MANILA: Members are advised that the political situation in Mindanao is presently very tense (see below map illustrating locations for nickel ore loading in the region).
The Philippine Government has declared a state of lawlessness. The declaration was made following the bomb attack on Davao City by Abu Sayyaf, which killed fourteen civilians and injured sixty in early September. This declaration allows the Government to call upon military force to suppress the terror threat.
As a result heightened security measures are expected to be in place, including in airports and other major transport hubs. This may make it difficult for members’ port captains to attend vessels loading in the area and foreign surveyors or experts to attend the vessels loading nickel ore in the region. In addition to this we advise members that they should seriously consider implementing restricted shore leave to official business only.
