Australian embassy in Manila warns over Mindanao polls
Updated
The Australian embassy in Manila has issued a warning to its nationals to exercise extreme caution in the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao in the run-up to local polls this month.
Our reporter in Manila, Shirley Escalante, reports the embassy has also advised nationals to avoid riding ferries in the Philippines.
The Australian embassy in Manila has advised its nationals to avoid large gatherings and other public events in the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao.
It says politically motivated violence is expected to increase in the six provinces covered by the Autonomous Muslim Region as the elections approach.
However, congress is currently deliberating postponing the August 11 polls, as requested by the rebel Moro Islamic Liberation Front.
The embassy also advised its nationals to avoid taking ferries as these are often overloaded, lack life-saving equipment and are not properly maintained.
It cited the sinking of the passenger ship MV Princess of the Stars in the central Philippines at the height of a typhoon in June.
