Kidnap threat at Philippine tourist hostpots

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte gestures as he speaks at the Davao International Airport after arriving back from a state visit to Brunei and China on Oct 22, 2016.PHOTO: AFP

Manila (AFP) - Terrorists are planning to kidnap foreigners in tourist hotspots across the central and western Philippines, Western governments said Wednesday following a foiled abduction attempt by Islamic militants a month ago.

President Rodrigo Duterte said security had been increased on the western island of Palawan, one of the Philippines’ most popular tourist destinations, after the US embassy warned of a kidnapping threat there.