We advise you to exercise a high degree of caution in the Philippines because of the high threat of terrorist attack and the high level of serious crime.
Pay close attention to your personal security at all times and monitor the media for information about possible new safety or security risks.
Violent crime is a significant problem in the Philippines (see the "Safety and security" section).
Recent bombings and kidnappings in Zamboanga demonstrate a heightened threat environment in that area. Possible targets include locations where people gather, which may include hotels, shopping centres, restaurants and educational and government facilities in and around Zamboanga City.
We strongly advise you not to travel to central and western Mindanao, including the Zamboanga Peninsula and Sulu Archipelago, due to the very high threat of terrorist attack, kidnapping, violent crime and violent clashes between armed groups. Australians in these areas should leave immediately.
Terrorist attacks could occur at anytime, anywhere in the Philippines, including in Manila. We continue to receive credible reports indicating terrorists are planning attacks against a range of targets in a variety of locations, including places frequented by foreigners. You should avoid places known to be terrorist targets (see the "Safety and security" section).
There is a danger of kidnapping throughout the Philippines, particularly in the southern Philippines, including coastal and island tourist resorts, dive sites, and live-aboard dive boats including in remote locations in the Sulu Sea. Terrorists have kidnapped foreigners from these areas in the past. If you decide to travel to an area where there is a particular threat of kidnapping, you should ensure you have personal security measures in place, seek professional security advice and take out kidnapping insurance. See our Kidnapping Threat travel bulletin.
In February 2012, two foreign nationals were kidnapped in the Sulu Archipelago (Tawi Tawi province), close to the border with Malaysia. In December 2011, an Australian citizen was kidnapped in Zamboanga Sibugay. In July 2011, two US citizens and their Filipino relative were kidnapped from an island near Zamboanga City. Other recent kidnappings in the Zamboanga Peninsula and Sulu Archipelago have involved Philippine nationals and citizens of China, Korea, Malaysia, India and Japan.
We advise you to reconsider your need to travel to eastern Mindanao (including the provinces of Bukidnon, Camiguin, Misamis Oriental, Compostela Valley, Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Norte and Surigao del Sur) due to the very high levels of violent crime.
The typhoon season normally runs from late May to early December. This is also the rainy season when tropical storms, flooding and landslides may occur.