Australia Warns Travelers on Mindanao

[Jeff Dunsavage]

The Australian government issued an advisory on Friday warning its nationals not to travel to  Mindanao because of  the “high threat” of kidnapping in the province. Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade issued the advisory amid tension between the Malaysian government and the followers of Sulu Sultan Jamalul Kiram III over the latter’s claim on Sabah.

“We continue to strongly advise you not to travel to central and western Mindanao, including the Zamboanga Peninsula and Sulu Archipelago, due to the very high threat of terrorist attack, kidnapping, violent crime and violent clashes between armed groups. We continue to advise you to reconsider your need to travel to eastern Mindanao,” the advisory said.

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A U.S. State Department travel warning, reflecting "continuing threats in those areas due to terrorist and insurgent activities" has been in place since June 14, 2012.