France and New Zealand Thursday joined the United States, Australia, Canada and Britain in issuing a travel advisory to their nationals against going to southern Philippines due to tension between the government and Muslim rebels.

In its updated advisory, the French Foreign Ministry said French nationals should exercise caution in the Philippines following the Feb. 14 bombings in Manila and two southern cities. 

New Zealand government also warned that other terrorist attacks might take place.

They said it is dangerous to go to Mindanao, particularly Sulu, Jolo and Tawi-Tawi in southernmost Philippines, where government forces are fighting Muslim rebels.

Twelve people were killed and over 100 wounded in Monday's bombings in Makati in Metro Manila, General Santos City and Davao.

(Xinhua News Agency February 18, 2005)