October 8, 2008

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.

Vote NOW!

American citizens should vote now in the November 4, 2008 presidential

and general elections. If you registered to vote and requested an

absentee ballot by your state s deadline, you should receive your state

absentee ballot in October. Please return your marked ballot as soon

as possible to ensure that it arrives in time to be counted!

Forgot to register or request an absentee ballot?

Some states have late registration deadlines for overseas voters.

Check your

<http://www.fvap.gov/for-voting-assistance-officers/vote-guide/index.ht

mls tate s deadlines on the Federal Voting Assistance Program s

website at <http://www.fvap.gov/www.fvap.gov. If your state s

registration deadline has not passed, complete the Federal Post Card

Application (FPCA) to register to vote and request your ballot. The

FPCA is available at <http://www.fvap.gov/www.fvap.gov or from any

U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

Ballot hasn t arrived?

If your ballot has not arrived by mid-October, we strongly encourage

you to use the

<http://www.fvap.gov/shortcuts/get-backup-fed-write-in-ballot/index.htm

lFe deral Write-in Absentee Ballot (FWAB). The FWAB serves as an

emergency ballot for voters who registered in time but fail to receive

an official ballot from local election officials. The FWAB is

available at <http://www.fvap.gov/www.fvap.gov or from any U.S.

Embassy or Consulate.

Returning your ballot

Voted ballots, FPCAs and FWABs may be mailed to your local voting

officials in the United States through first-class international mail

or from any U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Last-minute voters should

consider using an express courier company to deliver their ballots.

Some states also accept FPCAs and voted ballots by fax or e-mail.

Questions?

The Voting Assistance Officer at American Citizen Services, U.S.

Embassy, Manila is also available to answer questions about absentee

voting. To contact the Voting Assistance Officer, send an e-mail to VoteManila@state.gov.

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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.

Register to Vote NOW!

American citizens should register to vote now for the November 4, 2008

presidential and general elections. Many states close voter

registration 30 days before the general election. Don t forget the

time it takes for voting forms to reach the U.S. by mail.

Voters who have not yet registered to vote and requested an absentee

ballot should complete a Federal Postcard Application (FPCA) on the

Federal Voting Assistance Program s website at

<http://www.fvap.gov/www.fvap.gov. You may also pick up a hard copy

of the FPCA from any U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

You should also complete a new Federal Postcard Application if you have

moved or changed your name since the last time you voted.

FPCAs may be mailed to your local voting officials in the U.S. through

the regular international mail or from any U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

Some states also accept FPCAs by fax or e-mail.

Voting

Your local voting officials should mail your absentee ballot 30 to 45

days before the November 4 general election to your overseas address.

Return your voted ballot as early as possible. Be aware of your state

s ballot receipt deadline, as well as any postmarking requirements.

Emergency Ballots

The Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot (FWAB) serves as an emergency

ballot for voters who registered in time but fail to receive an

official ballot from local election officials. You can access the FWAB

using <http://www.fvap.gov/www.fvap.gov as well.

Questions?

The Voting Assistance Officer at American Citizen Services, U.S.

Embassy, Manila is also available to answer questions about absentee

voting. To contact the Voting Assistance Officer, send an e-mail to

VoteManila@state.gov.

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August 10, 2008

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.

The U.S. Embassy advises Americans to avoid those areas of North Cotabato province where military operations are ongoing and to exercise extreme caution in Central Mindanao . U.S. citizens living and working in Central Mindanao are urged to reassess their personal security, keep a low profile, and avoid public gathering places. Americans living or traveling in the Philippines are encouraged to register with the U.S. Embassy through the State Department’s travel registration website, http://travelregistration.state.gov so that they can obtain updated information on travel and security within the Philippines .

For the latest security information, Americans living and traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs Internet website at http://travel.state.gov, where the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Warning for the Philippines , and Country Specific Information for the Philippines can be found. Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the U.S. and Canada or, for callers outside the U.S. and Canada , 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).

The American Citizen Services section at the U.S. Embassy in Manila can be reached at (02) 301-2000, ext. 2246; the after hours emergency number is (02) 301-2000; the fax number is (02) 301-2017. The Embassy’s web site, which includes consular information and the most recent messages to the American community in the Philippines , is at http://manila.usembassy.gov.

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July 10, 2008

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.

Need for Caution in Mindanao

The Embassy is monitoring recent bombings in Mindanao against electrical power lines, as well as the defusing of improvised explosive devices on July 4 and 5. These acts may indicate a planned escalation of attacks, which could include shopping malls, commercial centers and other public gathering places.  U.S. citizens should exercise extreme caution in Mindanao, particularly over the next several weeks. 
U.S. citizens living and working in Mindanao are urged to reassess their personal security, keep a low profile, and avoid public gathering places. Americans living or traveling in the Philippines are encouraged to register with the U.S. Embassy through the State Department s travel registration website, http://travelregistration.state.gov so that they can obtain updated information on travel and security within the Philippines.
For the latest security information, Americans living and traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department of State s Bureau of Consular Affairs Internet website at http://travel.state.gov, where the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Warning for the Philippines, and Country Specific Information for the Philippines can be found.  Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the U.S. and Canada or, for callers outside the U.S. and Canada, 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).
The American Citizen Services section at the U.S. Embassy in Manila can be reached at (02) 301-2000, ext. 2246; the after hours emergency number is (02) 301-2000; the fax number is (02) 301-2017.  The Embassy s web site, which includes consular information and the most recent messages to the American community in the Philippines, is at http://manila.usembassy.gov.

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Warden Message

June 21, 2008

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.

The U.S. Embassy in Manila wishes to alert U.S. citizens residing or traveling in the Philippines about Typhoon Frank/FengShen. This storm is expected to bring heavy winds and rain to the Philippines , and potentially to Luzon, including Manila , early Sunday, June 22.

U.S. citizens should monitor the progress of the storm on http://www.tropicalstormrisk.com/ and through local media and make appropriate provisions for food, water and shelter.

For additional information on storms, their effects and steps you should take to prepare, please see the State Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs website for several useful links related to natural disasters and emergencies: http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/tips/emergencies/emergencies_1207.html.

The U.S. Embassy is located at: 1201 Roxas Boulevard , Manila , Philippines , tel. (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.

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Warden Message

May 29, 2008

An explosion occurred Thursday, May 29, in Zamboanga City , reportedly killing two people and injuring at least 17. Among the injured were several local employees of a USAID grantee; no direct-hire Mission employees were injured. The explosion is under investigation and few details are known at this time. Americans living or traveling in the Philippines are encouraged to register with the U.S. Embassy through the State Department’s travel registration website, http://travelregistration.state.gov so that they can obtain updated information on travel and security within the Philippines. For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department’s Internet website at http://travel.state.gov, where the current Worldwide Caution, the Philippines specific information, travel warnings, and other travel alerts 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 callers outside the U.S. and Canada , 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).

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Warden Message

April 1, 2008

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.

The U.S. Embassy has received information that extremist elements may be planning to kidnap Americans or other foreigners at hotels or other public places in the Zamboanga City area.

Americans living or traveling in the Philippines are encouraged to register with the U.S. Embassy through the State Department’s travel registration website, http://travelregistration.state.gov so that they can obtain updated information on travel and security within the Philippines .

For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department’s Internet website at http://travel.state.gov, where the current Worldwide Caution, the Philippines specific information, travel warnings, and other travel alerts 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 callers outside the United States and Canada , 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).

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Warden Message

March 19, 2008

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.

The U.S. Economic Stimulus Act of 2008

The Economic Stimulus Act of 2008 will provide economic stimulus payments to more than 130 million American households.  To receive a payment, taxpayers must have a valid Social Security number, $3,000 in income and file a U.S. federal tax return. Eligible individuals will receive up to $600 ($1,200 for married couples), and parents will receive an additional payment of $300 for each qualifying child younger than 17.  Millions of retirees, disabled veterans and low-wage workers who are usually exempt from filing a tax return should consider filing this year in order to receive a stimulus payment. 
For more information on the Economic Stimulus Act of 2008 please visit the U.S. Internal Revenue s website, www.irs.gov .

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If you haven’t registered to vote abroad by filling out a Federal Post Card Application (FPCA), please do so as soon as possible.

How do I register to vote, or apply for an absentee ballot?

The Federal Post Card Application (FPCA) is accepted by all states and territories as an application for registration and for absentee ballot. The FPCA is postage-paid in the U.S. mail, including the Military Postal System, and State Department Pouch mail. An online version of the FPCA is available at the FVAP website, www.fvap.gov.

The online form must be completed, printed, signed, dated and mailed to your Local Election Official. The online form must mailed in an envelope with proper postage, or using the prepaid return envelope.

All States and Territories except American Samoa and Guam accept the OFPCA.

I would like to vote but don’t know how. Where can I find assistance?

Information on applying for absentee registration and a ballot is available in the Voting Assistance Guide. You will find PDF versions of the Guide as well as other voting related information and links on the FVAP website: www.fvap.gov. Voting Assistance Officers assigned to units at military installations and at each U.S. embassy or consulate have a copy of the Guide to assist you in completing the FPCA. U.S. citizen organizations overseas and many corporate offices of U.S. companies also have copies of the Guide available. Other overseas citizens may request these materials by contacting the FVAP directly at vote@fvap.ncr.gov.

Do I have to be registered to vote absentee?

Registration requirements vary from state to state. States and territories allow voters to register and request an absentee ballot by submitting a single FPCA during the election year. Information about individual state requirements may also be found at www.fvap.gov

For general information on voting abroad, check the Federal Voting Assistance Program website: http://www.fvap.gov For further inquiries related to voting, please contact Embassy voting assistance officers in the American Citizen Services section at 301-2000, extension 2246 or by email at ACSInfoManila@State.gov

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February 15, 2008

Travel Warning Philippines

February 13, 2008

This Travel Warning updates information on the security situation and reminds Americans of the risks of travel in the Philippines . This Travel Warning supersedes the Travel Warning for the Philippines issued April 27, 2007.

U.S. citizens contemplating travel to the Philippines should carefully consider the risks to their safety and security while there, including those due to terrorism. While travelers may encounter such threats anywhere in the Philippines , the southern island of Mindanao and the Sulu Archipelago are of particular concern. Travelers should exercise extreme caution in both central and western Mindanao as well as in the Sulu Archipelago.

Kidnap for ransom gangs operate in the Philippines . In October 2007, one such gang abducted a visiting U.S. citizen whose whereabouts are unknown at this time. Several other foreigners were also kidnapped for ransom in 2007. The New People’s Army (NPA), a terrorist organization, operates in many rural areas of the Philippines , including in the northern island of Luzon . While it has not targeted foreigners in several years, the NPA could threaten U.S. citizens engaged in business or property management activities, and it often demands “revolutionary taxes.”

Terrorist groups, such as the Abu Sayyaf Group and the Jema’ah Islamiyah, and groups that have broken away from the more mainstream Moro Islamic Liberation Front or Moro National Liberation Front, have carried out bombings resulting in deaths, injuries and property damage. On January 3, 2008, a bomb exploded at a Cotabato City disco pub, killing one and injuring eight. The central and western areas of Mindanao have also experienced bombings targeting bus terminals and public buildings. While those responsible do not appear to have targeted foreigners, travelers should remain vigilant and avoid congregating in public areas; a recent bombing outside the House of Representatives in Metro Manila resulted in a number of deaths and injuries to bystanders.

U.S. Government employees must seek special permission for travel to Mindanao or the Sulu Archipelago. When traveling in Mindanao , U.S. official travelers attempt to lower their profile, limit their length of stay, and exercise extreme caution. Some foreigners who reside in or visit western and central Mindanao hire their own security.

The Department strongly encourages Americans in the Philippines to register with the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Manila through the State Department’s travel registration website, https://travelregistration.state.gov. The U.S. Embassy is located at:

1201 Roxas Boulevard , Manila , Philippines , tel. 63-2-301-2000. The American Citizen Services (ACS) section’s fax number is 63-2-301-2017 and the ACS web page is at http://manila.usembassy.gov/wwwh3004.html.

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 http://travel.state.gov/. American 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.

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