MANILA, Aug. 13 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. Embassy in Manila warned U.S. nationals on Monday against terrorist threat in Mindanao, southern Philippines.

    The embassy said in a notice posted on its website that terrorist threats may affect public places like bus terminals and shopping malls in central Mindanao, especially in Cotabato City there.

    The embassy also advised Americans living and working in central Mindanao to "reassess their personal security and to keep a low profile" and to avoid public gathering places.

    A bombing attack killed a Christian pastor and injured several others in a bus terminal in Cotabato City last week. No one has claimed responsibility for the attack.

    The travel warning also came as the Philippine military is stepping up actions against Abu Sayyaf rebels in the southern provinces of Sulu and Basilan in retaliation for the killing of some 40 government soldiers since last month by the rebels.