Warning over Philippine security
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An airport bomb on Tuesday killed more than 20 people in the Philippines.
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WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The U.S. State Department has urged Americans living in or traveling to the Philippines to be on a heightened level of awareness and to exercise great caution.
The state department said it based its decision on recent "security-related incidents" and the possibility of future terrorism, kidnappings, violence or other criminal activity.
The U.S. Embassy in Manila is asking Americans to avoid crowded places, including nightclubs and bars, and to be extra careful in public places, such as shopping malls or while riding public transportation.
The warning urges U.S. citizens to defer non-emergency travel to the islands of Mindanao, Basilan, Tawi-Tawi and Jolo.
Philippine police have linked a Muslim separatist group to the bombing of an airport waiting room in the southern Philippines Tuesday that killed 21 people, including one American, and wounded 148 others.
Another bomb exploded shortly thereafter in Tagum, the capital of Davao del Norte Province in Mindanao, injuring several people.
The Moro Islamic Liberation Front has denied involvement in the airport bombing and a smaller explosion that took place Tuesday in Tagum City, north of Davao, Kabalu said.
The warning comes at a time of rising uncertainty on the island, where in the last few weeks there have been escalating attacks between the Philippine military and rebels.
In October last year, at least 20 people were killed, including one American soldier, and more than 100 people were injured in various bombing attacks in Zamboanga City and the surrounding area, and in Kidapawan, Cotabato Province.
Similar explosions occurred in December and other explosive devices have been discovered and defused prior to detonation in these and other areas of Mindanao.
Despite U.S. interest in sending troops to the Philippines to help combat terrorism, Philippines President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo said this week that U.S. troops would have no combat role in her country as it battles Muslim separatists.
U.S. troops have been used to help train Philippine soldiers, however.
