Sydney: Australia on Wednesday warned that terror
attacks may be imminent in the Philippine capital Manila,
saying it had received credible evidence that violence was
brewing.
Canberra issued an updated travel bulletin calling for
Australian travellers to be extremely cautious but did not
raise its warning level for the country and gave no indication
of who could be planning potential attacks.
"Reliable reports indicate that terrorist attacks may
be imminent in Manila, including places frequented by
foreigners such as large shopping malls and convention
centres," the foreign affairs department said.
The advisory restated Australia`s advice against
travelling to the southern island of Mindanao due to the "very
high threat" of violence and kidnapping.
Warning of an imminent strike on the restive island
it said several foreigners had been kidnapped on the nearby
Sulu Archipelago and Zamboanga Peninsula. One man, a Japanese
national, was still in captivity.
"We strongly advise you not to travel to mainland
Mindanao, the Zamboanga Peninsula and the Sulu Archipelago
regions of Mindanao ... due to the very high threat of
terrorist attack, including kidnapping and related
counter-terrorism operations," the department said.
"Credible information indicates terrorists may be in
the advanced stages of planning attacks. Attacks may be
imminent and could occur at any time, anywhere in Mindanao."
Muslim rebels and bandits frequently carry out
kidnappings for ransom in Zamboanga and other parts of the
volatile southern Philippines` Mindanao region.
The Abu Sayyaf, blamed for the worst terrorist
attacks in the Philippines` history, is the most infamous
group that operates in Mindanao and is well-known for
kidnapping foreigners as well as locals.
PTI
