MANILA, Philippines - Australia and the United Kingdom have warned that a terrorist attack is imminent in Metro Manila.
Reliable reports indicate that terrorist attacks might be imminent in Metro Manila, including places frequented by foreigners such as large shopping malls and convention centers, according to the Australian embassy.
The British embassy advised its citizens of the high terrorist threat in the Philippines.
The two embassies did not indicate whether their travel advisories were updated after airport authorities were placed on heightened vigilance in the wake of a terror plot that was foiled in the United States last week.
Australia has advised its citizens to exercise a high degree of caution in the Philippines because of the high threat of terrorist attack.
“We continue to receive credible reports indicating terrorists are planning attacks against a range of targets in a variety of locations, including places frequented by foreigners,” read the advisory. “You should avoid places known to be terrorist targets.”
The Australian embassy said terrorist attacks, including bombings, are possible any time, anywhere in the Philippines, including Metro Manila.
Australian citizens were advised against traveling to Mindanao, particularly the Zamboanga peninsula as well as Sulu, Basilan and Tawi-Tawi, due to the high threat of terrorist attacks including kidnapping.
Armed clashes between security forces and rebels, including the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, could occur without warning, particularly in central Mindanao, the embassy said.
The Australian embassy said terrorist groups continue to plan attacks and have the capacity and the intent to carry out these attacks at any time and any place in the country.
“Such places could include, but are not limited to, airports, shopping malls and places of worship,” read the advisory.
Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travelers, the embassy added.
The British embassy advised its citizens against all travel to southwest Mindanao, covering the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, including the islands of Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi, the eastern provinces of Sarangani, North and South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Lanao del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur and Zamboanga Sibugay.
“We advise against all but essential travel to the remainder of Mindanao because of ongoing terrorist activity,” read the advisory.
The embassy said the government is taking action against the terrorist and kidnapping threat.
It has tightened security in Metro Manila and other areas considered at high risk, including airports and seaports, the embassy added.
Military: Foreign terrorists pose more threat than rebels
Foreign terrorists pose more threat to the country than the rebels, the military said yesterday.
Armed Forces spokesman Brig. Gen. Jose Mabanta Jr. said the military is setting its sights on external threats and will hand over internal security to the police.
“We feel that the AFP has been doing a good job in internal security operations and the strength of the CPP-NPA (Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army) has been down to less than 5,000,” he said.
“When we talk of external threats, what comes to our mind are terrorists emanating from foreign lands, so this we feel is a more potent threat at this point in time and we are prepared for it.”
Mabanta said the military is now intensifying intelligence operations and training of troops to address the terrorist threat.
“We are stepping up our intelligence operations, particularly deployment in possible entry points,” he said.
“We monitor dubious organizations which have possible links to all of these extremists and fundamentalists such as al-Qaeda and Jemaah Islamiyah.
“We continue to train our forces for any eventuality. We are talking about our elite forces, the JSOG (Joint Special Operations Group), which (has been) upgrading their skills and their equipment.”
Mabanta said some portions of Mindanao are “sensitive” areas due to the proliferation of firearms.
“But let me make it clear that at this point there is no imminent danger,” he said. “The most important is we are watchful and we are aware that there is a potential threat.” – With Alexis Romero - By Pia Lee-Brago
