Da thrilla in...

If anyone ever suggests a trip to Manila say "no"

WE were personally brutally attacked by four kids demanding hot fudge sundaes from mc donalds. then when WEbought them some their mum toldus off cos it would make them fat!you cant win. The slightly nervous foreign office sugest avoiding the Philippines... This ones for Ali!

Sometimes leaving is better than arriving

Philippines

This advice has been reviewed and reissued with amendments to the Summary and Natural Disasters section. The overall level of the advice has not changed. SUMMARY We advise against all travel to Mindanao because of reports of ongoing terrorist activity. On 10 October 2006, two explosions in Mindanao killed six and wounded 34. A further explosion occurred in Mindanao on 11 October, but caused no injuries. We also advise against all travel to the Sulu archipelago including Basilan, Tawi-Tawi and Jolo, where there are ongoing military and police operations against insurgent groups. We advise against all travel to Cebu Province. We believe that terrorists are in the final stages of planning attacks. The high threat from terrorism remains throughout the Philippines. We continue to receive reports that terrorist groups are planning further attacks and believe that they have the capacity and the intent to carry out attacks at any time and anywhere in the country. These attacks could be indiscriminate and against civilian targets in public places, including those frequented by foreigners. There is a threat of kidnapping throughout the Philippines. We continue to believe that terrorists and criminal elements plan to kidnap foreign tourists from islands and coastal areas in the southern Philippines - ie Mindanao and the Sulu archipelago. Kidnappings from other parts of the Philippines cannot be discounted. Boats travelling to and from offshore islands and dive sites are possible targets. Penalties for illegal drug importation and use are severe. Typhoon Durian made landfall in central Luzon on 1 December 2006. The Typhoon caused mudslides and there are reports of approximately 1000 people having being killed. Please also see the Hurricanes page on the FCO website for more detailed information about what to do if you are caught up in a typhoon. Around 50,000 British tourists visit the Philippines every year. Most visits are trouble-free. The main type of incidents for which British nationals require consular assistance in the Philippines are replacing lost or stolen passports, running out of money or overstaying their visa. You should be alert to the risk of street crime. We strongly recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for the activities you want to undertake. Please see: Travel Insurance . SAFETY AND SECURITY Terrorism We advise against all travel Mindanao because of reports of ongoing terrorist activity. On 10 October 2006, there were two explosions in Mindanao, killing six and wounding 34. On 11 October 2006, there was another explosion in Mindanao. The Philippine authorities have declared a heightened level of alert in Mindanao and Manila and roadblocks have been activated across Mindanao. We also advise against all travel to the Sulu archipelago including Basilan, Tawi-Tawi and Jolo, where there are ongoing military and police operations against insurgent groups. On 27 March 2006, an explosive device was detonated in Jolo Town. Reports indicate that at least nine people were killed and 20 injured. We advise against all travel to Cebu Province. We believe that terrorists are in the final stages of planning attacks. The high threat from terrorism remains throughout the Philippines. We continue to receive reports that terrorist groups are planning further attacks and believe that they have the capacity and the intent to carry out attacks at any time and anywhere in the country. These attacks could be against civilian targets in public places, including those frequented by foreigners. You should also be aware of the risk of terrorist attacks to all forms of public transport: road, rail, sea and air. There is a threat of kidnapping throughout the Philippines. We continue to believe that terrorists and criminal elements plan to kidnap foreign tourists from islands and coastal areas in southern Philippines – ie Mindanao and the Sulu archipelago. Kidnappings from other parts of the Philippines cannot be discounted. Boats travelling to and from offshore islands and dive sites are possible targets. Foreign tourists have been targeted before, particularly in the southern Philippines and coastal resorts. On 23 June 2006, a bomb exploded in Maguindanao Province, Western Mindanao. Five people were killed and a further 10 injured. On 11 May 2006, an attempt to bomb a shopping mall in Cebu was foiled by local authorities and the explosive device was rendered inoperative. On 29 March 2006, an explosion on a passenger bus in Digos City, Mindanao injured at least 22 people. On 27 March 2006, an explosive device was detonated in Jolo Town killing five people and injuring at least 27. On 3 March 2006, two explosions occurred in Pasing City, Manila. There have been no reports of injuries or fatalities. No group has claimed responsibility for the attacks. On 28 August 2005, an explosion on board a passenger ferry in Basilan, Mindanao killed two people and injured at least 30. On 10 August 2005, two bombs exploded in Zamboanga City, western Mindanao. At least 25 people were injured. On 14 February 2005, bombs were detonated in the Philippines – one in Makati in Metro Manila, and one each in General Santos and Davao cities in Mindanao. At least nine people died and over 130 were injured. Terrorist groups have threatened to attack passenger ferries and other vessels, particularly those operating from Mindanao. On 27 February 2004, over 100 passengers were killed following a fire caused by a bomb on board a Super Ferry travelling between Manila and the Central Philippines. Elsewhere in the region, Westerners were killed and injured following terrorist attacks in Indonesia; in Bali (October 2002 and October 2005) and Jakarta (August 2003 and September 2004). The Philippine government is working to neutralise the terrorist and kidnapping threat. It has tightened security in Metro Manila and other areas considered at high risk, including airports and seaports. In Manila, during the 2005 Easter period, the Philippine authorities discovered a large amount of explosive material and made arrests. Please read: Security and General Tips and Risk of Terrorism when Travelling Overseas for further information and advice. We also advise that you check the Embassy website: Philippines: British Embassy Manila Political Situation A week long state of emergency declared by the President of the Philippines following the arrest of three people for an attempted coup, was lifted on 3 March 2006. However, public protests remain likely. You should avoid demonstrations and large gatherings of people. There is often a rise in tensions and political unrest around Public Holidays, political events and important anniversaries. Crime There is a high incidence of street crime and robberies. Sensible precautions might include: arranging to be met at the airport or using hotel transfer services; using a driver or taxis from a reputable source and avoiding displays of cash or jewellery. Even well lit and busy city areas cannot be assumed to be safe. You should beware of strangers offering drinks or confectionery: criminals intent on robbery may lace these to render the victim unconscious. You should be particularly vigilant when travelling on public transport. Armed hold-ups have occurred on jeepneys and buses in the Philippines, and have in some cases resulted in fatalities. The roadworthiness of some of these vehicles is also a concern. Local Travel We advise against all travel to Cebu Province. We believe that terrorists are in final stages of planning attacks. The Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) and East Asia Summits which were due to take place in Cebu between 10 and 13 December 2006 have been postponed. On 16 December 2005, five men held up a bus in the city of San Fernando, Pampanga. Six passengers, including a Briton, were injured during the incident. Include safety measures in all your travel plans. Seek advice from local contacts, avoid travel off the beaten track and always leave travel plans with friends, colleagues or relatives. Safety standards on buses and boats can be low. You should take particular care during the rainy season when flash floods and landslides can occur. Sea Safety In addition to the threat from terrorism (see above) there is a high incidence of piracy and armed robbery against ships in and around Philippine waters. Inter-island travel by small boats can also be dangerous as storms appear quickly. You should be aware that maritime rescue services in the Philippines may not be as comprehensive as they might be in the UK. LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS You should not get involved with drugs of any kind. Penalties for illegal drug importation and use are severe. Philippine law on paedophile activity is severe, and strictly enforced. Severe penalties can be passed in child abuse or rape cases. A child is defined in Philippine law as a person under the age of 18. Entrapment may also occur where strangers with children have befriended single male tourists; allegations of abuse are then made in an attempt to extort money. ENTRY REQUIREMENTS British nationals may enter the Philippines without a visa for an initial period of 21 days, while a tourist visa from the nearest Philippine Embassy ( Philippine Embassy in London ) will allow an initial 59 day stay. These periods may be extended, before they expire and for a fee, at the offices of the Bureau of Immigration. Entry to the Philippines may be refused if your passport has less than six months validity or if you do not have an onward or return air ticket. Overstaying without the proper authority is a serious matter and can lead to detention pending payment of outstanding fees and fines and voluntary deportation at your own expense. Parents of children travelling unaccompanied to the Philippines must file an "affidavit of support" with the nearest Philippines Embassy or Bureau of Immigration. Single parents or other adults travelling alone with children should be aware that some countries require documentary evidence of parental responsibility before allowing lone parents to enter the country or, in some case, before permitting the children to leave the country. For further information on exactly what will be required at immigration please contact: Philippine Embassy in London HEALTH We strongly recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for the activities you want to undertake. Please see: Travel Insurance . Medical treatment in the Philippines can be very expensive. The extent of medical care varies across the Philippines, and may not meet the standards of care in the UK. Although sufficient in major cities, medical care is limited in more remote areas. Malaria, including malarial encephalitis, exists in parts of the Philippines. You should take adequate precautions against being bitten by mosquitoes. The dengue fever mosquito is found throughout the Philippines including Manila. Rabies is endemic and can be fatal if not diagnosed and treated quickly. More than three-quarters of British travellers who contracted malaria in 2005 did not take preventive measures, such as malaria prevention tablets. However, malaria can occur despite appropriate prevention, and therefore you should promptly seek medical care in the event of a fever or flu-like illness in the first year following your return from travelling to a malaria risk country. Before travelling you should seek medical advice about the malaria risk in the Philippines. You should seek medical advice before travelling and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up-to-date. For further information on health, check the Department of Health's website at: DoH: Health Advice To Travellers Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) There have been no reported cases of Avian Influenza (also known as Bird Flu) in the Philippines during the current series of outbreaks. But the World Health Organisation has confirmed cases elsewhere in the region. You should read this advice in conjunction with: Avian and Pandemic Influenza Factsheet . NATURAL DISASTERS Typhoon Durian made landfall in central Luzon on 1 December 2006. The Typhoon caused mudslides and there are reports of approximately 1000 people having being killed. The typhoon season in the Philippines normally runs from July to November. This is also the rainy season and flooding and landslides may occur. You should monitor local and international weather updates from the World Meteorological Organisation. You can also access http://www.nhc.noaa.gov for updates. Please also see Hurricanes for more detailed information about what to do if you are caught up in a typhoon. On 3 October 2006, the alert level for the Mount Mayon Volcano in Albay Province (south east Luzon) was lowered from three to two, indicating that a hazardous eruption from the volcano is remote. However, the Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) around the summit of the volcano has been maintained at six kilometres and the general public have been advised to stay away from the area. Both the Bulusan volcano in Sorsogon Province and Kanlaon volcano in Negros Oriental Province, are on Alert Level 1. The general public is prohibited from entering the four-kilometre radius Permanent Danger Zones, which have been established around the volcanoes. You should avoid the areas surrounding the volcanoes as sudden steam and ash explosions may occur. The Philippines is in an earthquake zone. GENERAL If things go wrong when overseas, please see: What We Can Do To Help . English is widely spoken in the Philippines, and most signs are in English. You are required to show some identity if requested by the police. You are allowed to carry photocopies of the relevant pages of passports. You should store the originals in a safe place to avoid loss or theft. You should leave details of travel plans, passport, credit cards with friends and family in the UK and enter next of kin details into your passport. You should have insurance cover for unexpected losses such as cancelled flights, stolen cash, cards, passport or luggage. If leaving the country by air you must pay a departure tax in cash of 550 Pesos, approximately £6, which must be paid in local currency. Residents and longer-term visitors should register with the British Embassy and renew this annually to help keep information up-to-date. ATMs are available in Manila and other major cities. Some machines accept major international credit or debit cards. Retail outlets in urban areas usually accept payment by international credit card, though often add a service charge. Banks do not always accept travellers' cheques, but it will help if you can show your receipt of purchase for the cheques. Cash, in Pounds sterling or US dollars, can be exchanged for Philippine pesos in banks, hotels and some retail outlets. Scottish and Northern Ireland bank notes are not generally accepted. Buying foreign currency in the Philippines can be difficult. You should re-confirm domestic flights not less than 72 hours before departure. Check your international airline's policy on re-confirmation when you make your booking. OTHER Philippines Country Profile CONTACT DETAILS

Address: British Embassy Floors 15-17, LV Locsin Building 6752 Ayala Avenue, Corner of Makati Avenue 1226 Makati (PO Box 2927 MCPO) Manila

Telephone: (63) (2) 580 8700

Facsimile: (63) (2) 819 7206 Management (63) (2) 810 2745 Visa (63) (2) 815 6233 Commercial (63) (2) 815 4809 Information (63) (2) 840 1361 Consular (63)(2) 813 7755 Chancery

Email: uk@info.com.ph Information Section uktrade@info.com.ph Commercial Section

Office Hours: Mon-Thur: 0800 - 1645 (local time) 0000 - 0845 (GMT) Fri: 0800 - 1300 (local time) 0000 - 0500 (GMT)

Website: http://www.britishembassy.gov.uk/philippines See Also: UK Overseas Mission: Philippines