Canada renews travel advisory against southern Philippines

The Canadian government has renewed its travel advisory against going to Mindanao in southern Philippines, the Canadian Embassy said Saturday.

The Canadian government called on its citizens in the Philippines to be on guard against possible attacks by the left- wing guerrillas the New People's Army, and maintained its warning against attending political rallies in the run-up to the May 14 congressional and local polls.

"Attacks continue to occur in Manila, the region of Mindanao, and other areas where insurgent groups are active," said the advisory.

"You are advised against all travel to Mindanao, including the Sulu Archipelago and the Zamboanga Peninsula, unless you have critical or compelling business or family reasons. There is a threat of a terrorist attack, which could occur at anytime in this region," said the advisory.

The travel advisory for Mindanao was first issued in January, after a bomb attack took place near a market in General Santos City, southern Philippines, killing several people. Two more explosions later took place in Kidapawan City and Cotabato City in Mindanao that month, injuring a number of people.

Source: Xinhua