MANILA, Oct. 22 (Xinhuanet) -- Australia Friday renewed its travel advisory against the Philippines citing persistent reports of terrorist attacks in the country.

    The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said in its advisory that its government continued to receive reports thatterrorists in the Philippines are planning attacks. "These could occur at any time, anywhere in the Philippines," it said.

    The department urged Australians in the Philippines to exercise"extreme caution" particularly in areas known to be frequented by foreigners, including coastal resorts.

    "Infrastructure associated with the Philippine government such as public transport, airport, sea ports and public buildings are also potential terrorist targets," the advisory said.

    In light of the ongoing activities of insurgent groups and the risk of terrorist attack in the southern Philippines, Australians were also told to defer non-essential travel to Mindanao and deferall travel to the Zamboanga Peninsula and the Sulu Archipelago, all in the southern Philippines.

    It also advised Australians to be alert to the dangers of kidnapping throughout the Philippines, including in Manila and around coastal and island tourist resorts.

    Australian government said although the Philippine government has been committed to improving security in the Philippines and combating terrorism and the security agencies have made a number of important arrests of suspected terrorist, "the risk of further terrorist attacks and kidnappings remains" in the country.

    Last month, the United Kingdom also renewed the travel advisoryagainst the Philippines for the risks of terrorism in Mindanao after an Australian intelligence report tagged the southern Philippine islands as the nerve center of regional terrorism.

    The UK government advised its citizens against traveling to thecentral, southern and western parts of Mindanao islands, particularly Basilan, Tawi-Tawi and Sulu "where military and police operations against terrorist and rebel groups are continuing and where kidnappings and bombings have taken place."

    Aside from the United Kingdom and Australia, other countries including the United States and New Zealand also have existing adverse travel advisories to the Philippines. Enditem