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Warden Message: Tsunami Alert- March 11, 2011 Area Concern: Travel Advisory
Date: Mar 14,2011
Description: WARDEN MESSAGE March 11, 2011 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. TSUNAMI ALERT The United States Embassy alerts U.S. citizens to the possibility of a tsunami hitting the eastern shores of the Philippines following a magnitude 8.9 earthquake which struck the east coast of Japan Friday afternoon. Please pay attention to any warnings or orders from local officials regarding evacuations or the placing of portions of the coast off limits. PHIVOLCS has placed an ALERT Level 2 in place and is recommending that residents in the affected areas evacuate the coastline. The following coastal areas in the Philippine provinces fronting the Pacific Ocean are expected to experience wave heights of at most one meter: Batanes Group of Islands, Cagayan, Ilocos Norte, Isabela, Quezon, Aurora, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Albay, Catanduanes, Sorsogon, Northern Samar, Eastern Samar, Leyte, Southern Leyte, Surigao del Norte, Davao Oriental, Davao del Sur. The first tsunami waves are expected to arrive between 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m., Friday (Philippine time). People are advised to stay away from the shoreline during this period. People should not go the coast to watch the tsunami. People whose houses are very near coastal areas facing the Pacific Ocean are strongly advised to go farther inland. Boats in harbors, estuaries or shallow coastal water should return to the shore. Secure your boat and move away from the waterfront. Boats already at sea during this period should stay offshore in deep waters until further advised.

ACS Newsletter Area Concern:
Date: Feb 17,2011
Description: ACS Newsletter - February 2011

Voting Announcement Area Concern: Voting Overseas
Date: Oct 12,2010
Description: 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. ----------------------------------------------------- Voting Overseas On October 28, 2009, Congress enacted the Military and Overseas Voter Empowerment (MOVE) Act. This legislation amends existing laws regarding overseas voting in federal elections, and should make voting easier for overseas Americans. New Procedures for 2010 Elections Beginning with the November 2010 general election, and for all subsequent general, special, and primary elections, state’s will be required to mail out ballots at least 45 days prior to an election for a federal office. This requirement may cause some state’s to select earlier primary dates in order to comply with the 45 day mailing deadline, or to request waivers due to special circumstances. In addition to mailing ballots to overseas voters, the state’s will be required, at the voters request, to provide registration forms, absentee ballot request forms, and blank ballots via fax or email. However, each state’s laws determine whether ballot requests or voted ballots can be returned via fax or email. The new law prohibits state’s from rejecting marked ballots based on notarization, paper size, or paper weight requirements. The witnessing requirements of individual state’s remain in place. Overseas Absentee Ballot Requests Effective immediately, state’s will no longer be required by federal law to continue to mail election materials to overseas addresses for two complete general election cycles on the basis of a single ballot request. It will now be up to each state to determine how long to continue to send out election materials before requiring overseas voters to submit new ballot requests. This change, sought by local election officials, should greatly decrease the volume of voting materials sent abroad to addresses where Americans no longer reside. State Department Recommendations In light of these changes, the Department of State recommends that all U.S. voters residing abroad request absentee ballots from their local election officials at the start of each calendar year, and whenever there is a change of address, change of e-mail address, or change of name, by completing and sending in a Federal Post Card Application (FPCA). To locate information on your specific states requirements, and to obtain an online version of the FPCA, please visit http://www.fvap.gov/FPCA/. The Department of State strongly encourages all U.S. overseas voters to provide email addresses or fax numbers in Item 6 on their FPCAs to enable local election officials to transmit election materials in the fastest manner available, which should then allow sufficient time for the return of voted ballots. For information regarding your specific state, please visit http://www.fvap.gov/FPCA/. Emergency Ballots The Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot (FWAB) serves as an emergency ballot for the November general elections for federal offices, although some states also permit its use for elections for state and local offices. Beginning in January 2011, the new law allows use of the FWAB for primary, special, and runoff elections for federal offices. Voters who request an absentee ballot in advance of their states ballot request deadline, but who fail to receive an official ballot from local election officials in time to vote, should complete the Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot and send it back to local election officials in time for it to be counted. An online version of the FWAB, together with state-specific instructions for its use, is available at http://www.fvap.gov/shortcuts/getfwab.html. Election Materials Received at the U.S. Embassy Manila U.S. Embassy Manila will forward completed election materials, including ballots, to local election officials. The mail will be date stamped as received by the post office upon arrival at the embassy. No courier service will be used and the estimated delivery time of the mail to the local election officials is five (5) business days. Accordingly, your completed election materials should arrive to the embassy no later than October 26, 2010. Questions? The Federal Voting Assistance Program (FVAP) website, http://www.fvap.gov/, provides current information for uniformed service members and their families as well as U.S. citizens living outside of the U.S. Please also see the list of frequently asked questions with answers at http://www.fvap.gov/faq.html . Refer to the U.S. Embassy Manila’s website for updated voting information and further announcements at http://manila.usembassy.gov/wwwha012.html. The Voting Assistance Officer at the U.S. Embassy Manila is also always available to answer questions about absentee voting. To contact the Voting Assistance Officer, call (63-2) 301-2246 or 2567 or send an e-mail to ACSInfoManila@state.gov. American Citizens Services U.S. Embassy, Manila, Philippines Telephone: (63 2) 301-2000 extensions 2246 or 2567 Fax: (63 2) 301-2017

Philippine Elections Area Concern: Nation Wide
Date: May 5,2010
Description: U.S. Embassy Manila Warden Message May 6, 2010 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. ---------------------------------------------------- Philippine Elections The U.S. Embassy reminds U.S. citizens in the Philippines that sporadic violence may occur throughout the Philippines before, during, and after the May 10 Philippine national and local elections. U.S. citizens should pay attention to the media for Philippine government announcements regarding areas likely to experience election-related violence. U.S. citizens living and working in the Philippines are urged to assess their personal security, to remain aware of their surroundings, to keep a low profile, and to avoid public gathering places, including high-profile events, in connection with the May 10 elections. A political or other demonstration could materialize on fairly short notice. If and when you do learn of a demonstration, please plan your travel accordingly: avoid crowds and exercise caution when traveling in the vicinity of a demonstration. As a reminder, even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence. U.S. citizens are therefore urged to avoid the areas of demonstrations if possible, and to exercise caution if within the vicinity of any demonstrations. For the latest security information, U.S. citizens living and traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs internet web site at http://travel.state.gov. where the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Alerts, Travel Warnings, and health information resources can be found. Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the United States and Canada or, for caller in other areas by calling a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). U.S. citizens with questions or concerns may telephone the Embassy at (63) (2) 301-2000. In case of an emergency outside business hours, U.S. citizens may reach the Embassy duty officer through the Embassy operator at (63) (2) 301-2000. The U.S. Embassy is located at: 1201 Roxas Boulevard, Manila, Philippines. The Consular American Citizen Services (ACS) section's fax number is (63)(2) 301-2017 and the ACS web page is at http://manila.usembassy.gov. You may also go to http://www.facebook.com/pages/Manila-Philippines/US-Embassy-Manila-Philippines/157551009622 for information. U.S. citizens living in or visiting the Philippines are encouraged to register with the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Manila. The easiest way to do this is via the Internet, using a link on http://www.travel.state.gov or directly at https://travelregistration.state.gov.

TRAVEL WARNING PHILIPPINES Area Concern: Mindanao and the Sulu Archipelago
Date: Apr 4,2010
Description: 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. TRAVEL WARNING PHILIPPINES The State Department warns U.S. citizens of the risks of travel to the southern Philippine islands of Mindanao and the Sulu Archipelago, and urges extreme caution if traveling there. Sporadic violence throughout the Philippines is also possible before and after the May 10 national and local elections and the June 30 inaugurations. This replaces the Travel Warning dated September 17, 2009, to reflect continuing threats due to terrorist and insurgent activities, as well as possible concerns about election related violence. Travelers should exercise extreme caution if traveling in the central and western portions of the island of Mindanao, as well as in the islands of the Sulu Archipelago. Regional terrorist groups have carried out bombings resulting in injuries and death. Since August 2008, sporadic clashes have occurred between lawless groups and the Philippine Armed Forces in the Mindanao provinces of North Cotabato, Lanao del Sur and Lanao del Norte, as well as the Sulu Archipelago. Kidnap-for-ransom gangs are active throughout the Philippines and have targeted foreigners. U.S. Government employees must seek special permission for travel to Mindanao or the Sulu Archipelago. Travelers to these areas should remain vigilant and avoid congregating in public areas. Some foreigners who reside in or visit Mindanao and the Sulu Archipelago hire their own security. The Philippine government declared a state of emergency on November 24, 2009, for the two provinces of Maguindanao and Sultan Kudarat, as well as Cotobato City, as a result of election- related violence. This state of emergency is still in effect. Travelers should be aware of heightened police activity and significant military presence in these areas. They should carefully research restrictions imposed upon travel and follow the instructions of government officials with regard to limitations on movement. U.S. citizens traveling, living, and working throughout the Philippines are urged to exercise heightened caution in public gathering places where events may occur in relation to the May 2010 Philippine elections and June inauguration. In past election years, deaths have occurred because of election-related violence, even in the period of time following election dates and inauguration ceremonies. U.S. citizens should exercise caution when traveling in the vicinity of demonstrations since they can turn confrontational and possibly escalate to violence. The Department of State remains concerned about the continuing threat of terrorist actions and violence against U.S. citizens and interests throughout the world. The Worldwide Caution reminds U.S. citizens that terrorism can occur anywhere. The Department strongly encourages U.S. citizens in the Philippines to register with the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Manila through the State Department’s travel registration website. The U.S. Embassy is located at: 1201 Roxas Boulevard, Manila, Philippines, the 24-hour telephone number is 63-2-301-2000. The American Citizens Services (ACS) section’s fax number is 63-2-301-2017 and the ACS web page can be accessed online. For information on general crime and security issues, U.S. citizens should also consult the Department of State’s Country Specific Information for the Philippines and the Worldwide Caution, located at the Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs website. U.S. citizens may also obtain up-to-date information on security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 from the United States and Canada, or 202-501-4444 from overseas. The State Department warns U.S. citizens of the risks of terrorist activity in the Philippines, particularly in the southern Philippine islands of Mindanao and the Sulu Archipelago. Terrorist attacks could be indiscriminate and could occur not only in the southern islands but also in other areas, to include Manila. Targeted sites may be public gathering places that are frequented by expatriates and foreign travelers, including American citizens. Such sites could include, but are not limited to, airports, shopping malls, conference centers and other public venues. This Travel Warning replaces the Travel Warning dated April 2, 2010, to reflect continuing threats due to terrorist and insurgent activities. Travelers should exercise extreme caution if traveling in the central and western portions of the island of Mindanao, as well as in the islands of the Sulu Archipelago. Regional terrorist groups have carried out bombings resulting in injuries and death. An October 10 bus bombing in Mindanao claimed 10 lives; an investigation is underway to determine whether this was a terrorist act. Since August 2008, sporadic clashes have occurred between lawless groups and the Philippine Armed Forces in the Mindanao provinces of North Cotabato, Lanao del Sur, Lanao del Norte, and Maguindanao, as well as the Sulu Archipelago. Kidnap-for-ransom gangs are active throughout the Philippines and have targeted foreigners. U.S. Government employees must seek special permission for travel to Mindanao or the Sulu Archipelago. Travelers to these areas should remain vigilant and avoid congregating in public areas. Some foreigners who reside in or visit Mindanao and the Sulu Archipelago hire their own security. The Philippine government declared a state of emergency on November 24, 2009, for the two provinces of Maguindanao and Sultan Kudarat, as well as Cotobato City, as a result of election-related violence. While the elections have passed, this state of emergency is still in effect. Travelers should be aware of heightened police activity and significant military presence in these areas. They should carefully research restrictions imposed upon travel and follow the instructions of government officials with regards to limitations on movement. U.S. citizens traveling, living, and working throughout the Philippines are urged to exercise heightened caution in public gathering places. U.S. citizens should exercise caution when traveling in the vicinity of demonstrations since they can turn confrontational and possibly escalate to violence. The Department of State remains concerned about the continuing threat of terrorist actions and violence against U.S. citizens and interests throughout the world. The Worldwide Caution reminds U.S. citizens that terrorism can occur anywhere. The Department strongly encourages U.S. citizens in the Philippines to register with the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Manila through the State Departments travel registration website. The U.S. Embassy is located at: 1201 Roxas Boulevard, Manila, Philippines, tel. 63-2-301-2000. The American Citizens Services (ACS) sections fax number is 63-2-301-2017 and the ACS web page can be accessed online. For information on general crime and security issues, U.S. citizens should also consult the Department of States Country Specific Information for the Philippines located at the Department of States Bureau of Consular Affairs website. U.S. citizens may also obtain up-to-date information on security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 from the United States and Canada, or 202-501-4444

WARDEN MESSAGE Area Concern: Mayon Volcano
Date: Dec 21,2009
Description: 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. ----------------------------------------------------- Mayon Volcano The U.S. Embassy advises U.S. Citizens in the Philippines that the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) raised its alert status for the Mayon Volcano to Alert Level 4. This means a hazardous eruption is possible within days. The U.S. Embassy is restricting its employees from traveling to Mount Mayon National Park; the cities of Ligao, Tabaco City, Legaspi City, Guinubatan; and any areas in Albay Province that lie within an eight kilometer circumference of the volcano itself. The Embassy urges all Americans to follow restrictions imposed by Philippine Government authorities in these areas. Updated information on volcanoes in the Philippines is available on the Web sites listed below. The Embassy encourages all U.S. citizens residing in or visiting areas near volcanoes to consult these websites frequently and to adhere to all safety and/or evacuation instructions from Philippine authorities. http://www.phivolcs.dost.gov.ph/ http://volcanoes.usgs.gov U.S. citizens with questions or concerns may telephone the Embassy at (63)(2) 301-2000. In case of an emergency outside business hours, American citizens may reach the Embassy duty officer through the Embassy operator at (63)(2) 301-2000. The U.S. Embassy is located at: 1201 Roxas Boulevard, Manila, Philippines. The Consular American Citizen Services (ACS) section's fax number is (63)(2) 301-2017 and the ACS web page is at http://manila.usembassy.gov. U.S. citizens living in or visiting the Philippines are encouraged to register with the Consular Section of the US Embassy in Manila. The easiest way to do this is via the Internet, using a link on http://www.travel.state.gov or directly at https://travelregistration.state.gov. Get more information on registration at http://manila.usembassy.gov.