Embassy of the United States of America, Manila
Warden Notice
February 14, 2005

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.

RECENT TERRORIST ATTACK - Series of Explosions February 2005

On the evening of February 14 at approximately 7:00 pm , explosions detonated in the southern Philippines cities of Davao and General Santos City , followed shortly thereafter by two explosions in the business/commercial district of Makati, Metro Manila.

In General Santos City , 2 explosions detonated in front of the Gaisano Shopping Mall, injuring 38 people and killing 3.

In Davao , an explosion detonated at the Ecoland Bus Terminal, resulting in one death and 6 injuries.

In metropolitan Manila , one explosion detonated on a bus on a main highway, Epifanio delos Santos Avenue ("EDSA"), on the southbound side near the intersection with Ayala Avenue . Initial reports are that 4 people died and 87 were injured.

At least three terrorist groups known to be operating in the Philippines have claimed responsibility for the bombings: The "Abu Sayyaf Group" ("ASG"), the Jema'a Islamiyah ("JI"), and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front ("MILF").

The terrorist threat to Americans in the Philippines is high, and Americans in the Philippines are urged to exercise caution and to maintain heightened security awareness. Refer to the Public Announcement dated November 1, 2004 and the current Consular Information Sheet for more information. This information is available on the Department of State Bureau of Consular affairs Web site at http://travel.state.gov