COUNTRY CLEARANCE FOR KAREN P. HUGHES, UNDER SECRETARY FOR

UNCLAS MANILA 000104 SIPDIS SIPDIS STATE FOR R; EAP/PD AGRIMES; EAP/MTS; S/ES-EX E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: OVIP OTRA KPAO CH RP SUBJECT: COUNTRY CLEARANCE FOR KAREN P. HUGHES, UNDER SECRETARY FOR PUBLIC AFFAIRS AND PUBLIC DIPLOMACY, AND HER DELEGATION TO THE PHILIPPINES, JANUARY 24-27, 2007. REF: (A) STATE 02899; (B) MANILA 0041 ¶1. Embassy Manila warmly welcomes and grants country clearance to Karen P. Hughes, Under Secretary for Public Affairs and Public Diplomacy; Col. Christopher Krisinger, Senior Advisor; and Ms. Katherine D. Balls, Special Assistant, for their January 24-27, 2007 visit to the Philippines. ¶2. Lee McClenny, Counselor for Public Affairs, will be the Control Officer for this visit. Mr. McClenny's contact info is as follows: -- Email: McClennyL@state.gov -- Office tel: (63-2) 523-1326 -- Cell Phone: (63-918) 948-6456 -- Fax: (63-2) 522-1802 ¶3. Under Secretary Hughes and delegation will be met at the airport by Embassy staff. Post will gladly fulfill lodging, tech support, and fiscal requirements listed in Ref A. ¶4. We have made reservations for Secretary Hughes, Col. Krisinger, and Ms. Balls at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel; tel: (63-2) 750-8888; fax: (63-2) 817-2472. We will provide room assignment information to Col. Krisinger. ¶5. We have sent a scenesetter for the visit in septel (Ref B). ¶6. For all visitors - Terrorism: In light of recent events, the State Department urges all visitors to maintain a high level of vigilance and to increase their security awareness when traveling throughout the Philippines. All travelers are urged to review the State Department's most recent Public Announcement on the Philippines. Due to the United States' efforts in the on-going War Against Terrorism, the potential for retaliatory acts against Americans worldwide is real. The terrorist threat to Americans in the Philippines remains high, and the Embassy continues to receive reports of ongoing activities by known terrorists groups. In view of a number of security-related incidents and the possibility of future terrorism, and other violence or criminal activity, Americans traveling to or residing in the Philippines are urged to exercise great caution and maintain heightened security awareness. The Government of the Philippines (GRP) has been engaged on-and-off in negotiations with domestic Communist and Muslim rebels with varying degrees of success. The countrywide Communist Party of the Philippines (CCP) and its armed wing, the New People's Army (NPA),remains a force to be reckoned with and at times represents a security concern to American citizens and interests. Although it does not specifically target Americans, the Mindanao-based Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) has in the past waged violent, armed struggle against the Philippine Government, and Americans should bear this in mind if traveling to areas where the MILF operates. Extremist groups present in Southeast Asia, such as Jemaah Islamiyah, have demonstrated transnational capabilities to carry out attacks against locations where Westerners congregate. Terrorist groups do not distinguish between official and civilian targets. ¶7. The U.S. Embassy urges visitors to avoid large crowds, including, among other places, nightclubs and bars, and to exercise special caution in public places or when using public transportation. Visitors should always follow some very basic and important security countermeasures: a) avoid establishing a pattern or routine; b) vary travel times and routes to the extent possible -- particularly important for home to office transportation; and c) maintain a low profile. It is also important immediately to report any unusual activity, including possible surveillance, to the RSO. ¶8. Extortionists have kidnapped several Filipinos and foreigners, including five American children, in recent years. Kidnappers operating in Metro Manila and throughout the Philippines have snatched family members of prominent local business leaders and politicians for financial gain, to make a political statement, or as part of business, land, or personal disputes. In January 2004, an American businessman was abducted in the Makati commercial district of Metro Manila and was held captive for 21 days before he was rescued by Philippine law enforcement authorities. ¶9. Crime: Crime is a serious concern in Manila, not unlike many of the major metropolitan areas in the United States. Common sense is the rule of thumb. There are frequent reports of confidence games, pick pocketing, moneychanger and credit card fraud. No one is immune from criminal activity due to the eroding economic situation in the Philippines. We urge all visitors to be wary of individuals who attempt to befriend you, especially after just arriving in country, and do not accept food or drink from strangers. There have been a few reports of robberies involving the "date rape drug," locally known as Ativan. These crimes involve a well-dressed, well-mannered stranger(s) who befriends the victim and offer refreshments laced with Ativan; after losing consciousness, the victim is robbed and then dumped in an isolated spot. Avoid wearing too much jewelry and carrying large amounts of money on your person. Visitors should take advantage of safety deposit boxes at hotels. It is advisable to carry only what you need in your shirt or front pants pocket. Considering Metro Manila is teeming with nighttime activity, avoid wandering in unfamiliar areas alone, particularly at night. Visitors who frequent lower quality nightclubs and bars are susceptible to drugging (Ativan) and robbery. ¶10. Travel: Before traveling to the Philippines, we urge you to visit the State Department's web site at www.state.gov for the latest security and travel information. All Americans should defer travel to isolated beach resorts and avoid personal travel to the islands of Mindanao and Sulu Archipelago. The RSO must approve all official travel to these islands in advance. Finally, Americans are warned to avoid hiking or camping in the Mt. Pinatubo area. Within the Metro Manila area, taxis are the recommended form of public transportation and are generally safe. You should request that the meter be used--if the driver is unwilling, wait for another cab. We recommend that you jot down or make a mental note of the license plate number of the taxi should problems arise. All other forms of public transportation, such as the light rail system, jeepneys, or public buses should be avoided for both safety and security reasons. If you have additional security-related questions, you may contact the RSO either through your control officer or directly at (632) 528-6300, ext 2290, (632) 522-2337 (FAX),or at RSOmanila@state.gov (unclassified email). Visit Embassy Manila's Classified website: http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/eap/manila/index. cfm JONES