THE United States Embassy on Monday alerted all Americans traveling and residing in the Philippines that they heightened security measures in Metro Manila, including random checkpoints, as the government seeks to prevent a spillover of the terrorist violence from Marawi City.
In a statement, the American government issued a “security message” alerting US citizens about possible checkpoints in Metro Manila set up by the Philippine National Police.
“Please disseminate this message to all US citizens in your organization or neighborhood,” the US government wrote to its embassy in Manila.
According to the security message, the US embassy has received information that the government has placed the PNP on full alert throughout Metro Manila.
“A unit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines AFP] has been deployed to Quezon City to assist the PNP with security operations,” the embassy alert said.
It noted that the AFP will assist in implementing random checkpoints, security patrols, and police visibility operations.
“The PNP advises that this is a precautionary measure in light of the declaration of martial law in Mindanao and not related to any specified terror threat information directed towards Metro Manila,” it said.
The embassy then reminded its American citizens about its recent travel warning on March 6, the “Worldwide Caution” that indicates there is an ongoing threat of terrorist actions and violence against US citizens and interests abroad, including the Philippines.
“Extremists have targeted sporting events, theaters, markets, mass transportation systems—including airlines, and other public venues where large crowds gather. Crowded nightclubs, shopping malls, buses and popular restaurants have also been targets,” it said.
“US citizens should be mindful of the importance of taking preventive measures to ensure their safety and security while traveling and residing in the Philippines,” it added.
Most of the international community has issued a travel alert following the Maute group attack on Marawi City.
The Bureau of Immigration has placed all international airports and seaports nationwide on heightened alert as fighting between militants lined to the Islamic State and AFP in Marawi City, Lanao del Sur, in Mindanao, continues.
“The BI is on heightened alert,” said the bureau’s spokesperson, Antonette Mangrobang. She added that all BI personnel assigned in all international airports were advised to be on the lookout for the entry of foreign terrrorists who might take advantage of the situation in Mindanao. With Vito Barcelo
