U.S. warns of possible terrorist attacks in Philippines
Americans told to avoid crowds
From Elise Labott
CNN
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Terrorist groups might be planning bomb attacks against Americans in public areas in the Philippines over the next two months, the U.S. State Department said Thursday.
"In light of recent terrorist activity in the Philippines and in the region, it remains prudent to assume that terrorists are targeting Americans or others in the Philippines," said a warden's message posted on the Web site of the U.S. Embassy in the Philippine capital, Manila.
"We judge that the terrorist threat to official and private Americans in the Philippines remains high."
The message said the warning is based on "information available to the United States government."
The warning said shopping malls and other public gathering places, such as cemeteries and nightspots in the Manila area, could be targeted during Halloween celebrations.
The Philippine government has put in place extra security to prevent "possible terrorist attacks and to protect the public, including resident and traveling foreigners," it said.
Meanwhile, the embassy is urging Americans to "exercise special caution" and avoid public crowded places, such as nightclubs and bars, through the new year.
