By ANTHONY IAN CRUZ
Malaya
February 15, 2008

THE US State Department revised its travel warning on the Philippines on Wednesday, telling US citizens to stay away from Central and Western Mindanao and Sulu which it said were places of “particular concern.”

But it said threats are present across the country and thus advised Americans to “carefully consider the risks to their safety and security, including those due to terrorism.”

It said “special permission” is required of US government employees who wish to travel to Mindanao or Sulu.

“When traveling in Mindanao, US official travelers (must) attempt to lower their profile, limit their length of stay, and exercise extreme caution,” said the travel warning, adding “some foreigners who reside in or visit western and central Mindanao hire their own security.”

The travel warning did not mention the presence in Mindanao of US military personnel that have been undertaking so-called humanitarian missions and “war games” with Filipino counterparts.

The US also warned of bombings by “terrorist groups, such as the Abu Sayyaf Group and the Jemaah Islamiah, and groups that have broken away from the more mainstream Moro Islamic Liberation Front or Moro National Liberation Front.”

After citing bombing incidents in Mindanao and the blast that hit the Batasan Pambansa last November, the US State Department said that “while those responsible do not appear to have targeted foreigners, travelers should remain vigilant and avoid congregating in public areas.”