised against all travel to Mindanao and Sulu where the threat of kidnappings and terrorism is highest.