US State Depart. Extends Alert for S. Philippines

(DiveTravelBusinessNews.com - January 25, 2010) -- The State Department is alerting U.S. citizens of the risks of travel to the southern Philippine islands of Mindanao and the Sulu Archipelago. This Travel Alert replaces the Travel Alert dated Nov. 24, 2009, and reflects the continuing instability in the area following acts of violence in the Mindanao province of Maguindanao in November and is supplemental to our Sept. 17, 2009, Travel Warning to the Philippines. This Travel Alert expires on Feb. 28, 2010.

Travelers should exercise extreme caution if traveling in the central and western portions of the island of Mindanao, as well as in the islands of the Sulu Archipelago. The violence in Maguindanao in 2009 and continued instability there resulted in the Government of the Philippines extending a state of emergency in the provinces of Maguindanao and Sultan Kudarat and in the city of Cotabato.

If U.S. citizens travel to Maguindanao despite this Travel Alert, they should understand there are heightened tensions and there will be a significant military presence. They should carefully research restrictions imposed upon travel and follow the instructions of officials with regards to limitations on movement.

The Department strongly encourages U.S. citizens in the Philippines to register with the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Manila through the State Department's travel registration website.  The U.S. Embassy is located at: 1201 Roxas Boulevard, Manila, Philippines, tel. 63-2-301-2000.  The American Citizens Services (ACS) section's fax number is 63-2-301-2017 and the ACS web page can be accessed online.

For more information, visit www.travel.state.gov.