WASHINGTON, June 15 (UPI) -- U.S. citizens should exercise caution when traveling to the Philippines because of possible terrorist activity, the State Department said in a travel warning.
The Sulu Archipelago and the island of Mindanao are places where the risk of terrorist activity was high, the warning issued Tuesday said.
"Terrorist attacks could be indiscriminate and could occur in other areas, [including] Manila," said the warning, which updated a travel warning issued in November. "Targeted sites may be public gathering places including, but not limited to, airports, shopping malls, conference centers and other public venues."
U.S. citizens should exercise "extreme caution" if traveling to Mindanao or the Sulu Archipelago, the State Department said.
"Regional terrorist groups have carried out bombings resulting in injuries and death," the warning said. "Sporadic clashes have occurred between lawless groups and the Philippine Armed Forces throughout Mindanao, particularly in rural areas."
The Philippine government declared a state of emergency in November 2009 for the Maguindanao and Sultan Kudarat provinces, as well as the city of Cotabato in Mindanao because of election-related violence. The State Department said the state of emergency remained in effect.
In its warning, the State Department said its Worldwide Caution reminds U.S. citizens that terrorism can occur anywhere, and urged those visiting the Philippines to register with the U.S. Embassy to be notified in case of emergencies.
