Britons told to avoid Manila after rebel troops seize shopping centre
British travellers have been advised to avoid visiting the Philippines following a serious outbreak of violence in the capital city Manila.
Reports this morning suggest troops have stormed a shopping centre and several apartments in the city and have set explosives around the building, while calling for the resignation of the country’s president Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.
According to the online news provider Ananova, the Filipino authorities are threatening to storm the building, which is believed to have been overrun by at least 200 soldiers.
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office website, at www.fco.gov.uk/travel, warns travellers to avoid the centre of Manila’s Makati district, and to exercise particular caution in the city: “If you are planning to visit the country you should consider deferring your visit until the situation becomes clearer.”
Anyone already in the country should “follow the instructions of local security authorities” until the situation is calmer.
