Philippines FCO travel warning - 24.2.08

Philippines


This advice has been reviewed and reissued with amendments to the natural disasters section (flooding and landslides in Eastern Samar). The overall level of the advice has not changed.
We advise against all travel to Mindanao because of ongoing terrorist activity. There are frequent terrorist attacks against civilian targets throughout Mindanao. Most recently, on 22 November 2007, a bomb exploded in a shopping mall in Kidapawan City, reportedly killing one and injuring at least six others.


We also advise against all travel to the Sulu archipelago including Basilan, Tawi-Tawi and Jolo, where there are ongoing military and police operations against insurgent groups.


There is a high threat from terrorism throughout the Philippines. On 13 November 2007, a bomb exploded at Congress in Quezon City, Metro Manila resulting in a number of deaths and injuries. Terrorist groups continue to plan attacks and have the capacity and the intent to carry out these attacks at any time and anywhere in the country. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places including frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.


There is a threat of kidnapping throughout the Philippines. We continue to believe that terrorists and criminal elements plan to kidnap foreign tourists from islands and coastal areas in the southern Philippines-i.e. Mindanao and the Sulu archipelago. The most recent kidnap of a foreign national occurred in June 2007. Kidnappings from other parts of the Philippines cannot be discounted, with boats travelling to and from offshore islands and dive sites possible targets.


The typhoon season in the Philippines normally runs from July to November. This is also the rainy season and flooding and landslides may occur. See the Natural Disasters section of this advice and Hurricanes for more information.


Around 70,000 British tourists visit the Philippines every year (Source: Philippines Ministry of Tourism). Most visits are trouble-free. The main type of incidents for which British nationals required consular assistance in the Philippines in 2007 were for: replacing lost or stolen passports; arrests or detentions, mainly for visa overstays; and dealing with deaths, mostly from natural causes.


We strongly recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake. See the General (Insurance) section of this advice and Travel Insurance for more details.
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Kind regards,

__________________
CovertMunkey

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