By Charissa Luci

The Australian government has advised its nationals to exercise “high degree of caution” when travelling to the Philippines “due to the high threat of a terrorist attack and the high level of crime.”

The Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) followed the United States’ lead in warning its citizens against traveling to the Philippines.

“We advise you to exercise a high degree of caution in the Philippines due to the high threat of a terrorist attack and the high level of crime. Pay close attention to your personal security at all times,” it said in its latest travel advice dated November 4.

“Monitor the media and other sources about possible new security risks. Seek specific advice for the locations you intend to visit,” the DFAT said.

It cited the November 3 travel warning issued by the U.S. to Americans that there are terrorist groups who plan to carry out kidnappings in areas in southern Cebu, particularly Dalaguete, Santander and Sumilon Island, which are frequented by foreign tourists.

The DFAT warned Australians of “an ongoing threat of terrorist attacks and violent crime” in the Philippines, including in Manila, other major cities and many rural areas.

“Exercise particular caution around locations that have a low level of protective security and places known to be possible terrorist targets,” it said.

It advised its nationals “to reconsider” traveling to eastern Mindanao due to very high levels of violent crime and the threat of terrorist attack and kidnapping.

“There is a very high threat of kidnapping in the southern Philippines, especially at coastal resorts and isolated coastal locations. The threat is highest along the Zamboanga peninsula and in the Sulu Archipelago,” the Australian advisory likewise said, saying that groups based in the Sulu archipelago can carry out attacks around Mindanao, southern Palawan, southern Negros or Siquijor, and even in eastern Malaysia.