Emergency Message for U.S. Citizens: Davao Bombing

United States Embassy Manila, Philippines
Emergency Message for U.S. Citizens: Davao Bombing
September 3, 2016

THE EMBASSY OF THE UNITED STATES IS TRANSMITTING THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION AS A PUBLIC SERVICE TO U.S. CITIZENS IN THE PHILIPPINES.  PLEASE DISSEMINATE THIS MESSAGE TO ALL U.S. CITIZENS IN YOUR ORGANIZATION OR NEIGHBORHOOD.  THANK YOU.

An explosive device was detonated in a crowded market in Davao, Philippines on the evening of September 2, 2016.  Media reports suggest at least 14 are dead and 60 injured.  An investigation into the explosion is ongoing.  A State of Lawlessness has been declared by the Philippine government and elements of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) have been placed on high alert.  The Embassy continues to monitor these events as they develop.

The Embassy has temporarily suspended all official travel to Mindanao.  While we have no information that indicates there is a direct threat to U.S. citizens or interests in the Philippines, the Embassy encourages all U.S. citizens to remain vigilant and employ sound personal security measures as you go about your day.  The Embassy will continue to monitor the current state of affairs in the Philippines and will release additional messages as needed.

The Embassy wishes to remind U.S. citizens of the most recent Department of State Worldwide Caution, dated March 3, 2016, which indicates there is an ongoing threat of terrorist actions and violence against United States citizens and interests abroad, including the Philippines. You may also wish to review the information in the most recent Philippines Travel Warning.  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.  The Embassy reminds U.S. citizens of the importance of taking preventative measures to ensure their safety and security while traveling and residing in the Philippines.

The Embassy also notes that the Philippine National Police (PNP) has been circulating letters in some communities, to include residential villages, outlining plans to search homes as part of the Philippine government’s ongoing anti-drug campaign. Local PNP leadership has informed the Embassy that the village sweeps are intended for the sole purpose of distributing information pamphlets so that residents know who to contact to report crimes or suspicious behavior. After these materials are distributed, barangay and PNP officials will conduct “knock and plead” operations only at those homes suspected of involvement in illegal drug operations.

For further information:

• See the State Department’s travel website for the Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and the Philippines Country Specific Information.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Contact the U.S. Embassy in Manila, Philippines, located at 1201 Roxas Boulevard, at +(63) (2) 301-2000, from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. After-hours emergency number for U.S. citizens is +(63) (2) 301-2000.
• Call 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).