WARDEN MESSAGE
June 9, 2006
THE EMBASSY OF THE UNITED STATES IS TRANSMITTING THE FOLLOWING
INFORMATION THROUGH THE EMBASSY WARDEN SYSTEM AS A PUBLIC SERVICE TO AMERICAN
CITIZENS IN THE PHILIPPINES. PLEASE DISSEMINATE THIS MESSAGE TO ALL
U.S. CITIZENS IN YOUR ORGANIZATION OR NEIGHBORHOOD. THANK YOU.
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Philippine Independence Day Security Awareness
In light of the approaching Republic of the Philippines Independence
Day on June 12, 2006, the Embassy strongly urges American citizens to
maintain a high level of vigilance and to take appropriate steps to
increase their security awareness. There is a possibility of demonstrations
during the weekend. We wish to remind American citizens that even
demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and
possibly escalate into violence. American citizens are therefore urged to
avoid the areas of demonstrations, and to exercise caution if within the
vicinity of any demonstrations. They are also advised to remain aware
of their surroundings, listen to news reports and ensure that travel
documents are current. Good, personal security awareness is the key to
staying safe during the holiday and throughout the year.
The following are some steps you can take to minimize the risk of
becoming another victim:
* When walking or driving, stay away from dark/isolated areas. Don't
take short-cuts or walk down narrow alleys or poorly lit streets. Avoid
large crowds.
* Lock all doors of the vehicle and ensure that the windows are up at
all times. Use a supplemental anti-theft device such as those that lock
to the steering wheel or gearshift.
* Do not wear flashy or lavish amounts of jewelry; especially loose
hanging necklaces and bracelets. Loose jewelry is much easier to snatch
from your body. Try to avoid drawing undue attention to yourself.
* Be careful to show as little money as possible in public settings and
when paying for merchandise. Carry only the essentials in your wallet
and always place it in your front pocket. If you carry a purse, make
sure that it remains zipped and held close against your body, making it
more difficult for a thief to grab. Be particularly alert in crowded
malls or public gatherings places.
* Be careful when handing over personal effects to police officers if
involved in a traffic stop. Please only hand them the minimum
identification requested.
* Please consider carefully appropriate security measures for your
home, and use any security locks and alarms you may have installed. When
you are at home, it is a good practice to keep the doors locked. Make
certain to check all doors and windows before retiring for the evening.
* If you have household staff, tell them not to discuss your travel
plans, especially with strangers. It is very important that your staff
never divulges your whereabouts to any callers.
* If you are staying at a hotel, have your calls screened through the
hotel management due to possible extortion scams.
* Philippine law enforcement officials periodically conduct raids at
malls that permit the sale of pirated items by their vendors. If you are
at a mall and witness one of these raids in progress, immediately leave
the area.
* Simply put: BE AWARE OF YOUR SURROUNDING AT ALL TIMES AND USE GOOD
COMMON SENSE!
American citizens with questions or concerns may telephone the Embassy at (63)(2) 301-2000. In case of an emergency outside business hours, American citizens may reach the Embassy duty officer through the Embassy operator at (63)(2) 301-2000. The U.S. Embassy is located at: 1201 Roxas Boulevard, Manila, Philippines. The Consular American Citizen Services (ACS) section's fax number is (63)(2) 301-2017 and the ACS web page is at </wwwhmain.html>.
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