Warning to the Philippines

The Department of State warns U.S. citizens of the risks of terrorist activity in the Philippines, especially in the South of the Philippine Islands of Mindanao and the Sulu archipelago.? Terrorist attacks may be blind and may occur in the islands of the South, but also in other areas, in Manila.? Targeted sites can be public collection of the places that are frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers, including U.S. citizens.? These sites may include, but are not limited to, airports, shopping centres, centres of Conference and other public places.? This warning replaces the warning of travel as of April 2, 2010, to reflect continuing threats due to terrorist activities and activities of the insurgents. Travellers must take extreme caution if traveling in the island of Mindanao, Western and central parts as well as in the islands of the Sulu archipelago.? Regional terrorist groups have carried out attacks resulting from injuries and death.? A bus October 10 bombing of Mindanao killed 10; an investigation is underway to determine if it is an act of terrorism. Since August 2008, sporadic clashes took place between lawless groups and the Philippine Armed Forces in the provinces of Mindanao's North Cotabato, Lanao del Sur, Lanao del Norte, Maguindanao, and Sulu archipelago.? Kidnapping for ransom gangs are active throughout the Philippines and foreign targeted.? Employees of the Government of the United States must request special permission to travel to Mindanao and the Sulu archipelago.? Travellers in these areas should remain vigilant and avoid congregating in public places.? Some foreigners who reside in or visit Mindanao and the Sulu archipelago hire their own security. The Government of the Philippines said the State of emergency on November 24, 2009 for the two provinces of Maguindanao and Sultan Kudarat, as well as the city of Cotabato, election-related violence.? While the elections have passed, this state of emergency is still in force.? Travellers should be aware of the increased police activity and a significant military presence in these areas.? They should carefully research travel restrictions and follow the instructions of the Government's restrictions on the movement. American citizens traveling, living and working throughout the Philippines are invited to exercise caution in places of public gathering.? American citizens should exercise caution when travelling in the vicinity of demonstrations since they can turn confrontational and possibly escalation of violence. The Department of State remains concerned about the persistent threat of terrorist actions and violence against us citizens and interests throughout the world.? Worldwide caution reminds U.S. citizens that terrorism can occur anywhere. The Department strongly encourages the citizens of the United States in the Philippines to register with the Consular Section of the Embassy of the United States in Manila, the State Department's travel registration Web site.? The Embassy of the United States is located in the: Tel. 1201 Roxas Boulevard, Manila, Philippines, 63-2-301-2000.? The Services section of U.S. citizens (GBA) fax number is 63-2-301-2017 and the ACS web page can be accessed online. For more information on general crime and security issues, U.S. citizens should also consult countries of specific State Department information for the Philippines located in the Web site of the Directorate-General of Consular Affairs of the Department of State.? American citizens may also obtain the updated information on security conditions by calling the 1-888-407-4747 of the United States and the Canada, or 202-501-4444 from overseas.