VZCZCXRO3464
OO RUEHIK
DE RUEHC #5767 0202256
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
O 202250Z JAN 10
FM SECSTATE WASHDC
TO ALL DIPLOMATIC AND CONSULAR POSTS COLLECTIVE IMMEDIATE
RUEHFSI/DIR FSINFATC IMMEDIATE
RHEHNSC/WHITE HOUSE NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL WASHINGTON DC IMMEDIATE
RUEATRS/DEPT OF TREASURY WASHINGTON DC IMMEDIATE
RUEHPH/CDC ATLANTA IMMEDIATE 8075
RUCPDOC/ALL USDOC DISTDIR COLLECTIVE WASHINGTON DC IMMEDIATE
RHMCSUU/CDRAMC FT BELVOIR VA//AMCMI-SS// IMMEDIATE
RUEAHQA/HQ USAF WASHINGTON DC//XOXXI// IMMEDIATE
RHMFIUU/HQ AFOSI DOQ ANDREWS AFB MD//IVOA// IMMEDIATE
RHMCSUU/FAA NATIONAL HQ WASHINGTON DC//ACI-400// IMMEDIATE
RHMCSUU/COMNAVAIRSYSCOM PATUXENT RIVER MD//AIR1031B// IMMEDIATE
RHMFIUU/NRC WASHINGTON DC//INFOSEC// IMMEDIATE
RHMFISS/CDR USCENTCOM MACDILL AFB FL//CCJ2-JIT// IMMEDIATE
RUCPCIM/CIM NTDB WASHINGTON DC IMMEDIATE
RHMCSUU/COGARD INTELCOORDCEN WASHINGTON DC IMMEDIATE
RHMFIUU/CDR USPACOM HONOLULU HI IMMEDIATE
RHMFISS/CDR USSOUTHCOM MIAMI FL IMMEDIATE
RUEHTRO/AMEMBASSY TRIPOLI IMMEDIATE 2216
RUEHRY/AMEMBASSY CONAKRY IMMEDIATE 3170
RUEHPU/AMEMBASSY PORT AU PRINCE IMMEDIATE 0427
INFO RUESBKC/ATO ASIA IMMEDIATE 2007
UNCLAS STATE 005767
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 replaces
the Travel Alert dated November 24, 2009, and reflects
the continuing instability in the area following acts of
violence in the Mindanao province of Maguindanao in
November and is supplemental to our September 17, 2009,
Travel Warning to the Philippines. This Travel Alert
expires on February 28, 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. The violence in Maguindanao in 2009 and
continued instability there resulted in the Government of
the Philippines extending a state of emergency in the
provinces of Maguindanao and Sultan Kudarat and in 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 found at http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/pa/p a_1161.html
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 at
https://travelregistration.state.gov/. 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 is http://manila.usembassy.gov/wwwh3004.html
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
can be found at
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/ cis_999.html
and the Worldwide Caution, located at the Department of
State's Bureau of Consular Affairs website
http://travel.state.gov/ 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.
Minimize Considered.
CLINTON