After US embassy issued travel warning for its citizens against traveling to Cebu, the government is now validating the report.
The Philippine government is on the process of validating reports about the terror threat in the southern part of Cebu province.
This is following the travel waning issued by the US Embassy in Manila against its nationals in the Philippines on Thursday.
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 US embassy in Manila has warned Americans of a reported plot by “terrorist groups” to carry out kidnappings “on the southern portion of Cebu Island,” and news reports said Malacanang has confirmed a police report on the purported threat.
In a press conference on Friday, Presidential spokesman Ernesto Abella said the report on the alleged kidnapping plot “is in the process of being validated” even as he acknowledged that the police “have taken the necessary steps to harden or protect possible targets.”
“Moreover other measures are being undertaken in public venues to safeguard crowds from harm,” he added.
The embassy warning also reminded Americans of the “Worldwide Caution” of the State Department regarding an “ongoing threat of terrorist actions and violence against United States citizens and interests abroad, including the Philippines.”
It emphasized that “sporting events, theaters, markets, mass transportation systems — including airlines, and other public venues where large crowds gather” have been targeted by terror attacks. “The embassy reminds US 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.
