Philippine hostage crisis continues in Zamboanga, Philippines

As Filipino forces press an assault against the insurgents of the Moro National Liberation Front guerrillas, who are holding scores of hostages in four coastal villages in and around Zamboanga City, a rifle grenade exploded near the Zamboanga City Medical Center. Among the injured were 5 Philippine Red Cross volunteers, 2 personnel of the Philippine National Police, 2 soldiers, a human rights person and an intelligence person. Travellers should be aware that several countries advise their citizens to avoid all travel to Mindanao Island due to lack of personal security and frequent armed attacks.