MANILA: The US embassy has advised its citizens to re-evaluate their personal safety and consider postponing trips to the Zamboanga peninsula, citing terrorist threats to kidnap foreigners in the area.
In an “emergency message,” the embassy alerted American citizens of a credible threat that terrorists planned to kidnap foreigners for ransom in Zamboanga.
US government personnel already in Zamboanga were directed to relocate to a secure area.
US government employees planning to travel to Zamboanga were directed to defer their trip at this time.
The military said it would continue to intensify its security operations to prevent untoward incidents and to ensure the safety of the public.
“We respect the US embassy’s issuance of travel advisories to its people who intend to visit the Philippines, particularly to the island of Mindanao,” Armed Forces public affairs chief Maj. Ramon Zagala said.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines has a commitment to protect Filipinos and foreign citizens visiting our country, he added.
Zagala said they would continue to work with the police to thwart any attempt to jeopardise peace and stability in the country.
“We are vigilant and we will continue to monitor the security situation in the country, particularly in Mindanao,” he said.
THE PHILIPPINE STAR
