Just a heads up reminder - from USEM

[Hank_ 9,174]

Emergency Message for U.S. Citizens: Mindanao Security Situation

The U.S. Embassy cautions U.S. citizens that there is an ongoing conflict between terrorist groups and Philippine Security Forces in Marawi City, Mindanao.  Media reports suggest that there are multiple dead and injured.  On May 23, 2017, the Philippine government declared martial law throughout the Mindanao region for 60 days.  The Philippine National Police (PNP) and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) have been placed on high alert. 

The U.S. Embassy has temporarily suspended Mission personnel travel to Mindanao pending a better understanding of the threat environment.  While the U.S. Embassy has no information that the events in Marawi City represent a direct threat to U.S. citizens or U.S. interests in the Philippines, we encourage U.S. citizens to review personal security plans, avoid large crowds and gatherings, and remain vigilant at all times.

 The U.S. Embassy wishes to remind U.S. citizens of the most recent Worldwide Caution, dated March 6, 2017, which indicates there is an ongoing threat of terrorist actions and violence against U.S. citizens and interests abroad, including the Philippines.  Extremists have targeted sporting events, theaters, markets, mass transportation systems–including airlines, and other public venues where large crowds gather. Crowded nightclubs, shopping malls, buses and popular restaurants have also been targets.  U.S. citizens should be mindful of the importance of taking preventative measures to ensure their safety and security while traveling and residing in the Philippines‎.

[Greenbaum 12,262]

I see the beginnings of total Marshal law for the Philippines and another dictator in charge. I hope the Filipino people have the fortitude and stomach to rebel against Duarte if he chooses this path.

[Cyberfx1024 7,980]

1 hour ago, Greenbaum said:

I see the beginnings of total Marshal law for the Philippines and another dictator in charge. I hope the Filipino people have the fortitude and stomach to rebel against Duarte if he chooses this path.

Ahhhhh come on I don't think he will be a dictator or total martial law. I am including a list  

 

General

1. We will implement a “Hold and Secure” method in ensuring the security of our people.

2. Call 911 immediately to report suspicious-looking persons, materials and actions by group of persons.

3. Exercise prudence in planning your activities.

Travel

4. Travel to and from Davao City is discouraged, as well as in other places in Mindanao, unless there is an urgent matter that needs to be attended to.

5. Do not leave your residence if you do not have business or matters to attend outside.

6. Traveling via motorcycle convoys is discouraged.

Crowded places, churches and concerted activities

7. Avoid crowded places.

8. Religious activities are encouraged to be conducted during daytime. Muslims observing Ramadan are encouraged to hold their activities inside mosques and residences.

9. All rallies and large-group activities should have permits from the local government.

Checkpoints

10. Ensure that you have updated vehicle registration papers, and driver’s licenses.

11. Ensure that you have valid and existing licenses for your guns [License to Own and Posses Firearm (“LTOPF”) and Permit to Carry (“PTC”)].

12. Cooperate with the AFP and PNP personnel conducting checkpoints.

13. Familiarize yourself with the contents of your own baggage. Do not accept baggage from strangers.

14. In the conduct of checkpoints, turn off your headlights and turn on your overhead lights during inspection.

15. Allow the inspectors to smoothly make the inspections.

16. Always bring a valid personal identification document.

Minors and evenings

17. Minors are extremely discouraged to go out of their residences except when accompanied by adults.

18. Avoid going out late at night and consuming excessive alcohol.

19. Buddy system is encouraged to those who work at night especially during travel to and from work.

20. We encourage that you conduct your personal activities in the daytime.

21. Loitering in all areas is discouraged.

Personal belongings

22. Do not leave bags and other personal belongings unattended.

23. Do not leave your cars unattended for a long time.

24. Do not retain large sums of money in your residences.

Business establishments and schools

25. Business establishments and schools are required to create emergency plans for their respective premises.

26. Business establishments and schools are encouraged to invest in private security, modern security equipment and fire extinguishing equipment.

27. Do not retain large sums of money in your premises.

28. Schools are encouraged to implement tighter security measures by properly screening guests.

Tourists and tourism activities

29. Tourists are discouraged from going to areas that are not included among the main tourism areas of the city.

30. Always bring with you your passports and other proofs of identification.

 

http://www.philstar.com/nation/2017/05/25/1703479/davao-city-releases-30-point-guideline-under-martial-law

[RO_AH 1,693]

6 hours ago, Greenbaum said:

I see the beginnings of total Marshal law for the Philippines and another dictator in charge. I hope the Filipino people have the fortitude and stomach to rebel against Duarte if he chooses this path.

Marshal law was in order for this instance. You should probably do some research on what is happening there from first hand reports rather than the news media. The constitution gives him the ability to institute marshal law for 60 days. Further than that he will need congressional approval.

[Hank_ 9,174]

There are many checks and balances in place with martial law to prevent another "Marcos".

 

Aside from a 5.4 earthquake ... things are very quiet around here.  (oh.. and can't forget the roosters)

 

http://www.rappler.com/nation/170983-luzon-zambales-earthquake-may-25-2017

[Greenbaum 12,262]

5 hours ago, RO_AH said:

Marshal law was in order for this instance. You should probably do some research on what is happening there from first hand reports rather than the news media. The constitution gives him the ability to institute marshal law for 60 days. Further than that he will need congressional approval.

With all do respect I understand what martial law is and how it can and cannot be used.  My reference is back to Marcos and what he did to wrestle complete control over the country when he signed the Proclamation #1081 in 1972 and which wasn't lifted til 1981.  With that power, he controlled the Philippines for nine years under martial law and then another 5 years until the People Power Revolution. Amazingly he was able to garner the vote of 90% of the Filipino people to continue Martial law which was ratified by 90.77% of the voters during the Philippine Martial Law referendum. So, looking back at Marcos, he never received congressional approval after 60 days.  If the army is on the President's side or any President and backs him than 60 days means nothing.

 

And their sir is my history lesson

[RO_AH 1,693]

17 hours ago, Greenbaum said:

With all do respect I understand what martial law is and how it can and cannot be used.  My reference is back to Marcos and what he did to wrestle complete control over the country when he signed the Proclamation #1081 in 1972 and which wasn't lifted til 1981.  With that power, he controlled the Philippines for nine years under martial law and then another 5 years until the People Power Revolution. Amazingly he was able to garner the vote of 90% of the Filipino people to continue Martial law which was ratified by 90.77% of the voters during the Philippine Martial Law referendum. So, looking back at Marcos, he never received congressional approval after 60 days.  If the army is on the President's side or any President and backs him than 60 days means nothing.

 

And their sir is my history lesson

I am very well aware of the history, thank you. It does not change my opinion that it was warranted in this case. When you have rebel factions kidnapping and murdering citizens you must take action. When close to half of those rebels are invaders from foreign countries even more so. Neither one of us know the future so I guess we will need to see how it plays out. I will b e there for close to a month in August and I am not worried at all.In fact I feel I will be safer this visit than any visit in the past. 

[Sunnybanana1913 11]

Im here in Mindanao still. But in Northern Mindanao. They got the NPA rebels here, NPA mist be terrified of the martial law im assuming they will lay low for the next few months since theyre going after AbuSayaf or whatever for now. They probably dont want any more attention.

[Sunnybanana1913 11]

On 5/27/2017 at 2:26 AM, RO_AH said:

I am very well aware of the history, thank you. It does not change my opinion that it was warranted in this case. When you have rebel factions kidnapping and murdering citizens you must take action. When close to half of those rebels are invaders from foreign countries even more so. Neither one of us know the future so I guess we will need to see how it plays out. I will b e there for close to a month in August and I am not worried at all.In fact I feel I will be safer this visit than any visit in the past. 

Well you shouldnt be too worried its mainly in just what 1 city? Marawi the issue and maybe a handful of other cities. Rest of Mindanao isnt too bad from my experience and what ive heard. 

[RO_AH 1,693]

5 minutes ago, Sunnybanana1913 said:

Well you shouldnt be too worried its mainly in just what 1 city? Marawi the issue and maybe a handful of other cities. Rest of Mindanao isnt too bad from my experience and what ive heard. 

I won't even be close. I will be in Bulacan, just North of Manila. But I was referring to the Philippines in general being a lot safer.

[Sunnybanana1913 11]

Just now, RO_AH said:

I won't even be close. I will be in Bulacan, just North of Manila. But I was referring to the Philippines in general being a lot safer.

Well Manila and that area is far far away from Mindanao so you have nothing to worry about. Manila has its own issues probably not the terries but Manila isnt exactlt a safe place either if youre not careful. Even Cebu but thats just going of topic now my bad haha 

[Hank_ 9,174]

Nothing exciting happening around Manila, many buildings have increased security from what I saw today.

 

I heard that there was a "cleansing" on Bohol.

[Cyberfx1024 7,980]

 

On 5/27/2017 at 7:34 PM, Sunnybanana1913 said:

Well you shouldnt be too worried its mainly in just what 1 city? Marawi the issue and maybe a handful of other cities. Rest of Mindanao isnt too bad from my experience and what ive heard. 

 

On 5/27/2017 at 7:32 PM, Sunnybanana1913 said:

Im here in Mindanao still. But in Northern Mindanao. They got the NPA rebels here, NPA mist be terrified of the martial law im assuming they will lay low for the next few months since theyre going after AbuSayaf or whatever for now. They probably dont want any more attention.

I have been to Northern Mindando(CDO mainly) and I loved it there. The main problem with the NPA is around Eastern Mindanao(Agusan Del Sur, Surigao del Sur) and Southern Mindanao(Davao Del Norte, ComVal) but the vast majority of time they are ok. Alot of times the NPA in the area help try to keep the peace and settle crimes that the police can not. I have been in heavily occupied NPA area in ComVal and I have never been bothered at all, in fact I have been sought out to see what Americans feel about this or that because I am the only Amerikano in town or around the whole area. 

The NPA knows that Duterte does not play at all, so yes they are laying low right now because he is PISSED.