US, Britain alert citizens on travel to Mindanao

A Philippine soldier keeps watch at a blast site at a night market that has left several people dead and wounded others in southern Davao city, Philippines late Friday Sept. 2, 2016. The powerful explosion in Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s hometown in the southern Philippines took place amid a security alert due to a major offensive against Abu Sayyaf militants in the region, officials said. (AP Photo/Manman Dejeto)

THE UNITED States has suspended official travel to Mindanao in the wake of Friday’s bombing in Davao City, while Britain warned its citizens to avoid nonessential travel to the area.

Earlier, Australia, Canada and Singapore alerted their travelers to exercise high degree of caution in the Philippines.

“While we have no information that indicates there is a direct threat to US citizens or interests in the Philippines, the embassy encourages all US citizens to remain vigilant and employ sound personal security measures as you go about your day,” an embassy statement said late Saturday.

It noted “an ongoing threat of terrorist actions and violence against United States citizens and interests abroad, including the Philippines.”

Extremists, it said, had targeted sporting events, theaters, markets, mass transportation systems—including airlines—and other public venues where large crowds gather.

“The Philippines government has declared a state of lawlessness and heightened security measures are expected to be in place, including in airports and other major transport hubs,” said Britain’s travel advisory.

The European Union, France and Japan, in statements issued on Saturday, condemned the attack in Davao, expressed condolences to the families of the victims and expressed support to the Philippine government’s fight against terrorism.

“The European Union stands in solidarity with the people and the government of the Philippines,” it said, noting that terrorism was a global concern that required solidarity of the international community.

“We stand by the authorities in the Philippines in their efforts to provide stability and security for their citizens against this threat,” it said.

“France condemns in the strongest possible terms the explosion that took place in Davao … and expresses its solidarity with the Filipino people and the local authorities in these difficult times,” said the French foreign ministry.

“I am deeply shocked to learn that a bombing incident caused numerous casualties in Davao City. I firmly condemn this terrorist act in the strongest terms,” said Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida. Estrella Torres