The May 10 bombing of

The May 10 bombing of a busy market in Koronadal, South Cotabato by Abu Sayyaf terrorists and the May 4 bombing in Siocon, Zamboanga del Norte by the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) underscore the dangers of travel in Mindanao. Much of the rest of the country is safe for travelers, but much of Mindanao and the Sulu Archipelago is risky, including the islands of Basilan, Tawi-Tawi and Jolo, and the central, southern and western areas of Mindanao, including Zamboanga City and General Santos City. The Philippine defense secretary announced May 9 that U.S. troops would join Philippine forces in military exercises in Siocon and in Pikit, North Cotabato, areas where the MILF is active. Such exercises could produce additional hostilities.