Warden Message
March
20, 2003
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.
Armed
conflict with Iraq began on March 20, 2003.
The
Department of State advises American citizens in the Philippines
to take prudent steps to ensure their personal safety in the coming
days. Remain vigilantly aware of surroundings, avoid crowds
and demonstrations, keep a low profile, vary times and routes
for all travel, and ensure travel documents are current.
Listen to news reports and maintain contact with your assigned
warden or the U.S. Embassy in Manila at (63)(2) 523-1001 for an
update of developments. The Embassy will also post updated
information on our web site at http://philippines.usembassy.gov.
The Embassy remains open for all regular public services.
U.S.
citizens and interests worldwide are at risk of terrorist attacks,
including by groups with links to Al-Qaida. U.S. Government
facilities are on a heightened state of alert. The Embassy
in Manila may temporarily close or suspend public services from
time to time for security reasons. In that event, we will
make every effort to continue to provide emergency services to
American citizens and will provide contact information by a warden
message and on our web site. Monitor the local news as well
as the Department of State website, http://travel.state.gov,
for information concerning safety and security of American citizens
overseas. The Department of Homeland Security websites,
www.dhs.gov and www.ready.gov
may also provide useful information.
American
citizens with questions or concerns may telephone the Embassy
at (63)(2) 523-1001. In case of an emergency outside business
hours or during any suspension of public services, American citizens
may reach the Embassy duty officer through the Embassy operator
at (63)(2) 523-1001. American citizens may also contact
the Department of State, if calling from outside the United States,
at (317) 472-2328, or, from within the United States, toll-free
at 1-888-407-4747.
American
citizens in the Philippines who have not registered with the Embassy
are urged to do so as soon as possible. You may register
in person by coming to the American Citizen Services Unit, Consular
Section, of the Embassy at 1201 Roxas Boulevard, Manila City or
by following the instructions on the Embassy website at http://philippines.usembassy.gov.
American citizens already registered with the Embassy are urged
to update their registration information as appropriate.
U.S.
citizens should consult the Department of State's consular information
documents, including the Worldwide Caution Public Announcement,
the Public Announcement for the Philippines, and the Consular
Information Sheet for the Philippines located on the Department's
internet website at http://travel.state.gov.
