INDEPENDENT NEWS

Cablegate: Travel Alert: Philippines

Published: Wed 25 Nov 2009 01:23 AM
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RHMFISS/CDR USCENTCOM MACDILL AFB FL//CCJ2-JIT// IMMEDIATE
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RUEHRY/AMEMBASSY CONAKRY IMMEDIATE 2510
UNCLAS STATE 121353
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: CASC PTER ASEC RP
SUBJECT: TRAVEL ALERT: PHILIPPINES
1. The State Department alerts U.S. citizens of the
risks of travel to the southern Philippine islands of
Mindanao and the Sulu Archipelago and urges extreme
caution if traveling there. This Travel Alert reflects
the recent acts of violence in the Mindanao province of
Maguindanao and is supplemental to our September 17, 2009
Travel Warning to the Philippines. This Travel Alert
expires on January 6, 2010.
2. Travelers should exercise extreme caution if
traveling in the central and western portions of the
island of Mindanao, as well as in the islands of the Sulu
Archipelago. Recent violence in Maguindanao resulted in
the Government of the Philippines declaring a state of
emergency in the provinces of Maguindanao and Sultan
Kudarat and the city of Cotabato. The state of emergency
includes road checkpoints conducted by the Philippine
military and law enforcement. If U.S. citizens travel to
Maguindanao despite this Travel Alert, they should
understand there are heightened tensions and there will
be a significant military presence. They should
carefully research restrictions imposed upon travel and
follow the instructions of officials with regards to
limitations on movement.
3. Travelers to this area should remain vigilant and
avoid congregating in public areas. Some foreigners who
reside in or visit Mindanao and the Sulu Archipelago hire
their own security.
4. The Department of State remains concerned about the
continuing threat of terrorist actions and violence
against U.S. citizens and interests throughout the
world. The Worldwide Caution reminds U.S. citizens that
terrorism can occur anywhere.
5. The Department strongly encourages U.S. citizens in
the Philippines to register with the Consular Section of
the U.S. Embassy in Manila through the State Department's
travel registration website. 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 the ACS web page can be
accessed online.
6. For information on general crime and security issues,
U.S. citizens should also consult the Department of
State's Country Specific Information for the Philippines
and the Worldwide Caution, located at the Department of
State's Bureau of Consular Affairs website. U.S.
citizens may also obtain up-to-date information on
security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 from the
United States and Canada, or 202-501-4444 from overseas.
7. Minimize considered.
CLINTON
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