Countries issue travel warnings after Davao bombing

MANILA, Philippines – A number of foreign countries have alerted their citizens not to travel to parts of the Philippines in the wake of the blast in Davao City where at least 14 people were killed and more than 60 others injured.

The United States Embassy has “temporarily suspended all official travel to Mindanao” despite no direct threat against US citizens in the country.

“The Embassy encourages all US citizens to remain vigilant and employ sound personal security measures as you go about your day. The Embassy will continue to monitor the current state of affairs in the Philippines and will release additional messages as needed,” it said in its travel advisory.

Canada has also warned its citizens against traveling to Mindanao and Sulu.

“There is no nationwide advisory in effect for the Philippines. However, you should exercise a high degree of caution due to an ongoing terrorist threat to Westerners and Western interests,” said the Canadian government.

The British Embassy, on the other hand, advised against “all but essential” travel to Eastern Mindanao where Davao City is. British citizens are also advised to refrain from traveling to the rest of the island.

“There is a high threat from terrorism, including kidnapping. There has been an increase in kidnapping of foreign nationals since late 2015. It’s likely that terrorist groups continue to plan kidnap operations against western nationals in the region. You should remain vigilant at all times,” said the British Embassy.

Australian citizens traveling to the Philippines are advised to exercise a “high degree of caution” while those going to Eastern Mindanao may “reconsider [their] need to travel.” Those heading to Central and Western Mindanao, including the Zamboanga Peninsula and the Sulu area, are advised not to go instead.

Meanwhile, Singaporeans in the Philippines are cautioned to “exercise vigilance, and monitor the local news and instructions of the local authorities.” (For updates on the Davao blast, check Rappler’s live blog) – Rappler.com