VZCZCXYZ0001
OO RUEHWEB

DE RUEHML #0596/01 0530805
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
O 220805Z FEB 07
FM AMEMBASSY MANILA
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 5380
INFO RUEHKO/AMEMBASSY TOKYO IMMEDIATE 3070
RHHMUNA/CDRUSPACOM HONOLULU HI IMMEDIATE

UNCLAS MANILA 000596 
 
SIPDIS 
 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: OTRA JA RP
SUBJECT: COUNTRY CLEARANCE FOR EAP/MST OFFICE DIRECTOR SCOT MARCIEL 
 
Ref: A) UNCLAS STATE 020486 
 
¶1.  Post warmly welcomes the February 27 to March 4, 2007, visit of 
Scot Marciel traveling to the Philippines for consultations with 
Embassy staff.  Point of contact for this visit will be ConOff Ben 
Reames.  He can be reached at (63)-(2)-528-6300, ext. 2171 and at 
ReamesBN@state.gov 
 
¶2.  Post has arranged lodging at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel, Makati 
Ave. corner of Paseo de Roxas, Makati City, Manila for Mr. Marciel. 
The telephone and fax numbers are, respectively: (632) 750-8888 and 
(632) 817-2472.  The confirmation number is: 285903.  Reames will 
meet Mr. Marciel at the airport. 
 
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Terrorism: 
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¶3.  Terrorism: The terrorist threat to American citizens in the 
Philippines remains high.  The Embassy continues to receive reports 
of ongoing activities and of planned multiple attacks throughout the 
Philippines by known terrorist groups.  The Embassy urges visitors 
to observe vigilant personal security precautions, to remain aware 
of the continued potential for terrorist attacks against Americans, 
and U.S. or other Western interests in the Philippines. 
¶4.  The Philippine government has been engaged on and off in 
negotiations with Communist and Muslim rebel groups. Nonetheless, 
rebel activity and armed banditry in certain areas of the 
Philippines still pose security concerns.  The Communist Party of 
the Philippines and its terrorist military arm, the New People's 
Army, operate throughout the country and have issued public threats 
against U.S. citizens and interests in the Philippines.  Americans 
are urged to exercise caution when traveling throughout the country 
and are specifically warned to avoid hiking or camping in the 
vicinity of Mt. Pinatubo in Pampanga Province. 
¶5.  In Mindanao and the Sulu archipelago, kidnappings, bombings, 
violence, and insurgent activity make travel hazardous in many 
areas.  The Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG), which the U.S. Government has 
designated a Foreign Terrorist Organization, has kidnapped several 
Americans and other foreign tourists since April 2000.  Some were 
freed after substantial ransoms were paid, some escaped or were 
rescued by military action, and some were killed.  Other kidnapping 
gangs operate in the same general area and have abducted a number of 
foreigners for ransom. 
¶6.  Operatives of the Jemaah Islamiyah (JI), which the U.S. 
Government has also designated a Foreign Terrorist Organization, are 
also present in the Philippines.  JI is an extremist group linked to 
al-Qaeda and other regional terrorist groups and has cells operating 
throughout Southeast Asia.  Extremist groups in the region have 
demonstrated a capability to carry out transnational attacks in 
locations where Westerners congregate.  Terrorist groups do not 
distinguish between official and civilian targets. 
 
¶7.  U.S. citizens and interests may be at increased risk of 
terrorist actions from foreign or domestic extremist groups in the 
Philippines.  There are periodic reports of plans for possible 
terrorist acts aimed at U.S. Government facilities or personnel, 
public and private institutions, and transportation carriers.  The 
Embassy takes all such threats seriously.  The RSO reminds all 
visitors to remain vigilant with regard to personal security issues 
and always to follow basic and important security countermeasures: 
do not establish a pattern or routine in movement and travel; vary 
the times and routes taken to the extent possible; maintain a low 
profile; and immediately report any unusual activity, to include 
possible surveillance, to the RSO.  In light of recent events, the 
State Department urges all visitors to maintain a high level of 
vigilance and to increase their security awareness when traveling 
throughout the Philippines.  All visitors are urged to review the 
State Department's most recent Public Announcement on the 
Philippines.  Due to the United States' efforts in the on-going War 
Against Terrorism, the potential for retaliatory acts against 
Americans worldwide is real. 
 
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Crime: 
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¶8.  Crime: As in many of the major metropolitan areas in the United 
States, crime is a serious concern in Metro Manila.  As a rule of 
thumb, visitors are advised to exercise good judgment and remain 
aware of their surroundings.  Reports of confidence games, 
pick-pocketing and credit card fraud are common.  Be wary of unknown 
individuals who attempt to befriend you, especially just after you 
have arrived in country.  A number of recent robberies and assaults 
involving the "date rape drug" (known locally as Ativan) have 
occurred; the drug is generally administered to unwitting male and 
female visitors via food or drink.  It is best not to accept food, 
drink or rides in private vehicles from strangers, even if they 
appear legitimate.  There have been several kidnappings and violent 
assaults of foreigners in the Metro Manila area, although Americans 
have not been specifically targeted in such crimes.  There have also 
been reports of gunmen robbing foreign passengers in vehicles 
traveling to and from the international airport. 
¶9.  Taxis are the recommended form of public transportation. 
However, the following safeguards are important: do not enter a taxi 
if it has already accepted another passenger; and, request that the 
meter be used.  If the driver is unwilling to comply with your 
requests, it is best to wait for another cab.  It is also a good 
idea to make a mental note of the license plate number should there 
be a problem. When driving in the city, make certain that the doors 
are locked and the windows rolled up.  All other forms of public 
transportation, such as the light rail system, buses, and "jeepneys" 
should be avoided for both safety and security reasons. 
¶10.  Visitors should also be vigilant when using credit cards. One 
common form of credit card fraud involves the illicit use of an 
electronic device to retrieve and record information, including the 
PIN, from the card's magnetic strip.  The information is then used 
to make unauthorized purchases.  To limit your vulnerability to this 
scam, never let your card out of your sight. 
 
¶11.  A continuing problem is the commercial scam or sting that 
attempts to sell or to seek negotiation of fraudulent U.S. 
securities.  Visitors should be wary when presented with supposed 
Federal Reserve Notes or U.S. securities for sale or negotiation. 
Common sense is the rule of thumb. 
 
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Travel: 
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¶12.  Travel: Before traveling to the Philippines, we urge you to 
visit the State Department's web site at www.state.gov for the 
latest security and travel information.  All visitors should defer 
travel to isolated beach resorts and avoid personal travel to the 
islands of Mindanao and Sulu Archipelago.  The RSO must approve all 
official travel to these islands in advance. 
 
¶13.  If you have additional security-related questions, you may 
contact the RSO either through your control officer or directly at 
(632) 528-6300, ext 2290, (632) 522-2337 (FAX), or at 
RSOmanila@state.gov (unclassified email). 
 
KENNEY