The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said in its latest travel advisory issued Thursday that the renewal of the travel warning was due to new security information received by its embassy in Manila.
"Australians in the Philippines should exercise extreme caution, particularly in areas known to be frequented by foreigners, including coastal resorts. We continue to receive reports that terrorists in the region are planning attacks," the advisory said.
The advisory was issued just as the US Department of State issued a new consular information sheet saying that threats of terrorism in the Philippines remain high.
Australian travelers were advised to take particular care in areas frequented by tourists and foreigners, which is practically all public areas.
The Australian advisory also said all Philippine government infrastructure, including mass transport systems and buildings, are potential terrorist targets.
"Manila has experienced a series of bombing campaigns in recent years and explosive devices continue to be discovered," the advisory said, possibly referring to the Rizal Day bombings in 2000, during which the Light Rail Transit (LRT) station in Blumentritt, Manila was one of five sites bombed. Twenty-one people were killed in the almost-simultaneous explosions in Manila, Quezon City, Makati City and Parañaque City.
"Further explosions are possible anywhere in the country, as underscored by the recent bombings of major transport infrastructure in the southern Philippines," it said, referring to the Sasa Wharf and Davao International Airport (DIA) bomb attacks in 2003.
Australians were advised against all non-essential travel to Mindanao and all travel to Zamboanga, Sulu and the islands of Basilan and Jolo, Sulu. Basilan and Jolo are known strongholds of the Abu Sayyaf bandits.
With the results of the May 10 elections still up in the air, the Australian government also warned its citizens of the "prospect of further tensions, including demonstrations and street protests and possible violence following the conduct of the national elections."
Kidnapping was also cited as a threat for Australians all over the Philippines, including those in Metro Manila and other coastal areas.
Although it did not specify any particular group, the advisory referred to the Abu Sayyaf as the organization responsible for kidnapping foreigners and tourists in Mindanao and neighboring coastal resorts in Indonesia and Malaysia.
However, the advisory did note that the Philippine government is committed to improving security in the Philippines and combating terrorism.
"The security agencies have made recently a number of important arrests of suspected terrorists. But the risk of further terrorist attacks and kidnappings remains," the advisory said.