MANILA, Philippines - The US State Department on Tuesday barred US citizens from traveling to the central and western portions of Mindanao as well as in the islands of the Sulu archipelago.

The travel advisory warned of possible sporadic violence throughout the Philippines before and after the May 10 nationwide elections and the June 30 inauguration.

It said US citizens traveling, living, and working throughout the Philippines are “urged to exercise heightened caution in public gathering places where events may occur in relation to the May 2010 Philippine elections and June inauguration.”

“US citizens should exercise caution when traveling in the vicinity of demonstrations since they can turn confrontational and possibly escalate to violence,” the travel advisory said.

The advisory said US government employees must seek special permission for travel to Mindanao or the Sulu Archipelago because of the heightened threat of kidnap-for-ransom gangs. It said some foreigners who reside in or visit Mindanao and the Sulu Archipelago hire their own security.

The advisory noted that a state of emergency remains in effect in Maguindanao and Sultan Kudarat, as well as Cotabato City, following the November 23 Maguindanao massacre. It said travelers should be aware of heightened police activity and significant military presence in these areas. 

“They should carefully research restrictions imposed upon travel and follow the instructions of government officials with regard to limitations on movement,” it said.

The State Department also warned that regional terrorist groups in the Philippines have carried out bombings resulting in injuries and death. It said sporadic clashes have occurred since August 2008 between government forces and lawless groups in North Cotabato, Lanao del Sur and Lanao del Norte, as well as the Sulu Archipelago.