PRIEST KIDKNAPPED IN PAGADIAN CITY

An Irish priest was kidnapped from Pagadian City in Zamboana del Sur, Mindanao, on 11 October 2009. The FCO reminding travellers that the long-standing policy of the British Government is not to make substantive concessions to hostage takers. The British Government considers that paying ransoms and releasing prisoners increases the risk of further hostage taking. The Philippine government is taking action against the terrorist and kidnapping threats. It has tightened security in Metro Manila and other areas considered at high risk, including airports and seaports.