Security Message For U.s. Citizens: Reports Of Increased Security Concerns In The Philippines

[jamesmusslewhite]

 

 

U.S. Embassy, Manila, Philippines Security Message for U.S. Citizens:  Reports of Increased Security Concerns in the Philippines  

December 23, 2015  

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. 

The U.S. Embassy would like to alert U.S. citizens residing in, or traveling to, the Philippines to recent statements by Philippine security officials regarding an increase in the Terrorist Threat Level to Level III (High) in seven cities and nine provinces across the country due to persistent reports of kidnapping for ransom plots and potential bombings by the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF).

Philippine security officials indicated that cities under the increased terrorism alert are Zamboanga City, Marawi, Isabela, Kidapwan, Dipolog, Dapitan, and Cotabato.  All are located in Mindanao.

 

They further indicated that provinces under increased terrorism alert are Sultan Kudarat North Cotabato, Maguindanao, Basilan, Tawi-Tawi, and Sulu  (all in Mindanao); Palawan, southern Negros island; and Boracay island (Aklan).

 

Philippine officials in several of the areas have announced increased security measures.

 

The Embassy strongly reiterates its recommendation that U.S. citizens exercise extreme caution when travelling to Mindanao.  For more information on security conditions in Mindanao, please refer to the October 21, 2015 Philippines Travel Warning that is posted on the Department of State’s website.

The Embassy wishes to remind all U.S. citizens to review your personal security plans, remain aware of your surroundings, including local events, and monitor local news stations for updates.  Be vigilant and take appropriate steps to enhance your personal security.

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See the State Department's travel website for the Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and the Philippines Country Specific Information. 

Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.  

Contact the U.S. Embassy in Manila, Philippines, located at 1201 Roxas Boulevard, at +(63) (2) 301-2000, from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. After-hours emergency number for U.S. citizens is +(63) (2) 301-2000. 

Call 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). 

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[DavidK]

Good job I'm British and can therefore safely ignore this. :th_imstupid:

[forget_it]

We have a little plastic Jesus in the house. I'm sure that will keep the evil away from Luzon :)