UK reminds nationals vs. travel to parts of Mindanao following bus bombing

Following the deadly bombing of a bus in Bukidnon Tuesday, the United Kingdom over the weekend reminded its nationals against travel to parts of Mindanao.

 

In a Dec. 12 update to its travel advice, UK's Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) said there "remains a threat" of attacks throughout "much of Mindanao."

 

"Civilian targets in Mindanao have been attacked and there remains a threat of attacks throughout much of Mindanao," it said in its summary.

 

Last Tuesday, at least 10 people were killed and more than 40 wounded after a bomb exploded aboard a bus in Bukidnon. The bus operator reportedly received threatening text messages before the blast.

 

Also, FCO said several terrorist groups are still operating in the Philippines that continue to pose a threat.

 

These include New People’s Army (NPA), the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG), Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) and other associated groups.

 

FCO also cited "extreme elements" within the Moro National Liberation Front and Moro Islamic Liberation Front, including the MILF splinter group Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters.

 

Such extreme elements have been linked to "a number of attacks on the Philippine military and security services over the last year," it added.

 

FCO advised UK nationals against all travel to southwest Mindanao and the Sulu archipelago "because of on-going terrorist activity and clashes between the military and insurgent groups."

 

It advised against all but essential travel to the remainder of Mindanao for the same reasons. —Joel Locsin/KG, GMA News