Philippines travel advice

In December 2015, the Philippines authorities warned of a high terrorism threat in: Palawan; Malay, Aklan (Boracay Island); the southern portion of the Negros island region; the cities of Zamboanga and Isabela; the cities of Dipolog and Dapitam, both in Zamboanga del Norte; Zamboanga Sibugay; Cotabato City; the towns of Palimbang, Isulan, and Lebak, all in Sultan Kudarat; Kidapawan City, and the municipalities of Kabacan, Pikit, Midsayap, and Aleosan, all in North Cotabato, Maguindanao, Basilan, Tawi-Tawi, and Marawi City in Lanao del Sur, all in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

There is a high threat from terrorism throughout the country. Terrorist groups continue to plan attacks and have the capacity and the intent to carry out attacks at anytime and anywhere in the country. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreigners like airports, shopping malls, public transport and places of worship.

There are several terrorist groups operating in the Philippines that continue to pose a threat. These groups include New People’s Army (NPA), the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG), Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) and other associated groups. Extreme elements within the two main insurgent groups, the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), continue to pose a security threat. A splinter group of the MILF, the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), has been responsible for a number of attacks on the Philippine military and security services.