Bomb attack in Philippines kills at least 14 people

The Abu Sayyaf terrorist group has claimed responsibility for a bomb attack at a night market in Davao City that killed 14 people and injured at least 60. The president has declared a “state of lawlessness” for the southern Mindanao region.

Advice

With respect to personal safety, be vigilant and alert in your surroundings. Expect safety checks at transportation hubs and checkpoints on roads leading to Davao City. The “state of lawlessness” would allow the president to deploy troops when needed to back up police forces for increased security.

Many countries advise their citizens to avoid southwest Mindanao and the Sulu archipelago due to ongoing armed conflict between the military and insurgent groups and ongoing terrorist activity.