Travel Advise for Philippines - Austrialian

This advice has been reviewed and reissued. It contains new information under Terrorism (continuing high threat of terrorist attack in provinces in Mindanao). The overall level of the advice has not changed.
Summary
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 indicating terrorists are planning attacks against a range of targets in a variety of locations, including places frequented by foreigners. If you do decide to travel to the Philippines, you should exercise extreme vigilance.
Attacks could occur at any time, anywhere in the Philippines. There have been terrorist attacks in Manila, most recently in November 2007. You should read the Terrorism section and avoid places known to be terrorist targets.
We strongly advise you not to travel to Mindanao, including mainland Mindanao, the Zamboanga Peninsula and the Sulu Archipelago, due to the very high threat of terrorist attack, including kidnapping, and related counter-terrorism operations. Armed clashes between the Philippines Armed Forces and Moro Islamic Liberation Front are continuing after fighting broke out on 10 August 2008 in central Mindanao. If you are in these areas, you should consider leaving.
There is a danger of kidnapping throughout the Philippines, particularly in the southern Philippines including from coastal and island tourist resorts and dive sites. Terrorists have kidnapped tourists from these areas in the past. Kidnap for ransom gangs are active and have targeted foreigners.

Full Story http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/zw-cgi/view/advice/philippines