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Philippines terrorist threat prompts travel warning
When the U.S. Department of State issues a travel warning related to terrorism its serious business. Concerned about the continuing threat of terrorist actions and violence against U.S. citizens and interests throughout the world, its a reminder that terrorism can occur anywhere."Travelers should exercise extreme caution if traveling to Mindanao or the Sulu Archipelago. Regional terrorist groups have carried out bombings resulting in injuries and death" the department of state said in the warning.
Indeed, the Philippines have a long history of terrorist activities with hundreds killed in bombings and other attacks by Islamic extremists. The Philippines has also been called the "Kidnapping Capital of Asia", with kidnap-for-ransom establishing itself as a popular and lucrative business for the Philippine underworld. But the latest focus on terrorism in the Philippines may stem from a fear of Islamist militant groups that may be plotting attacks to avenge the death of Osama bin Laden last month in Pakistan.
That should be plenty of reasons for caution when thinking of travel to the Philippines. Tourism officials in the Philippines, unlike their Mexican counterparts, have been silent so far but law enforcement officials downplay the US travel warning.
"I am not saying there is no immediate threat. [But] there is no specific report of terrorist threats in the country," Philippine National Police Director General Raul M. Bacalzo told Inquirer News.
This might be one to watch.
Flickr photo by Maks Karochkin
This might be one to watch.
For more detailed information on general crime and security issues in the Philippines, see the State Department's Country Specific Information for the Philippines.
You may also obtain information on security by calling the State Department at 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or, for callers outside the United States and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays)Flickr photo by Maks Karochkin
Filed under: North America, Philippines, United States, News, Travel Security
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Dave Jun 15th 2011 9:54AM
There's been a travel warning in effect for the Philippines for years, they basically just change the date every year and call it an update. This is so not news, I've been to the RP several times in the past few years and at no time have I felt threatened, it's all about the person, if you stay away from places you know you shouldn't be and use some common sense you'll have a great vacation there.
spugadiccio Jun 15th 2011 7:56PM
I have been to the Philippines 12 times in the last 10 years ( my wife is a filipina). This warning is like saying don't go to the United States because the murder rate is super high in Detroit.....
The vast majority of the Philippines is very safe I have never had any problems there and truthfully the people are nicer and friendlier than the majority of people in the western countries - on balance it is much safer in the PI than the large cities in the US or Canada or Europe . Cebu City is one of the 10 safest large cities in the world for major/violent crimes. Just keep out of the Southern 5% of the country - it is dangerous there for westerners .
The thing to remember is if you have a white face just don't go to the very southern parts of the country - though I don't know what would bring any western tourist to that area in the first place.
Kevin Jun 15th 2011 10:58PM
I have travled and stay in General Santos (home of packman) I been here for over 5 years on and off. I feel more unsafe leaving Atlanta Ga airport. Saftey is common scense, I have never felt at risk of harm night or day. But stay home is safe cities like Detroit, Atlanta or south LA. coming here can only raise the cost of living for us that live here.
bohol2528 Jun 16th 2011 12:08AM
I lived on Bohol which is in the southern Philippines between Cebu and Mindanao for 8 years, (married a Filipina) and never had any problem. The state department says about staying out of Sulu, which a person needs a special travel permit to go to anyway, and Mindanao, which everyone knows is the main area under control of the rebels. Just like anywhere else, safety relies on simply common sense. I have never felt threatened anywhere in the RP and we plan to go back in 2013 for a visit to celebrate our 20th anniversary. Mabuhuy Philippines!
walt Sep 7th 2011 10:26AM
Bohol is wonderful! where do u live at other times?
Legal Nomads Jun 16th 2011 11:15AM
As others have said, the Philippines has been under travel warnings for years, specifically relating to Sulu and parts of Mindanao. Having travelled through Northern Mindanao and other parts of the country for several months, I fail to see why this travel warning - similar to all the others issued for the same geographic area, for several years now - merits such a flippant dismissal of a country that has plenty to offer. Like Southern Thailand, only a fraction of the Philippines is currently off limits and posts like this one don't fairly portray the overall situation there.
Ron Coselman Aug 14th 2011 4:39AM
While it is true. The Philippines does have a problem with various groups. While it is not as dangerous as Detroit, USA. It still has a threat that travelers should be aware of. The biggest difference between Philippines and Detroit is the travelers ability to recognize a dangerous situation. Everyone know what 5 gang bangers selling drugs look like. We all don't know what a NPA guerrilla looks like. Warnings are meant to make you aware.
Ron @ http://www.monarchsands.com