Philippine Asian News Today Vol 19 No7 | Page 16

16 Canada warns... in the Sulu Sea, as well as visitors to southern Palawan Island, southern Negros Island or Siquijor Island, may also face an elevated threat of kidnapping. On April 9, 2017, the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines sent a security message to U.S. citizens, indicating that it has received “unsubstantiated yet credible information that terrorist groups may attempt to conduct kidnappings in Central Visayas, which includes both Bohol and Cebu provinces.” The Philippine National Police confirmed on April 10, 2017 the existence of terror threats in Central Visayas following an advisory of the US Embassy in Manila to its citizens to avoid visiting the region. PNP chief Director General Ronald dela Rosa, in a press conference in Camp Crame, said police in Central Visayas monitored the threat in the region but said the PNP was ready to thwart such terrorist attacks. The United States Embassy, in a statement, said it has received unsubstantiated yet credible information that terrorist groups may attempt to conduct kidnappings in Central Visayas, which includes both Cebu and Bohol provinces. American citizens were advised to carefully consider such an information as PHILIPPINE ASIAN NEWS TODAY April 1 - 15, 2017 FROM PAGE 6 they make their travel plans, and to review personal security plans, avoid large crowds and gatherings, and remain vigilant at all times. Dela Rosa reminded tourists to avoid travel to places with a history of kidnapping or areas where the Abu Sayyaf bandits are active. The US had issued previous travel warning in December last year in the wake of terror threats from Sulu-based groups. Security concerns were heightened by the recent arrest of two ISIS members, Husayn Al-Dhafiri, a Kuwaiti citizen, and Rahaf Zina, a Syrian national, in a safe house in Taguig City. Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte on April 10 assured tourists that they have nothing to worry about despite the warning from the US Embassy. Before leaving for a three-country swing in the Middle East, Duterte vowed he would deal harshly with terrorists. WWW.PHILIPPINEASIANNEWSTODAY.COM