ShareThisEmergency message sent to Americans
By MARIE-ALSIE G. PENARANDA and JO ERLINDA G. NEBRES
Special to Fil-Am Megascene
MANILA (PhilAmPress) – The United States embassy in Manila has issued an emergency message to citizens, warning them of serious threat in Metro Manila, specially in Pasay City, and should take the necessary precautions.
The U.S. Embassy also reminded U.S. citizens of the continuing threat of terrorist actions and violence against U.S. citizens and interests throughout the world.
Amb. Harry Thomas Jr.
In its message posted on Facebook, the embassy said the threat was detected by reliable security forces, but gave no details on the threat and the security forces.
“The U.S. Embassy advises American citizens in the Philippines that a threat against American citizens in metropolitan Manila, specifically the Pasay City neighborhood, has been detected by reliable security forces. This threat remains in effect until
October 10, 2012,” the message stated.
In response to the threat, U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines Harry Thomas Jr. has ordered all US government facilities in the Philippines to augment their security profile.
The emergency alert was issued amid mass protests in several countries, including the Philippines, over a video circulated online and made in the US by an Egyptian-American, which Muslims consider as offensive to their prophet Mohammad and their beliefs. The protests led to the killing of US Ambassador to Libya Christopher Stevens at the US consulate in Benghazi, Libya and attacks on US embassies, schools and other facilities.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), however, said it has not detected specific threats against Americans in the country.
“As far as the AFP is concerned, we have not monitored any specific threat,” said AFP spokesman Col. Arnulfo Burgos Jr.
“However, we will closely liaise and coordinate with the PNP (Philippine National Police) and other concerned law enforcement agencies and further intensify our intelligence collection and monitoring efforts,” Burgos added.
Malacanang assured foreign nationals, particularly Americans, that they will remain safe in Metro Manila.
Deputy Presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) has already beef up security in Metro Manila to ensure peace and security amid protest actions by Muslims against a controversial film.
“We spoke with General Espina of the NCRPO yesterday and security has been augmented kahapon pa. So, bago pa lumabas ‘yung balitang ‘yan nag-augment na ng security ang NCRPO particularly to the US facility along Roxas Boulevard,” Valte said. “As a matter of precaution we have already augmented security.”
Since Espina’s assumption as the NCRPO chief, the public could notice increased police visibility in the metropolis, Valte said, adding the Philippine National Police is also implementing a new system of areas of responsibility.
The PNP now strictly carries out eight-hour shifts for police personnel and require them to observe a two-minute response time when the public calls for police assistance, the Palace official said.
Asked by reporters about the government’s plan to protect the public from the continuing protests, Valte said they have not seen mass actions becoming violent.
“Let’s be fair. So far the protests have been very peaceful and have been very orderly,” she said.
Ambassador Thomas urged US citizens to exercise extreme caution in their daily routine and to maintain extra awareness regarding their own security.
US citizens were also advised to maintain a low profile and to change their travel routes and social routines.
The embassy advised its citizens to consider canceling any gatherings and celebrations or observations that could be construed as “American events.”
Any perceived security concern by their citizens, the embassy said, should be reported to Philippine authorities.
“The embassy reminds US citizens of the dangers sometimes associated with public demonstrations. Even demonstrations that are meant to be peaceful can suddenly become violent and unpredictable. Americans should be alert, pay attention to local news media, and avoid demonstration areas if at all possible,” the message read.
The embassy also advised US citizens to check out the “affected” locations through the website of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA).
In a message dated
July 12, 2012, the Department of State recommended worldwide caution and reminded U.S. citizens that terrorism can occur anywhere.
The Embassy said Americans should be alert, pay attention to local news media, and avoid demonstration areas if at all possible.
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority often provides a map of affected locations at their website, www.mmda.gov.ph, it said.
Thomas said in the emergency said: “We encourage all U.S. citizens in the Philippines to enroll with the Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program or at the U.S. Embassy in Manila.”
“ By enrolling, you can receive the Embassy’s most recent security and safety updates during your trip. Enrolling also ensures that we can reach you, or your designated emergency points of contact, during an emergency,” he said.
The U.S. Embassy is located at: 1201 Roxas Boulevard, Manila, Philippines, tel. 63-2-301-2000. The American Citizens Services (ACS) section’s fax number is 63-2-
301-2017, and you may reach the ACS Section by email at ACSinfoManila@state.gov. The ACS Section’s website includes consular information and the most recent messages to the U.S. citizen community in the Philippines.
In its message, the embassy also encouraged U.S. citizens traveling in the region to stay up to date on conditions across the globe by bookmarking the Bureau of Consular Affairs website, which contains the current Travel Warnings (including the Travel Warning for the Philippines, dated June 14, 2012) and Travel Alerts as well as the Worldwide Caution of July 12, 2012.
“Follow us on Twitter and become a fan of the Bureau of Consular Affairs page on Facebook as well. You can also download our free Smart Traveler iPhone App to have travel information at your fingertips,” the message said.” If you don’t have
internet access, current information on safety and security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States, or for callers from other countries, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from
8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays),” it added.