(Eagle News) — The United States Embassy in Manila warned its citizens about the full alert status being implemented over Metro Manila.
The status was declared by the Philippine National Police (PNP) following the martial law declaration in Mindanao.
“All unit commanders are directed to strengthen target hardening on all vital installations, economic key points as well as places of convergences and ensure high state of operational readiness to thwart any hostile action that may be launched by terror groups,” said PNP spokesperson Dionardo Carlos last week.
The security message released by the United States Embassy in its website said that possible checkpoints in the National Capital Region would be put up as a precautionary measure in view of the declaration of martial law in Mindanao.
It noted that it was not related to any direct threat monitored in the area.
“A unit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has been deployed to Quezon City to assist the (Philippine National Police) with security operations,” the advisory said.
“The U.S. Embassy wishes to remind U.S. citizens of the most recent Worldwide Caution, dated March 6, 2017, which indicates there is an ongoing threat of terrorist actions and violence against U.S. citizens and interests abroad, including the Philippines,” it said.
“Extremists have targeted sporting events, theaters, markets, mass transportation systems, including airlines, and other public venues where large crowds gather. Crowded nightclubs, shopping malls, buses, and popular restaurants have also been targets,” it said
The security message also advised US citizens to be “mindful of the importance of taking preventative measures to ensure their safety and security while traveling and residing in the Philippines.”
