Americans Urged to Stay Out of Nearly Half of the Philippines : ‘Relatively High Levels of Unrest’ Cited in Warning

The U.S. Embassy, in its most extensive travel advisory since Corazon Aquino became president, today urged Americans to avoid large areas of the Philippines because of “relatively high levels of unrest.”

The embassy advisory urged U.S. citizens to stay away from the Cagayan Valley of northern Luzon, the country’s biggest island; the Muslim-dominated Sulu island chain, and all of Mindanao except the cities of Iligan, Davao and Cagayan de Oro. Mindanao, the Philippines’ second-largest island, is about the size of Indiana.

In addition, the statement urged “extreme caution” when visiting most of northern and southeastern Luzon as well as parts of the central islands of Samar, Leyte, Negros and Panay.

Together, the regions make up at least half the Philippines’ land area.

‘Potential for Violence’

“These areas are experiencing relatively high levels of unrest and therefore hold the potential for violence,” the statement said. “Therefore, U.S. citizens are strongly urged to avoid travel to and within these areas.”

The communist New People’s Army and various Muslim rebel groups operate in the areas cited.

The embassy from time to time has advised people not to go to specific areas because of unrest. But an embassy official said that never during the 2-year-old Aquino administration has so large an area been included in an advisory.

The statement reflects U.S. concern over the security situation in much of the country, he said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

Truce Expired Feb. 8

Fighting in the 18-year communist insurgency escalated after a nationwide cease-fire expired Feb. 8.

In Manila, representatives of the government and the Moro National Liberation Front, the main Islamic rebel group, met for three hours today in an effort to break the stalemate in talks on self-rule in the south.

But the two sides reached no agreement and announced they will meet Friday for a final session. Chief rebel negotiator Habib Hashim said Friday’s session will be “a mere formality.” Asked if the talks have collapsed, Hashim replied, “I think so.”

Emmanuel Pelaez, the chief government negotiator, said the talks, which began in February, are “in a state of suspension but not collapse.”

Threat by Rebels

He said the two sides will consult with the Organization of Islamic Conference, the worldwide Muslim federation, to seek a compromise.

The rebels have vowed to renew their fighting if there is no agreement by Saturday.

The military said eight police officers were killed today when communist rebels ambushed their jeep on Masbate island.

The military also reported heavy fighting on Mindanao’s Zamboanga peninsula after 600 communist guerrillas attacked a communications relay station.

Also on Mindanao, Muslim gunmen who kidnaped a Red Cross delegation freed their four Filipino hostages today but held two Swiss citizens and demanded $25,000 ransom and immunity from prosecution.