Davao City, Philippines The Davao Region has been placed on heightened alert following the attacks in Paris November 13 and 14. The Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) have been on red alert since Saturday as part of the forces' protocol after an international terrorist attack.
Spokesperson for the Police Regional Office Superintendent Antonio Rivera said that the alert status is raised to ensure availability and operational readiness of police forces in the event of similar attacks in the region.
The Davao City Police Office so far has not reported any terrorist activity in the region. Intelligence monitoring has been intensified to pre-empt any potential untoward incidents.
Meanwhile, the 84th Infantry Battalion of the AFP engaged in a firefight with rebels under the New People's Army (NPA) Saturday, November 14 in Barangay Carmen, Baguio District, Davao City. The area is a popular tourist area where the Philippine Eagle Center and [Malagos Garden Resort](http://www.philippinetraveler.com/malagos-garden-resort-restaurant-review/) are located.
The 45-minute firefight ensued after intelligence reported that the insurgent group is laying landmines in the area. The army's public affairs office later reported that 3 backpacks, 3 improvised explosive devices, 300-meter wire, and one detonator were recovered after the clash.
No casualties were reported on both the NPA and AFP but pursuit operations are being conducted after the fleeing members of the leftist group. Peace talks have been at a stand-still after several demands of the Communist Part of the Philippines, the governing body of the NPA, cannot be met by the government. The feud between the Philippine government and the NPA is known as the longest running insurgency in Asia.
Terrorist attacks and insurgencies are oft cited in travel warnings as reasons to avoid travel in the Philippines, particularly in Southern Mindanao. The latest travel warning for the Philippines issued by the United States of America is dated October 21, 2015.
VIDEO: [Malagos Garden Resort Restaurant in Baguio District](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RXM6d5lBlyA)
