Philippines: Overview

Travel Warning: Fighting in North Cotabato

Thousands of displaced residents in the southern Philippines region have started returning home following fighting between the army and Muslim rebels. The trouble spot is North Cotabato - up to 160,000 villagers were forced to leave their homes in early August. Travellers must avoid this region.

Typhoon Fengshen tore through central and southern Philippines on June 21 causing widespread damage. At least 160 people lost their lives on land, in addition to almost 800 killed when a ferry capsized during its journey from Manila to Cebu. Only 56 survivors were found.

Travellers to the Philippines are advised to avoid most of Mindanao, an island group in the southern Philippines. Three people were killed in July when a grenade was thrown into a shop on one of the islands, and later that month, a bomb blast on a bus injured 27 people. Travellers should steer clear of the Zamboanga peninsula, Basilan, Tawi-Tawi and the Sulu archipelago, where ethnic and religious animosities fuel ongoing violence. Abu Sayyaf, a Muslim extremist group who have claimed responsibility for attacks on foreigners, operate out of this area. Military operations against the group can flare into heavy fighting.

For more information go to Safe Travel or check out the Thorn Tree travel forum for some good advice from travellers.

severity: High-level alert