Philippines threats

The Department of State warns that, while most of the recent incidents of terror in the Philippines have occurred in the Sulu Archipelago, including on Mindanao — with bombings resulting in injuries and death — attacks could occur in any area of the country.

Sporadic clashes have occurred between criminal groups and the Philippine Armed Forces throughout Mindanao, particularly in rural areas. A state of emergency is in effect for Cotabato City in Mindanao as well as for the Maguindanao and Sultan Kudarat provinces.

Kidnap-for-ransom gangs continue to be active throughout the Philippines and have targeted foreigners. On Feb. 1, a Dutch man and Swiss man looking for rare birds were kidnapped by armed gunmen on a remote island in the Tawi-Tawi area of the southern Philippines.