Philippines overall: High degree of caution
Cebu Province: Reconsider your travel
Mindanao, including the Zamboanga Peninsula and the Sulu Archipelago: Do not travel
This advice has been reviewed and reissued. It contains new information in the Summary and under Safety and Security: Terrorism (update). The overall level of the advice has not changed. The level for Cebu Province has reduced.
Summary
* We advise you to exercise a high degree of caution in the Philippines because of the high threat of terrorist attack. We continue to receive credible reports that terrorists are planning attacks against a range of targets, including places frequented by foreigners. Some reports suggest that terrorists could target sites in Metro Manila, Mindanao including the Sulu Archipelago, and Cebu Province. If you do decide to travel, you should exercise extreme caution when you are in the Philippines.
* In February 2005 there were terrorist attacks in Manila and further attacks could occur at any time, anywhere in the Philippines. Places frequented by foreigners, such as bars, pubs, shopping malls, fast food outlets, and places of worship may be targeted for attack.
* There is a danger of kidnapping throughout the Philippines, including in Manila and around coastal and island tourist resorts throughout the country. Terrorists have kidnapped tourists from these areas.
* We advise you to reconsider your need to travel to Cebu Province. Australians should avoid locations known to be targeted by terrorists, such as places of worship, restaurants, shopping malls, hotels, hostels, guesthouses, bars, clubs, outdoor markets and transport and associated infrastructure.
* We strongly advise you not to travel to Mindanao, including the Zamboanga Peninsula and the Sulu Archipelago because of the very high threat of terrorist attack, including kidnapping, and related counter-terrorism operations. Recent credible information indicates terrorists may be in the advanced stages of attack planning. The attacks may be imminent and could occur at any time, anywhere in Mindanao. Davao City may be a particular target.
* On 5 January 2007 a bomb exploded in South Cotabato and another exploded in a shopping mall in Cotabato City on 11 October 2006. Two other explosions occurred on 10 October 2006 , the first in Tacurong (near Isulan) and the second in Makilala, resulting in a number of deaths and injuries. These attacks underline the ongoing terrorist threat in the region. Further attacks are likely. Possible targets include places of worship, restaurants, shopping malls including Mega Malls, hotels, hostels, guesthouses, bars or clubs in major population centres, including but not limited to Davao City, Carmen, Isulan, Kidapawan, Cagayan de Oro City, General Santos City, Cotabato City, Maganoy and Pagadian. If you are in these areas you should consider leaving.
* The alert levels for the Mayon volcano in Albay Province, south east Luzon, and for the Bulusan volcano in Sorsogon Province are currently at Level 1, indicating a decrease probability of volcanic activity. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology has established Permanent Danger Zones around both summits. Australians are advised to avoid areas surrounding the volcanoes and to follow the instructions of the local authorities.
* Australians in these regions should take precautions as the ash, dust and toxic fumes emitted from the volcanoes represent a significant health risk.
* Be a smart traveller. Before heading overseas:
o organise comprehensive travel insurance and check what circumstances and activities are not covered by your policy
o register your travel and contact details, so we can contact you in an emergency
o subscribe to this travel advice to receive free email updates each time its reissued.
