U.S. embassy Manila releases security alert amid US-Iran tensions

The U.S. Embassy Manila released a security alert on Tuesday, January 7, in relation to the heightened Middle East or the US-Iran tensions.

The alert reads:

ADVERTISEMENT

There is heightened tension in the Middle East that may result in security risks to U.S. citizens abroad.

The Embassy will continue to review the security situation and will provide additional information as needed.

Actions to Take:

ADVERTISEMENT
  • Keep a low profile.
  • Be aware of your surroundings.
  • Stay alert in locations frequented by tourists.
  • Review your personal security plans.
  • Have travel documents up to date and easily accessible.

Assistance:

Duterte tasks AFP to evacuate Pinoys if US-Iran tensions escalate

The Department of National Defense said on Sunday that President Rodrigo Duterte tasked the Armed Forces of the Philippines to prepares its resources to evacuate Pinoys living in Iran and Iraq if US-Iran-Iraq tensions escalate.

Also read: Duterte bans another US senator from entering PH

ADVERTISEMENT

Duterte earlier called AFP and national intelligence for an emergency to plan on the repatriation of Filipinos in Iran and Iraq. Tensions between the Middle East countries and the US sparked after the US assassinated Iran’s top general Qassem Soleimani.

According to Defense spokesperson Arsenio Andolong, there are 1,600 Filipinos in Iran and 6,000 in Iraq.

“The President has tasked the AFP to prepare its air and naval assets to evacuate and bring home our countrymen if and when open hostilities erupt in the Middle East that may endanger their lives,” Andolong said in a statement.

A US drone strike on Baghdad’s international airport killed Soleimani, the commander of Iran’s elite Quds Force, last Friday.

As a result, Iran’s supreme leader vowed “severe revenge” for Soleimani’s death.

US President Donald Trump answered and threated to hit 52 Iranian sites “very hard” if Iran attacks Americans or US assets.