Manila: Citing “credible security threats”, the United States Embassy has issued an alert on renewed dangers against US citizens and interests in Southern Mindanao, as it pointed out they have received information that terrorist are surveying for possible targets in the area.
In an “emergency message” for US citizens in the Philippines, the US Embassy said it is “aware of threats in several locales in Region 11 (the Davao Region), Region 12 (North and South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, and Sarangani), and in Maguindanao.”
Due to the threat, the Embassy has placed restrictions on all US government travel to areas identified.
“The Embassy advises all US citizens residing in southern Mindanao to exercise extreme caution and re-evaluate their personal safety situation.”
It warned of the possibility that attacks would be conducted in the coming days.
“Individuals associated with known extremist and insurgent groups are believed to have been conducting surveillance on a number of public locations in these areas, as possible targets of interest,” the Embassy warned.
It added that the perpetrators could employ “conventional or non-conventional weapons” in carrying out the attack.
Conventional arms include bombs or improvised explosive device while non-conventional arms include biological, chemical or even nuclear weapons although the latter is most unlikely due to difficulty of accessing such weaponry.
“Extremists may elect to use conventional or non-conventional weapons, and target both official and private interests. Examples of such targets include high-profile sporting events, residential areas, business offices, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, schools, public areas, and other destinations, whether frequented by foreigners or locals,” the message said.
The warning issued by the United States Embassy was issued as US forces started joint exercises with Filipino troops in Zambales province last October 7 as part of a three-week bilateral drills aimed at boosting security ties
The drills between the US and Philippine marines are conducted every year under a mutual defence agreement. Likewise, the force readiness drills were conducted amidst the backdrop of a potential financial meltdown in the US.
