January 09, 2007 12:00pm
THE Australian Government has reiterated a warning
of a high risk of terrorist attacks in the Philippines as
Asian leaders prepare for ASEAN meetings on the island of
Cebu next week.
The original meetings of the Association of South East Asian
Nations (ASEAN) and the East Asia Summit were postponed last
month, with officials citing fears of a typhoon for the decision.
However, there was speculation the meeting was delayed because
of the increased terrorist threat, with Australia and Britain
warning citizens against travelling to the Cebu region.
As the new meetings approach, the Department of Foreign Affairs
and Trade has reissued its advice warning of the possible
threat of attack, advising people not to travel to Cebu Province.
"We advise you to exercise a high degree of caution
in the Philippines because of the high threat of terrorist
attack," DFAT said on its website.
"We continue to receive credible reports that terrorists
are planning attacks against a range of targets, including
places frequented by foreigners.
"Some reports suggest that terrorists could target sites
in Metro Manila, Mindanao including the Sulu Archipelago,
and Cebu Province."
Prime Minister John Howard will travel to the Philippines
for the meetings.
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