U.S. warns Americans of violence in travelling to Philippines

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The United States embassy has warned that sporadic violence may occur throughout the Philippines before, during, and after the May 10 Philippine national and local elections.

Following this assessment, the embassy urged Americans to exercise a high degree of the caution when travelling to the Philippines.

"U.S. citizens should pay attention to the media for Philippine government announcements regarding areas likely to experience election-related violence. U.S. citizens living and working in the Philippines are urged to assess their personal security, to remain aware of their surroundings, to keep a low profile, and to avoid public gathering places, including high profile events, in connection with the May 10 elections," an embassy warden message said.

Americans were also asked to avoid political demonstrations as these may turn violent.

"As a reminder, even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence. U.S. citizens are therefore urged to avoid the areas of demonstrations if possible, and to exercise caution if within the vicinity of any demonstrations," it added.

Aside from the United States, the governments of Australia, United Kingdom and Canada earlier urged its citizens to take extra caution against the possible outbreak of violence in the country on Election Day on Monday.

At least 50 million voters will choose a president, vice president, and nearly 300 lawmakers in the upper and lower chambers of Congress, including 17,000 local government posts on its first-ever automated polls.