U.S. Embassy Security Concerns

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.

 

Southern Negros island..............................That's Duma ??????

 

I wondered that too. I think from Tambobo Bay through the resorts in Dauin would be on alert. The mayor better send a ringer up the bell tower to sound the alarm if he sees the bad guys headed into Dumaguete.

 

Subject: Security Message for U.S. Citizens: Annual Security Reminder



U.S. Embassy, Manila, Philippines
Security Message for U.S. Citizens: Annual Security Reminder

December 22, 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 Embassy wishes to remind U.S. citizens about the importance of taking preventative measures to ensure their safety and security while traveling and residing in the Philippines. U.S. citizens in the Philippines should remain aware that, while you may become a victim simply because you find yourself in the wrong place at the wrong time, foreigners may also be targeted because they are perceived to be affluent. The Embassy receives regular reports of U.S. citizens who have been the victims of both violent crime and crimes against property, such as theft, burglary and robbery. The Embassy also wishes to remind U.S. citizens that holiday seasons, especially Christmas, are prime times for pickpockets and thieves to take advantage of unsuspecting citizens.

Review your personal security plans; remain aware of your surroundings, including local events; and monitor local news stations for updates. Maintain a high level of vigilance and take appropriate steps to enhance your personal security. We offer the following suggestions to help reduce your odds of becoming a victim of crime:

CRIMINAL ACTIVITY

• Maintain a low profile and do not bring undue attention to yourself. Do not display lavish amounts of jewelry.
• Always carry some type of identification.
• Do not carry around large amounts of money. Take with you only what you will require for the moment and keep it in the front pocket of your pants or skirt. A good rule of thumb: Do not take more with you than you can afford to lose.
• If you carry a purse, consider carrying it across your body, with bag in front of you. Purses with long straps may be grabbed off your shoulder.
• Do not resist armed criminals to avoid injury.
• Pay attention to your surroundings, realizing that crime can occur anywhere, anytime. Be cautious about traveling after dark, especially alone or in unfamiliar areas. There is always safety in numbers. Know where you are going.
• If you notice suspicious individuals approaching you, make an attempt to avoid them. In the event they continue to follow or harass you, walk to the nearest establishment and seek assistance from the security guard or door escort. Pickpocket gangs often appear to be homeless and begin by demanding money. They will sometimes aggressively follow the victims until they eventually swarm around them and begin to surreptitiously grab personal items from the victims, such as wallets and cell phones.
• Be aware that public transit like Jeepneys, Light Rail Transport (LRT) and the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) systems are prime venues for pickpockets.
• Do not consume excessive alcoholic beverages, which could make you an easy target.

VEHICLE SECURITY - CAR THEFTS

During the holiday season the volume of traffic increases causing traffic jams and short tempers which sometimes erupt into violent road-rage incidents. All drivers are reminded to stay in control of themselves and their vehicles, not become involved in these incidents and remove themselves from situations that might escalate into violence.

• Drive defensively at all times.
• ALWAYS drive with the windows rolled up and the doors locked.
• Use a supplemental anti-theft device that locks either the steering wheel or the gearshift. These are not fail-safe, but they require valuable time and effort on the part of the perpetrator.
• DO NOT park in deserted or isolated areas. At night, park in well-lit areas. Take advantage of guarded, paid parking.
• Do not leave personal items openly displayed in the car—you are inviting a smash-and-run thief to remove them.
• Always maintain copies of your driver’s license and vehicle registration in your vehicle. Avoid surrendering the original document to police.
• If you are involved in an accident, attempt to summon police or medical assistance, if necessary. Try to remain calm.

RESIDENTIAL SECURITY

• Control the keys to your residence. A thief with a key has a much easier time.
• Anytime you leave your residence, make sure that all doors and windows are secured.
• During the day, keep the doors locked, even though you and your domestic help may be inside the house.
• Know visitors or other individuals, such as repair men, who may ask to enter your home. Ask for ID. Keep repair men under observation while they are in your home.
• Secure valuables and important personal documents. Do not leave them lying around.
• During extended periods of absence, consider asking a neighbor or friend to keep an eye on your residence.
• If you are home during a burglary, DO NOT confront the perpetrators. They may very well be armed. Instead, either flee or lock yourself in a secure room and call the police.
• If your residence has an alarm, make sure you use it.
• If you live on a residential compound or in an apartment building, know your area and be aware of the security and safety rules, especially rules for visitor and vehicle access.

SUSPICIOUS ITEMS

• If you see a suspicious object or package, do not disturb it. Immediately notify an appropriate official, such as a police officer or building security staff, and leave the area.
• If you are in the vicinity when a security threat occurs, leave the area immediately. Do not approach the scene of a bombing or remain in the area.

PUBLIC DEMONSTRATIONS

Demonstrations in the Philippines are generally peaceful. However, even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence. You should avoid areas of demonstrations, and exercise caution if in the vicinity of any large gatherings, protests, or demonstrations.

The Embassy recommends carrying a means of communications at all times. If you feel that you are in danger, seek assistance from security personnel or the local authorities.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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).

Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

 

The only help I know the U.S. Embassy gets involved with is assisting people stranded get home if they sign a promissory note to pay the US Government back (like if robbed etc.) and they can also issue temporary passports if yours gets stolen when here on vacation so you can return home to USA only. They also have several Embassy Wardens throughout the Philippines to help Americans here and also spouses in case of report of death etc... I believe the nearest Warden is located in Cebu City if memory serves right. If in need google RAO Philippines to get all the Retired Activities Offices. Most of them are run by Embassy Wardens (those are usually retired US military personnel who have been authorized by the American Embassy to assist Americans in need especially Retired Military members.

 

Saddened on any cause and effect this may have on Tourism.