smartraveller.gov.au - Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
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Philippines
| Philippines overall | This Advice is current for Monday, 07 July 2008. | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Be alert to own security | Exercise caution | High degree of caution | Reconsider your need to travel | Do not travel |
| Mindanao, including the Zamboanga Peninsula and the Sulu Archipelago | ||||
| Be alert to own security | Exercise caution | High degree of caution | Reconsider your need to travel | Do not travel |
This advice has been reviewed and reissued. It contains new information in the Summary and under Safety and Security: Terrorism (US Warden message of kidnap threat in Zamboanga City area). The overall level of the advice has not changed.
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Terrorism is a threat throughout the world. You can find more information about this threat in our General Advice to Australian Travellers.
We advise you to exercise a high degree of caution in the Philippines because of the high threat of terrorist attack. We continue to receive credible reports that terrorists are planning attacks against a range of targets, including places frequented by foreigners. Some reports suggest that terrorists could target sites in Metro Manila and Mindanao, including the Sulu Archipelago.
There have been a number of terrorist attacks in Manila. On 13 November 2007, a bomb detonated at an entrance to the Philippine House of Representatives in Metro Manila. Four people, including a Congressman, were killed and several others injured. Terrorists claimed responsibility for a fire on a ferry travelling between Manila and the central Philippines in February 2004.
Further attacks, including terrorist bombings, are possible any time, anywhere in the Philippines.
There is a danger of kidnapping throughout the Philippines, including in Manila and around coastal and island tourist resorts and dive sites throughout the country. In targeting foreigners, terrorists can operate across a wide area. A Western priest was kidnapped in Zamboanga in June 2007 and released after almost six weeks. In the past, tourists and local residents have been kidnapped from locations including a resort in Palawan and coastal areas in nearby Malaysia.
In planning your activities, consider the kind of places known to be terrorist targets and the level of security provided. Possible targets include places frequented by foreigners such as shopping malls, including Mega Malls, markets, embassies, expatriate housing complexes, hostels, guest houses, clubs, hotels, restaurants, fast food outlets, bars, pubs, cinemas, places of worship, public transport including bus terminals, ferries and trains, schools, tourist areas and outdoor recreation and major sporting events. Infrastructure associated with the Philippines Government such as airports, sea ports, railways, oil depots, power facilities and public buildings are also potential terrorist targets.
Mindanao, including mainland Mindanao, the Zamboanga Peninsula and the Sulu Archipelago: We strongly advise you not to travel to mainland Mindanao, the Zamboanga Peninsula and the Sulu Archipelago regions of Mindanao, including Basilan, Jolo and Tawi-Tawi (see map) due to the very high threat of terrorist attack, including kidnapping and related counter-terrorism operations. If you are in these areas you should consider leaving.
Credible information indicates terrorists may be in the advanced stages of planning attacks. Attacks may be imminent and could occur at any time, anywhere in Mindanao. Attacks could occur in the lead up to and following religious celebrations.
On 1 April 2008, the US Embassy in Manila issued a warden message advising that it had received information that extremist elements may be planning to kidnap Americans or other foreigners at hotels or other public places in the Zamboanga City area. Australian Embassy staff have been advised not to travel to Zamboanga City.
Kidnap for ransom gangs are active in Mindanao, including mainland Mindanao, the Zamboanga Peninsula and the Sulu Archipelago.
In October 2007, two simultaneous bombings occurred in Kidapawan City, the first on a minibus and the second at a nearby building in the city centre. Two people were killed and 30 injured. A bomb exploded in a market place in Tacurong in May 2007 reportedly killing three and injuring many others. During 2006, terrorist attacks have occurred near a shopping mall and a town hall and on public transport. Bansalan, Basilan, Cagayan de Oro City, Cotabato City, Davao City, Digos City, General Santos City, Isulan, Jolo Town, Kidapawan, Koronadal City, Maganoy, Maliklala, Pagadian, Tacurong, South Cotabato and Zamboanga City have been targeted in the past. These attacks underline the ongoing terrorist threat in the region. Further attacks are likely.
You should avoid any large gatherings, demonstrations, protests, rallies or other public events as they may turn violent. You should monitor the media for information about any protests and follow the advice of authorities.
Criminal gangs that drug and rob or assault unsuspecting tourists are active in Manila, including the Makati central business district.
As in many other big cities, street crime is of concern particularly in crowded shopping malls and other public places. Pick-pocketing, bag-snatching and a range of scams, including in relation to credit cards and automated teller machines, are common.
Taxis sourced from hotels are more reliable than those hailed on the street. Avoid travel on public buses, light rail and jeepneys where possible. Armed hold-ups occur and in some cases have led to fatalities.
Insurgent groups operate in rural areas. Extortion activities involving violence occur regularly and are often aimed at business interests, including mining projects. On 3 October 2007, a large group of armed men attacked an Australian-controlled mining operation in Camarines Norte, about 200km south-east of Manila. Valuables were seized and property destroyed. On 1 January 2008, a similar attack occurred at the Australian-controlled Tampakan mine site in South Cotabato, Mindanao, and caused significant property destruction.
Sea travel in the Philippines is hazardous. You should not travel on ferries unless no other means of travel is available. Ferries are often overloaded, lack necessary life-saving equipment and are not adequately maintained. Terrorists claimed responsibility for a fire on a ferry travelling between Manila and the central Philippines in February 2004.
Standards maintained by search and rescue services, transport services and tour operators, including adventure activities such as scuba diving, may not be comparable to those in Australia. Check operators' credentials and safety equipment beforehand and ensure your travel insurance policy covers your planned activities.
Piracy occurs in the coastal areas of the Philippines. See our travel advice on shipping and ports for more information. The International Maritime Bureau issues weekly piracy reports on its website.
Passengers on international flights to and from Australia are only allowed to carry a small amount of liquids (including aerosols and gels) in their carry-on baggage. You can find out more information at the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government website. Similar restrictions apply to flights into and out of the Philippines. Transit passengers may be asked to surrender duty-free alcohol, perfume and cosmetics and other items exceeding 100ml in their carry-on baggage. Where possible, you should pack liquids, aerosols and gels in your checked baggage. Contact your airline for further information.
If you have concerns about the safety standards of a particular airline or aircraft, we recommend you research the airline or aircraft through organisations such as Australia's Civil Aviation Safety Authority and the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government has published fact sheets on security for air travellers. When staff at Australia's overseas missions are advised not to use particular airlines due to safety concerns, this will be included in the travel advisory.
The European Union (EU) has published a list of airlines that are subject to operating bans or restrictions within the EU. The United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) through its foreign assessment program focuses on a country's ability, not the individual airline, to adhere to international standards and recommended practices for aircraft operations and maintenance established by ICAO.
Tropical cyclones and typhoons usually occur in the Philippines between late May and early December. This is also the wet season and flooding and landslides are common. In February 2008, heavy rain caused flooding and landslides in Samar and Leyte provinces and some areas of Bicol region and Mindanao. More than 280,000 people were displaced. A state of calamity was declared in the most severely affected areas.
Australians are encouraged to monitor bulletins issued by the Philippines National Disaster Coordinating Council and the Philippines Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration and to take appropriate safety measures. Telephone and internet communications may be disrupted in affected areas. If a natural disaster occurs, follow the advice of local authorities.
The direction and strength of tropical cyclones and typhoons can change with little warning. You can check the latest typhoon information from the World Meteorological Organisation Severe Weather Information Centre and Asia Pacific Disaster Alerts. For typhoon, cyclone and other weather alerts in the Philippines, visit the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) website or call its hotline on +63 2 4338526.
In the event of an approaching cyclone or typhoon, you should identify your local shelter. Flights in and out of affected areas could be delayed or suspended. Available flights may fill quickly. You should contact your airline for the latest flight information. The typhoon could also affect access to sea ports in the region. In some areas, adequate shelter from a severe typhoon may not be available to all who may choose to stay. You should review and follow hotel or cruise ship evacuation plans. You should carry your travel documents at all times (i.e. passport, photo identification) or secure them in a safe, waterproof location. We also suggest that you contact friends and family in Australia with updates about your welfare and whereabouts. For further information, see our Travel Bulletin: Severe Weather – Cyclones, Hurricanes and Typhoons.
Parts of the Philippines are subject to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. There are three volcanos with alert levels of one indicating a decreased probability of volcanic activity. These are: the Mayon volcano in Albay Province in south-east Luzon; the Taal volcano on Volcano Island in Batangas around 50km south of Metro Manila; and the Bulusan volcano in Sorsogon Province. All volcanoes have a permanent danger zone (PDZ) established around the volcano summits by the Philippine Institute of Vulcanology and Seismology. Mayon volcano has a PDZ of six kilometres, Bulusan volcano has four kilometres and the entire Volcano Island is a PDZ. You should avoid areas surrounding these volcanos.
The ash, dust and toxic fumes emitted from the volcanoes represent a significant health risk especially to those with existing respiratory problems. Be aware that falling ash following a volcanic eruption can be distributed over a wide area. Exposure to ash can harm your health, particularly your breathing. If there is falling ash in your area you should stay inside with the windows and doors shut and place damp towels at door thresholds and other draft sources. When ash has ceased to fall or you need to go outside, wear a disposable face-mask if available and change it frequently. Wear long-sleeved clothing and long pants to protect your skin, and goggles to protect your eyes. Avoid direct contact with ash as much as possible and be cautious about driving as ash can clog and stall engines.
Australians should follow the advice of the local authorities. We recommend that you monitor the media closely for information on evacuation procedures.
All oceanic regions of the world can experience tsunamis, but in the Indian and Pacific Oceans, there is a more frequent occurrence of large, destructive tsunamis because of the many large earthquakes along major tectonic plate boundaries and ocean trenches. See the Tsunami Awareness brochure.
Australians are advised to maintain a safe and legal distance when observing wildlife, including marine animals and birds. You should only use reputable and professional guides or tour operators and closely follow park regulations and wardens' advice.
Before you go, organise a variety of ways to access your money overseas, such as credit cards, travellers' cheques, cash, debit cards or cash cards. Check with your bank whether your ATM card will work overseas.
Make two photocopies of valuables such as your passport, tickets, visas and travellers' cheques. Keep one copy with you in a separate place to the original and leave another copy with someone at home.
While travelling, don't carry too much cash and remember that expensive watches, jewellery and cameras may be tempting targets for thieves.
As a sensible precaution against luggage tampering, including theft, lock your luggage. Information on luggage safety is available from Australia's Civil Aviation Safety Authority.
Your passport is a valuable document that is attractive to criminals who may try to use your identity to commit crimes. It should always be kept in a safe place. You are required by Australian law to report a lost or stolen passport. If your passport is lost or stolen overseas, report it online or contact the nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate as soon as possible.
You are required to pay an additional fee to have a lost or stolen passport replaced. In some cases, the Government may also restrict the length of validity or type of replacement passports.
If you are planning on placing your children in schools or childcare facilities overseas we encourage you to research the standards of security, care and staff training within those establishments. You should exercise the same precautions you would take before placing children into schools or childcare facilities in Australia.
Ideas on how to select child care providers are available from the smartraveller Children's Issues page, Childwise and the National Childcare Accreditation Council.
When you are in the Philippines, be aware that local laws and penalties, including ones that appear harsh by Australian standards, do apply to you. If you are arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you but we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.
Information on what Australian consular officers can and cannot do to help Australians in trouble overseas is available from the Consular Services Charter.
Penalties for drug offences are severe. Possession of even small amounts of so-called 'soft drugs' attracts mandatory jail sentences.
It is illegal to take photographs of official buildings for publication.
Some Australian criminal laws, such as those relating to money laundering, bribery of foreign public officials, terrorism and child sex tourism, apply to Australians overseas. Australians who commit these offences while overseas may be prosecuted in Australia.
Australian authorities are committed to combating sexual exploitation of children by Australians overseas. Australians may be prosecuted at home under Australian child sex tourism laws. These laws provide severe penalties of up to 17 years imprisonment for Australians who engage in sexual activity with children under 16 while outside of Australia.
Our Travel Information for Dual Nationals brochure provides further information for dual nationals.
Visa and other entry and exit conditions (such as currency, customs and quarantine regulations) change regularly. A terminal fee is payable at the airport on departure from the Philippines. Contact the nearest Embassy or Consulate of the Philippines for the most up-to-date information.
The Philippines government strongly enforces immigration and entry laws. You should ensure you have proper and valid visas. Australians have been detained for having improper visas or violating immigration laws. Offenders can expect jail sentences, fines, and/or deportation and may also be prohibited from entering the Philippines in the future. Immigration authorities may require travellers to show proof of an onward or return ticket.
Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of entry into the Philippines.
Children under 15 unaccompanied by a parent or coming to meet a parent or parents in the Philippines must present a Waiver of Exclusion Ground (WEG). Contact the nearest Embassy or Consulate of the Philippines for more details.
We strongly recommend that you take out comprehensive travel insurance that will cover any overseas medical costs, before you depart. Confirm that your travel insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away and check what circumstances and activities are not included in your policy. Remember, regardless of how healthy and fit you are, if you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel.
Your doctor or travel clinic is the best source of information about preventive measures, immunisations (including booster doses of childhood vaccinations) and disease outbreaks overseas. The World Health Organization (WHO) provides information for travellers and our 'Travelling Well' brochure also provides useful tips for travelling with medicines and staying healthy while overseas.
Medical facilities in the Philippines are adequate in major cities but are very limited in provincial regions and remote islands. Major private hospitals, particularly in Metro Manila, are well equipped and internationally accredited. Most hospitals will require up-front payment or guarantee of payment prior to commencing treatment. In the event of a serious illness or accident, medical evacuation to a destination with the required facilities may be necessary. Medical evacuation costs could be considerable.
Malaria is endemic in many provincial regions of the Philippines but does not affect the capital Manila. Dengue fever has been on the rise in Manila and outbreaks of other mosquito-borne diseases (including Japanese encephalitis and filariasis) occur in many areas. We encourage you to take prophylaxis against malaria where necessary and take precautions against being bitten by mosquitoes, including using insect repellent at all times.
Japanese encephalitis vaccine is currently unavailable in Australia. The Department of Health and Ageing is working with vaccine suppliers to make a vaccine available as soon as possible. For further details see the Department of Health and Ageing's website or consult your doctor.
Water-borne, food-borne, parasitic and other infectious diseases (including HIV/AIDS, cholera, hepatitis, tuberculosis, measles, meningitis and rabies) are prevalent with more serious outbreaks occurring from time to time. Typhoid occurs in the Philippines with an outbreak declared in March 2008 in Calamba, Laguna province. We advise you to boil all drinking water or drink bottled water, and avoid ice cubes and raw and undercooked food. Do not swim in fresh water to avoid exposure to certain water-borne diseases such as bilharzia (schistosomiasis) and leptospirosis. Seek medical advice if you have a fever or are suffering from diarrhoea. Ciguatera poisoning from eating reef fish can be a hazard. For more information on ciguatera poisoning see Queensland Health's fact sheet.
Decompression chambers are located in Manila, Cebu, Batangas, Subic and Palawan.
Avoid temporary 'black henna' tattoos as they often contain a dye which can cause serious skin reactions. For further information, see the Australasian College of Dermatologists' website.
Avian influenza. The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) has confirmed cases of avian influenza in birds in a number of countries throughout the world. For a list of these countries, visit the OIE website. For information on our advice to Australians on how to reduce the risk of infection and on Australian Government precautions see our travel bulletin on avian influenza.
The World Health Organisation has confirmed deaths from avian influenza and outbreaks of avian influenza amongst birds in the region. The Department of Health and Ageing advises Australians who reside in Philippines for an extended period to consider, as a precautionary measure, having access to influenza antiviral medicine for treatment. Long term residents are at a greater risk of exposure to avian influenza over time. You should seek medical advice before taking antiviral medicines. Australians intending to travel to Philippines for shorter periods are at much lower risk of infection but should discuss the risk of avian influenza with their doctor as part of their routine pre-travel health checks.
If the avian influenza virus mutates to a form where efficient human-to-human transmission occurs, it may spread quickly and local authorities could move quickly to impose restrictions on travel. Australian travellers and long-term residents in Philippines should be prepared to take personal responsibility for their own safety and well-being, including deciding when to leave an affected area and ensuring they have appropriate contingency plans in place. Australians in Philippines should monitor the travel advice and bulletin for updated information and advice, and ensure that their travel documents, including passports and visas for any non-Australian family members, are up to date in case they need to depart at short notice.
The Australian Government has decided as a precautionary measure to hold a limited supply of the antiviral medicine oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and protective face masks at most of its overseas missions. The antivirals would primarily be used to protect emergency staff providing consular and other essential services in the event of a widespread outbreak of avian influenza amongst humans. Australian missions will not be in a position to provide influenza antiviral medicines to Australians in affected areas. It is the responsibility of individual Australians to secure their own supply of such medicines (such as Tamiflu or Relenza), if required.
In the Philippines, you can obtain consular assistance from the:
Australian Embassy
Level 23
Tower 2
RCBC Plaza
6819 Ayala Avenue
Makati City, 1200 PHILIPPINES
Telephone: (63 2) 7578 100
Facsimile: (63 2) 7578 268
Website: www.philippines.embassy.gov.au
If you are travelling to the Philippines, whatever the reason and however long you'll be there, we encourage you to register with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. You can register online or in person at any Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate. The information you provide will help us to contact you in an emergency – whether it is a natural disaster, civil disturbance or a family issue.
In a consular emergency if you are unable to contact the Embassy you can contact the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or 1300 555 135 within Australia.
In Australia, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in Canberra may be contacted on (02) 6261 3305.
While every care has been taken in preparing this travel information for travellers, neither the Australian Government nor its agents or employees including any member of Australia's consular staff abroad, can accept liability for injury, loss or damage arising in respect of any statement contained therein.
