MANILA, Nov. 30 (Xinhua) -- The Australian government has advised its citizens to exercise an extreme degree of caution in the Philippines because of the high levels of terrorist threat and serious crime, said a travel advisory issued by Australia on Monday.

    In the wake of the brutal election-related killings of 57 people in Maguindanao last week, Australia strongly urged Australians against traveling to Mindanao, including mainland Mindanao, the Zamboanga peninsula and the Sulu archipelago, citing "a very high threat of terrorist attack, including kidnapping," said the advisory, adding "Violent crime is a significant problem in the Philippines."

    On Nov. 23, 2009, at least 57 people were abducted and killed in the province of Maguindanao on the island of Mindanao in what appears to have been a politically-motivated attack. A state of emergency has been declared in Maguindanao, Sultan Kudarat and Cotabato City.

    Following the incident, Australian staff members working on Australia's aid programs in central Mindanao have already been advised to suspend program activities and cancel non-essential travel until the situation stabilizes.

    Australian travelers were likewise advised to avoid any large gatherings, demonstrations, protests, rallies or other public and political events as they may turn violent.