MANILA, Philippines?Australia?s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has recommended the suspension of its development work in Maguindanao and nearby provinces shortly after President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo placed the province under military rule.

?Staff working on Australian aid programs in central Mindanao have been advised to suspend program activities and cancel non-essential travel until the situation stabilizes,? Australia said in its website advisory released Saturday afternoon.

This was the second advisory released by Australia on the political situation in the Philippines in a week, following the November 23 massacre of civilians in a politically motivated attack.

Earlier, the United States has also suspended its development initiatives in Maguindanao shortly after the massacre, citing the security situation there.

?Martial law was imposed in Maguindanao on 4 December 2009. A state of emergency remains in effect in Cotabato City and the province of Sultan Kudarat,? the advisory noted.

Australia also advised its citizens to avoid ?any large gatherings, demonstrations, protests, rallies or other public and political events as they may turn violent.?

It noted that ?political violence will likely become more common in the lead-up to country-wide elections in May 2010.?