UK warns vs threats in Mindanao from BIFF, MNLF, terror groups

From GMA News (Feb 19): UK warns vs threats in Mindanao from BIFF, MNLF, terror groups

The United Kingdom on Wednesday (Manila time) cautioned its nationals against possible security threats in Mindanao from a breakaway faction of a secessionist group, even as it reiterated its warning against terror threats in the south.

In an update to its travel advice, the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office advised against all travel to southwest Mindanao and the Sulu archipelago.

"Although there is hope that the 2013 framework peace agreement will bring the 40-year insurgency in the south of the country to an end, extreme elements within the two main insurgent groups, the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), continue to pose a security threat," it said.

It cited the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), a splinter group of the MILF, had been linked to attacks on the Philippine military and security services since 2013.

Also, the FCO advised against "all but essential travel to the remainder of Mindanao" due to "ongoing terrorist activity and clashes between the military and insurgent groups."

In its update, the FCO also reiterated there is a high threat from terrorism throughout the country.

"Terrorist groups continue to plan attacks and have the capacity and the intent to carry out attacks at anytime and anywhere in the country. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by foreigners like airports, shopping malls, public transport and places of worship," it said.

FCO said some 122,759 British nationals visited the Philippines in 2013, and most visits were trouble-free.

Also, the FCO said several terrorist groups operating in the Philippines "continue to pose a threat."

It said these include the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG), Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) and other associated groups.

"There have been a number of attacks against civilian targets in Mindanao. In 2013 attacks have taken place in Cotabato City and Cagayan de Oro and there remains a threat of attacks throughout much of Mindanao," it said.

FCO advised its nationals to be aware of the risk of terrorist attacks to all forms of public transport: road, rail, sea and air.

"Terrorist groups have threatened to attack passenger ferries and other vessels, particularly those operating from Mindanao. You should avoid using public transport throughout Mindanao," it said.

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/349073/news/nation/uk-warns-vs-threats-in-mindanao-from-biff-mnlf-terror-groups