ZAMBOANGA CITY: Australia has warned its citizens against traveling to Mindanao following the recent release of a video of kidnapped Sydney adventurer Warren Rodwell, who is being held by al-Qaeda-linked Abu Sayyaf in the southern Philippines.

Rodwell was kidnapped by gunmen disguised as policemen on December 5, 2011 in his seaside home in the town of Ipil in Zamboanga Sibugay province.

Maj. Gen. Ricardo Rainier Cruz, commander of the First Infantry Division, said that Rodwell is being held in Basilan province off Zamboanga City and that efforts are going on to rescue the former soldier.

“Our efforts to locate Warren Rodwell are continuing, but the kidnappers have been constantly moving from one location to another and that is our problem now. He is also being used by the
Abu Sayyaf as human shield and the safety of Warren is our top concern also,” Cruz told The Manila Times.

In the latest video clip, Rodwell, wearing a black sweatshirt appeared cleanly shaven, but frail and holding a copy of a newspaper dated December 16, 2012.

“The Australian travel advice for the Philippines continues to recommend no travel in central or western Mindanao and warns of the danger of kidnapping in that area,” Australian Foreign Minister Bob Carr said in a statement.

Carr said that the prolonged captivity of Rodwell remains a major concern.

“The Philippines government has the lead in response to this case and is devoting significant resources to securing Mr. Rodwell’s release. The Australian government is assisting Philippines authorities where appropriate. We are also in regular communication with Mr. Rodwell’s family.

It would not be helpful to Mr. Rodwell to comment further,” he said.