The high threat of a terrorist attack and violent crime has prompted Australia to update its travel advice for the Philippines.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s Smartraveller website now asks Australians to “exercise a high degree of caution”.
“Terrorist attacks could occur at anytime, anywhere in the Philippines, including in Manila,” it says.
It adds that “Violent crime is a significant problem in the Philippines.”
On 21 September, three foreign nationals and a local were kidnapped from a resort on Samal island, near Davao City.
The two Canadian tourists, a Norwegian resort manager and a Filipino woman were taken by unidentified gunmen.
Two Japanese tourists reportedly tried to intervene to stop the abduction but the attackers made off with the four captives by boat.
Military and police officials were surprised by the attack, which came as a reminder of a volatile security situation despite recent peace initiatives with Islamist rebels.
Australians are advised to reconsider their need to travel to eastern Mindanao and not to travel to central and western Mindanao.
The level of advice has not changed, but was reviewed and reissued on Saturday.
Australian Associated Press contributed to this report
