Security Message For U.s. Citizens: Demonstrations Update/new Bureau Of Immigration Policy

[jamesmusslewhite]

  

Security Message to U.S. Citizens

U.S. Embassy, Manila, Philippines

 

October 4, 2013

 

THE EMBASSY OF THE UNITED STATES IS TRANSMITTING THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION AS A PUBLIC SERVICE TO U.S. CITIZENS IN THE PHILIPPINES. PLEASE DISSEMINATE THIS MESSAGE TO ALL U.S. CITIZENS IN YOUR ORGANIZATION OR NEIGHBORHOOD.  THANK YOU.

 

Demonstrations Update/New Bureau of Immigration (BI) Policy

The U.S. Embassy would like to remind U.S. citizens of the risks involved with demonstrations.  In recent weeks a number of demonstrations protesting alleged government corruption have taken place across the country.  The Embassy has received information that another rally is planned in Manila for Friday, October 4, in the Makati area.  While this demonstration is planned as a peaceful protest, there is always the possibility that the demonstration could turn violent.  U.S. citizens are therefore reminded to avoid areas of demonstrations, and exercise caution if in the vicinity of any large gatherings, protests, or demonstrations.  The Embassy also wishes to remind U.S. citizens to remain vigilant, maintain an appropriate level of personal security in all circumstances, and monitor local news sources for updates.

 

The Embassy would also like to advise U.S. citizens about a recent statement by the Bureau of Immigration (BI) regarding the participation of foreigners in demonstrations in the Philippines.  According to the September 16, 2013, statement, the Bureau of Immigration warns foreigners against participating in public protests or political rallies.  Foreign nationals who participate in these activities may be detained and deported for violating Philippine immigration laws.  For a complete text of the statement, please visit the BI website.  The statement can be found in the “News” section of the BI website.  U.S. citizens are urged to consider the consequences of participating in demonstrations and to avoid remaining in the general area where demonstrations are occurring.

 

______________________________________________________________________________

The Embassy is located at 1201 Roxas Boulevard, Manila, Philippines and is open 0730-1600, Monday through Friday.  The Embassy's main telephone number is (632) 301-2000.  U.S. citizens needing to speak to the Embassy can dial this number and ask to be connected to the American Citizen Services (ACS) unit or with the Embassy Duty Officer (for calls outside of normal business hours).  You can also contact the ACS unit through email at ACSInfoManila@state.gov or through the Embassy Facebook page.  Please visit our website for information on all services offered by the ACS unit.

We strongly recommend that U.S. citizens traveling to or residing in the Philippines enroll in the Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) at www.Travel.State.Gov.  STEP enrollment gives you the latest security updates, and makes it easier for the U.S. embassy or nearest U.S. consulate to contact you in an emergency.  If you don’t have Internet access, enroll directly with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. 

 

Regularly monitor the State Department's website, where you can find current Travel Warnings, including the Travel Warning for the Philippines, Travel Alerts, and the Worldwide Caution.  Read the Country Specific Information for (Name of Country).  For additional information, refer to “A Safe Trip Abroad” on the State Department’s website

 

Contact the U.S. embassy or consulate for up-to-date information on travel restrictions.  You can also call 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries.  These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).  Follow us on Twitter and Facebook, and download our freeSmart Traveler iPhone App to have travel information at your fingertips.