State urges caution for American citizens traveling to Philippines

[unhappycamper]

State urges caution for American citizens traveling to Philippines
Stars and Stripes
Pacific edition, Sunday, February 17, 2008

U.S. residents traveling in the Philippines should use “extreme” caution in certain areas of the country, according to a State Department warning issued Wednesday.

While U.S. citizens should be aware of security and safety risks, to include terrorism, anywhere in the country, the State Department has put special emphasis on central and western Mindanao, as well as the Sulu Archipelago.

Recent attacks, including the bombing of a Cotabato City disco that killed one and injured eight, don’t appear to have targeted foreigners, the release said.

But, the warning said, attackers are targeting bus terminals and public buildings.

The State Department also warns of “kidnap-for-ransom” gangs, including one that nabbed a U.S. citizen in October. That person remains missing, according to the release.


Rest of article at: http://www.stripes.com/article.asp?section=104&article=52540