The US embassy warned Monday of possible "terrorist" attacks in the Philippine city of Cotabato and nearby areas on the southern island of Mindanao. A travel advisory warned that "as of mid August there is a continuing terrorist threat in central Mindanao to include Cotabato City." The advisory added, "The threat could affect such public places as bus terminals and shopping malls. US citizens should exercise extreme caution in central Mindanao." | "Calling all citizens! BOLO for Asian-looking men and/or women in bus terminals and shopping malls! Or possibly foreign-looking men and/or women in bus terminals and shopping malls! That is all!" |
It urged Americans living in central Mindanao to reassess their personal security, keep a low profile and avoid public gathering places. The warning came after the Philippine military launched an offensive against the militant Islamic Abu Sayyaf group on the nearby southern islands of Basilan and Jolo. |