Warden Notice
October 31, 2002
 

Information available to the United States Government suggests terrorist groups may be planning to attempt bombing attacks in public areas in the Philippines from now through the Christmas - New Year holiday period. These areas include shopping malls and other public gathering places, such as cemeteries and night spots, in the Metro Manila area during and after the upcoming holiday weekend for All Souls' Day and All Saints' Day.  

Philippines authorities have confirmed that they have put into place extra security measures during this period to deter possible terrorist attacks and to protect the public, including resident and traveling foreigners.  

In light of recent terrorist activity in the Philippines and in the region, it remains prudent to assume that terrorists are targeting Americans or others in the Philippines. The U.S. Embassy therefore urges all Americans to continue to exercise special caution in shopping malls and when using public transportation, and to avoid public crowds and crowded places such as nightclubs and bars through the New Year holiday. 

We judge that the terrorist threat to official and private Americans in the Philippines remains high.  At this time, employees of the Embassy and official U.S. Government visitors are continuing to conduct business and travel in Manila and elsewhere in the Philippines, in accordance with the standing Consular Information Sheet and Public Announcement available at http://travel.state.gov.