ginapeterb
15th November 2004, 12:14
Urgent Travel Information on Philippines
The following Information is correct at 15th November 2004.
We advise against all travel to central, southern and Western Mindanao, to Basilan, Tawi-Tawi and the Sulu archipelago, where military and police operations against terrorist and rebel groups are continuing and where kidnappings and bombings have taken place. An Italian national was reported kidnapped on 9 November in Lanao del Norte, Mindanao. The situation remains unclear at present.
There is a high threat from terrorism and kidnapping throughout the Philippines. There continues to be threats against Western interests and there is a danger of collateral damage from terrorist attacks targeted at others.
You should also be alert to the risk of street crime.
Penalties for illegal drug importation and use are severe and can include the death penalty
We strongly recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling.
You should be aware of the high threat from domestic and international terrorism (including kidnapping) throughout the Philippines. Extremist groups such as Abu Sayyaf Group and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front operate in the Philippines, and communist insurgents remain active. There continue to be threats against Western interests. There is a danger of being caught up in a terrorist attack targeted at others.
We advise against all travel to central, southern and Western Mindanao, to Basilan, Tawi-Tawi and the Sulu archipelago, where military and police operations against terrorist and rebel groups are continuing and where kidnappings and bombings have taken place. You should take particular care in the rest of Mindanao, Manila, Palawan and at coastal resorts and tourist centres throughout the Philippines (see also Local Travel section).
There have been regular bombings and kidnappings in the Philippines (81 kidnap cases were reported in 2003, and some happened at sea) primarily in Mindanao, Basilan, the Sulu archipelago and Tawi-Tawi. Manila has also been targeted. A bomb exploded at a sports hall in Parang, in Lanao del Sur province, Central Mindanao, on 4 January 2004, killing 22 people. In April and June grenades were thrown at buildings in Manila's Makati central business district, including offices of a major part-British company, and police defused three explosive devices found in public areas of the capital over the period of 18-21 June.
Terrorist groups have threatened to attack passenger ferries and other vessels, particularly those operating from Mindanao. On 27 February 2004, over 100 passengers were killed following a fire on board a Super ferry travelling between Manila and the Central Philippines. The Government confirmed on 11 October that this was caused by a bomb. A known terrorist group has claimed responsibility
In March and April 2003, explosions at Davao City Airport and Davao International Seaport in Mindanao caused between 37-38 deaths. Four suspected members of the Abu Sayyaf Group arrested in Manila in March 2004 were reported to be in possession of 80lbs of explosives.
The Philippine government is working to neutralise the terrorist threat. It has tightened security in Metro Manila and other areas considered at high risk, including airports and seaports.
Westerners were deliberately targeted in terrorist attacks in Bali (October 2002) and Jakarta (August 2003 and September 2004).
You should be aware of the risk to all forms of public transport: road, rail, sea and air. You should also be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks, which could be against civilian targets in public places, including those frequented by foreigners. Please read: Security and General Tips and Risk of Terrorism when Travelling Overseas. We also advise that you check the Embassy website:
Crime
There is a high incidence of street crime and robberies. Sensible precautions might include: arranging to be met at the airport or using hotel transfer services; using a driver or taxis from a reputable source and avoiding displays of cash or jewellery. Even well lit and busy city areas cannot be assumed to be safe. You should beware of strangers offering drinks or confectionery: criminals intent on robbery may lace these to render the victim unconscious.
On 9 November, an Italian national was kidnapped in Lanao del Norte, Mindanao. The hostage was freed unharmed on 10 November. A motive has yet to be established.
Local Travel
We advise against all travel to central, southern and Western Mindanao, to Basilan, Tawi-Tawi and the Sulu archipelago, where military and police operations against terrorist and rebel groups are continuing and where kidnappings and bombings have taken place. Take particular care and maintain high levels of vigilance when travelling to the rest of Mindanao.
Include safety measures in all your travel plans. Seek advice from local contacts, avoid travel off the beaten track and always leave travel plans with friends, colleagues or relatives. Safety standards on buses and boats can be low.
Sea Safety
In addition to the threat from terrorism (see above) there is a high incidence of piracy and armed robbery against ships in and around Philippine waters. Inter-island travel by small boats can also be dangerous as storms appear quickly.
You should be aware that maritime rescue services in the Philippines may not be as comprehensive as they might be in the United Kingdom.
LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS
You should not get involved with drugs of any kind. Possession of even very small quantities can lead to imprisonment or even a death sentence.
Philippine law on paedophile activity is severe, and strictly enforced. The death penalty is often passed in child abuse or rape cases. A child is defined in Philippine law as a person under the age of 18. Entrapment may also occur where strangers with children have befriended single male tourists; allegations of abuse are then made in an attempt to extort money.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
British nationals may enter the Philippines without a visa for an initial period of 21 days, while a tourist visa from the nearest Philippine Embassy (Filipino representation in the UK) will allow an initial 59 day stay. These periods may be extended, before they expire and for a fee, at the Bureau of Immigration in Manila.
Entry to the Philippines may be refused to anyone carrying a passport of less than six months validity or without and onward or return air ticket. Overstaying without the proper authority is a serious matter and can lead to detention pending payment of outstanding fees and fines and voluntary deportation at your own expense.
Parents of children travelling unaccompanied to the Philippines must file an "affidavit of support" with the nearest Philippines Embassy or Bureau of Immigration.
Single parents or other adults travelling alone with children should be aware that some countries require documentary evidence of parental responsibility before allowing lone parents to enter the country or, in some case, before permitting the children to leave the country. For further information on exactly what will be required at immigration please contact: Filipino representation in the UK
HEALTH
We strongly recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. Medical treatment in the Philippines can be very expensive.
The extent of medical care varies across the Philippines, and may not meet the standards of care in the UK. Although sufficient in major cities, medical care is limited in more remote areas.
Malaria, including malarial encephalitis, exists in parts of the Philippines and visitors should seek medical advice before travelling. The dengue fever mosquito is found throughout the Philippines including Manila. Rabies is endemic and can be fatal if not diagnosed and treated quickly.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) and UK Department of Health are no longer advising against travel to any destination because of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) concerns. But global surveillance for the disease continues.
This information has been taken from the website of the Foreign and Commonwealth office, travellers, who are unused to the Philippines should visit the site themselves and obtain their own information on a week by week basis.
Disclaimer
The FilipinoUK Forum literary team cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies, in this information, it is only intended as a guide, conditions regarding terrorism, may change without notice, and travellers, are advised to visit the Foreign and Commonwealth Office website prior to travel, if you are not sure, take advice by calling the Foreign office.
The following Information is correct at 15th November 2004.
We advise against all travel to central, southern and Western Mindanao, to Basilan, Tawi-Tawi and the Sulu archipelago, where military and police operations against terrorist and rebel groups are continuing and where kidnappings and bombings have taken place. An Italian national was reported kidnapped on 9 November in Lanao del Norte, Mindanao. The situation remains unclear at present.
There is a high threat from terrorism and kidnapping throughout the Philippines. There continues to be threats against Western interests and there is a danger of collateral damage from terrorist attacks targeted at others.
You should also be alert to the risk of street crime.
Penalties for illegal drug importation and use are severe and can include the death penalty
We strongly recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling.
You should be aware of the high threat from domestic and international terrorism (including kidnapping) throughout the Philippines. Extremist groups such as Abu Sayyaf Group and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front operate in the Philippines, and communist insurgents remain active. There continue to be threats against Western interests. There is a danger of being caught up in a terrorist attack targeted at others.
We advise against all travel to central, southern and Western Mindanao, to Basilan, Tawi-Tawi and the Sulu archipelago, where military and police operations against terrorist and rebel groups are continuing and where kidnappings and bombings have taken place. You should take particular care in the rest of Mindanao, Manila, Palawan and at coastal resorts and tourist centres throughout the Philippines (see also Local Travel section).
There have been regular bombings and kidnappings in the Philippines (81 kidnap cases were reported in 2003, and some happened at sea) primarily in Mindanao, Basilan, the Sulu archipelago and Tawi-Tawi. Manila has also been targeted. A bomb exploded at a sports hall in Parang, in Lanao del Sur province, Central Mindanao, on 4 January 2004, killing 22 people. In April and June grenades were thrown at buildings in Manila's Makati central business district, including offices of a major part-British company, and police defused three explosive devices found in public areas of the capital over the period of 18-21 June.
Terrorist groups have threatened to attack passenger ferries and other vessels, particularly those operating from Mindanao. On 27 February 2004, over 100 passengers were killed following a fire on board a Super ferry travelling between Manila and the Central Philippines. The Government confirmed on 11 October that this was caused by a bomb. A known terrorist group has claimed responsibility
In March and April 2003, explosions at Davao City Airport and Davao International Seaport in Mindanao caused between 37-38 deaths. Four suspected members of the Abu Sayyaf Group arrested in Manila in March 2004 were reported to be in possession of 80lbs of explosives.
The Philippine government is working to neutralise the terrorist threat. It has tightened security in Metro Manila and other areas considered at high risk, including airports and seaports.
Westerners were deliberately targeted in terrorist attacks in Bali (October 2002) and Jakarta (August 2003 and September 2004).
You should be aware of the risk to all forms of public transport: road, rail, sea and air. You should also be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks, which could be against civilian targets in public places, including those frequented by foreigners. Please read: Security and General Tips and Risk of Terrorism when Travelling Overseas. We also advise that you check the Embassy website:
Crime
There is a high incidence of street crime and robberies. Sensible precautions might include: arranging to be met at the airport or using hotel transfer services; using a driver or taxis from a reputable source and avoiding displays of cash or jewellery. Even well lit and busy city areas cannot be assumed to be safe. You should beware of strangers offering drinks or confectionery: criminals intent on robbery may lace these to render the victim unconscious.
On 9 November, an Italian national was kidnapped in Lanao del Norte, Mindanao. The hostage was freed unharmed on 10 November. A motive has yet to be established.
Local Travel
We advise against all travel to central, southern and Western Mindanao, to Basilan, Tawi-Tawi and the Sulu archipelago, where military and police operations against terrorist and rebel groups are continuing and where kidnappings and bombings have taken place. Take particular care and maintain high levels of vigilance when travelling to the rest of Mindanao.
Include safety measures in all your travel plans. Seek advice from local contacts, avoid travel off the beaten track and always leave travel plans with friends, colleagues or relatives. Safety standards on buses and boats can be low.
Sea Safety
In addition to the threat from terrorism (see above) there is a high incidence of piracy and armed robbery against ships in and around Philippine waters. Inter-island travel by small boats can also be dangerous as storms appear quickly.
You should be aware that maritime rescue services in the Philippines may not be as comprehensive as they might be in the United Kingdom.
LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS
You should not get involved with drugs of any kind. Possession of even very small quantities can lead to imprisonment or even a death sentence.
Philippine law on paedophile activity is severe, and strictly enforced. The death penalty is often passed in child abuse or rape cases. A child is defined in Philippine law as a person under the age of 18. Entrapment may also occur where strangers with children have befriended single male tourists; allegations of abuse are then made in an attempt to extort money.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
British nationals may enter the Philippines without a visa for an initial period of 21 days, while a tourist visa from the nearest Philippine Embassy (Filipino representation in the UK) will allow an initial 59 day stay. These periods may be extended, before they expire and for a fee, at the Bureau of Immigration in Manila.
Entry to the Philippines may be refused to anyone carrying a passport of less than six months validity or without and onward or return air ticket. Overstaying without the proper authority is a serious matter and can lead to detention pending payment of outstanding fees and fines and voluntary deportation at your own expense.
Parents of children travelling unaccompanied to the Philippines must file an "affidavit of support" with the nearest Philippines Embassy or Bureau of Immigration.
Single parents or other adults travelling alone with children should be aware that some countries require documentary evidence of parental responsibility before allowing lone parents to enter the country or, in some case, before permitting the children to leave the country. For further information on exactly what will be required at immigration please contact: Filipino representation in the UK
HEALTH
We strongly recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. Medical treatment in the Philippines can be very expensive.
The extent of medical care varies across the Philippines, and may not meet the standards of care in the UK. Although sufficient in major cities, medical care is limited in more remote areas.
Malaria, including malarial encephalitis, exists in parts of the Philippines and visitors should seek medical advice before travelling. The dengue fever mosquito is found throughout the Philippines including Manila. Rabies is endemic and can be fatal if not diagnosed and treated quickly.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) and UK Department of Health are no longer advising against travel to any destination because of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) concerns. But global surveillance for the disease continues.
This information has been taken from the website of the Foreign and Commonwealth office, travellers, who are unused to the Philippines should visit the site themselves and obtain their own information on a week by week basis.
Disclaimer
The FilipinoUK Forum literary team cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies, in this information, it is only intended as a guide, conditions regarding terrorism, may change without notice, and travellers, are advised to visit the Foreign and Commonwealth Office website prior to travel, if you are not sure, take advice by calling the Foreign office.