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Friday, April 04, 2008
US, Australia warn vs travel to Zambo
By Bong Garcia
ZAMBOANGA CITY -- Two foreign countries have issued travel advisories warning their respective nationals not to travel to Zamboanga City, citing the "extremist elements" are planning to kidnap foreigners.
The first to issue a travel advisory was the United States wherein its Embassy in Manila issued on Tuesday a message advising that it had received information that extremist elements may be planning to kidnap Americans or other foreigners.
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The US travel advisory stated that the target areas for kidnapping are hotels or other public places within Zamboanga City.
"Kidnap for ransom gangs are active in Mindanao, including mainland Mindanao, the Zamboanga Peninsula, and the Sulu Archipelago," it added.
This was followed by Australia advising their nationals and its embassy staff on Thursday not to travel to Zamboanga City.
Both countries have also advised their respective nationals who are here to consider leaving Zamboanga City.
A local official, who asked not to be identified, however said it is very ironic for the two countries to issue such travel advisories.
The official said it is regrettable why the US embassy issued a travel advisory when "in fact the ambassador herself is coming to Zamboanga City very often."
US Ambassador Kristie Kenney had been coming and inaugurating several projects funded by the United States Assistance for International Development (USAid) in Zamboanga City.
There were also instances that Kenney traveled to Zamboanga City together with the Australian ambassador.
Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) information officer Major Eugenio Batara Jr., for his part, told newsmen here that they have not received any information about kidnapping threats to foreigners.
However, Batara said kidnapping threats exist anywhere in the country.
He said they don't have any worry about threats on US forces since the movements of American soldiers are restricted within the camp.
A group of American soldiers are still stationed inside Camp Don Basilio Navarro that houses the Westmincom headquarters in this city. (Sunnex)
For more Philippine news, visit Sun.Star Davao. (April 4, 2008 issue)
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