Philippines steps up security after US warns citizens of kidnap threat
Philippine police have stepped up security on the holiday island of Cebu, the president's spokesman said on Friday, after the US embassy warned its citizens that "terrorist" groups could be planning kidnappings there.
The travel advisory was issued in response to comments made to media by regional police that said six Abu Sayyaf rebels were in Cebu, an island popular for diving and racy nightlife and far from the Islamist group's stronghold in the south.
The warning said it had no specific information of the kidnap threat but advised citizens to be vigilant and avoid travel to certain areas. Presidential spokesman Ernesto Abella said authorities were still trying to confirm the media report but the Philippine National Police were taking it seriously and beefing up security measures, including at public venues where crowds gather.
