Tourists warned over militant group's kidnap plot in the Philippines

Terrorists are planning to kidnap foreigners in tourist hotspots across the Philippines, Western governments have warned, following a foiled abduction attempt by Islamist militants last month.

The US embassy warned there was a kidnapping threat on the western island of Palawan - one of the most popular destinations in the Philippines.

In a travel advisory, it said: "The US Embassy has received credible information that terrorist groups may be planning to conduct kidnapping operations targeting foreign nationals in the areas of Palawan."

The warning identified two locations - the capital city of Puerto Princesa and a nearby underground river that attracts thousands of visitors every day.

Puerto Princesa is around 240 miles from the southern islands that are strongholds for the Abu Sayyaf, militants who have pledged allegiance to Islamic State and frequently kidnap foreigners.

President Rodrigo Duterte has insisted that security has been increased on the island of Palawan.

Warnings have also been issued by the Canadian and British embassies on Wednesday, highlighting concerns in the Philippines, around Bohol, Dumaguete, Siquijor and Cebu in particular.

Last month, Abu Sayyaf attempted a kidnapping on Bohol island, in central Philippines, but were foiled after authorities became aware of the plot.

Security forces discovered the militants a day after they arrived on speedboats from Bohol and engaged them in a gun battle.

Nine militants, three soldiers and one policeman were killed in the clashes, authorities said. Another militant died in police custody.

The Bohol raid occurred days after the US embassy issued a warning of kidnappings in Bohol and the neighbouring island of Cebu.

Abu Sayyaf typically targets coastal areas after travelling from their southern island strongholds on speedboats.

Last year, militants from the group beheaded two Canadian citizens and an elderly German sailor in February after ransom demands were not met.

The group also raided a resort in Puerto Princesa's Honda Bay in 2001, abducting three Americans and 17 Filipinos. One of the Americans was beheaded, a second was killed in a military rescue attempt a year later and the third was freed.