MANILA EAC MEETING -- DECEMBER 22, 2006

UNCLAS MANILA 005080 SIPDIS SIPDIS DEPT FOR D, P, M, EAP/MTS, DS/IP/EAP, S/CT, CA, INR E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: ASEC PTER CASC RP SUBJECT: MANILA EAC MEETING -- DECEMBER 22, 2006 REF: A. STATE 202078 ¶B. MANILA 04918 ¶1. In response to ref A, the core Emergency Action Committee (EAC) met on December 22, to discuss any current terrorism threat information and the general security situation prior to the Christmas and New Year Holidays. The only current threat information we have received for the Philippines centers on activity in Mindanao and Cebu and is the same as reported previously in ref B. These reports are very vague and have no specific targeting or timing information. The Philippine Government is well aware of these threats. The EAC decided that the Warden Notice dated October 10, 2006, is still relevant. ¶2. Embassy Manila's security posture is still strong--the Local Guard Force, Special Action Force, and the PNP continue to monitor and protect the perimeter of the Embassy Compounds; they are, and will continue to be, at full strength through-out the holiday season. There is no history of the Christmas/New Year holiday season being a time for heightened terrorist activity in the Philippines. ¶3. The EAC also discussed the possibilities of anti-U.S. demonstrations if the Court of Appeals orders the return of a U.S. military defendant to Embassy custody. EAC reviewed current security preparations related to public protests and agreed Embassy security remained fully sufficient to respond to any such demonstrations. KENNEY