THE Australian government has advised its citizens to avoid travelling to central and western Mindanao, citing very high threat of kidnapping, terrorist attack, violent crime and violent clashes between armed groups. “Do not travel to central and western Mindanao due to the very high threat of kidnapping, terrorist attack, violent crime and violent clashes between armed groups,” the advisory stated. Meanwhile, the Israel Embassy in the Philippines confirmed the travel warning issued by its counter-terrorism bureau to its citizens. Israeli Ambassador to the Philippines Effie Ben Matityau said the warning only concerns travel to Mindanao. “This travel advisory is directed only to Israelis who are planning to go or stay in Mindanao.

Source: Manila Times July 10, 2017 12:22 UTC