U.S. issues travel warning for Philippines

WASHINGTON, Jan. 6 (UPI) -- U.S. citizens are advised of a heightened risk of terrorist activity in the Philippines, the U.S. State Department said in an updated travel warning.

The State Department replaced a June warning about insurgent activity in the Philippines with a warning that said terrorist attacks in parts of the country, including Manila, could be indiscriminate.

"Kidnap-for-ransom gangs continue to be active throughout the Philippines and have targeted foreigners, including U.S. citizens," the warning added. "U.S. citizens should exercise caution when traveling in the vicinity of demonstrations, since they can turn confrontational and possibly escalate to violence."

Filipino Justice Secretary Leila De Lima announced this week that a reward had been doubled to more than $22,000 for "significant information" that leads to the arrest of retired Maj. Gen. Jovito Palparan, wanted in the abduction of two student activists.

The Abu Sayyaf group, an Islamic militant group linked to al-Qaida, was suspected to be behind a November attack on a hotel in southern Philippines that killed at least three people.

The government in the Philippines declared a state of emergency in parts of the country. The State Department said this could result in travel problems.