Britain issues travel warning to Philippines

Manila: Britain on Tuesday warned that terrorists may be finalising terrorist plots in the Philippines and advised its citizens against traveling to the region.

The advisory came after a series of bombings hit southern Philippines, which police blamed on Al Qaida-linked militants. At least three bombings last week killed more than six people and injured 29 others.

"We believe that terrorists are in the final stages of planning further attacks," a British Embassy advisory
said, echoing caution from US and Australian embassies.

It cited possible kidnappings of foreigners in resorts and terrorist attacks against "all forms of public transport:
road, rail, sea and air."

Authorities have placed Mindanao under "extreme critical alert" - the highest of a four-step public terror warning.

Police in the capital went on alert Tuesday, with President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo urging the public to report
suspicious people and activities.