Amid terror threat, the United States told their nationals to refrain from traveling to southern Cebu.
Due to certain circumstances, the U.S. government warned its citizens not to travel to southern part of the province of Cebu.
In its travel advisory on Thursday, the US said there is an existing terror threat against Americans overseas.
The U.S. Embassy in Manila, in a statement, alerted its citizens about an alleged plan by terrorist groups to kidnap foreigners in southern Cebu, specifically Dalaguete and Santander.
“U.S. citizens should avoid travel to these areas and are reminded to review personal security plans; remain aware of their surroundings, including local events; and monitor local news stations for updates,” it said.
“Be vigilant and take appropriate steps to enhance your personal security,” it added.
The embassy also reminded all U.S. citizens about the warning of the State Department in September regarding an alleged terror threat against Americans overseas, including the Philippines.
It advised it’s better to avoid busy places since extremists may target crowded venues such as buses, markets, theaters, airlines, nightclubs, popular restaurants, sporting events, shopping malls, and mass transportation systems.
“The embassy reminds U.S. citizens of the importance of taking preventative measures to ensure their safety and security while traveling and residing in the Philippines?,” it said.
In its September advisory, the U.S. said there is a “risk of travel” to southern Philippines because of kidnapping threats in Sulu and the ongoing violence threat in central Mindanao.
The warning came following President Rodrigo Duterte’s repeated public tirades against the U.S., especially on US President Barack Obama.
He keeps on resenting after the powerful country called him out on alleged human rights abuses in his war against illegal drugs.
During his recent visit in Beijing, China, Duterte announced separation from the US, saying it would only be Philippines, Russia and China.