US Warns Bomb Threat in Manila

The United States Embassy in Manila on Thursday warned its nationals in the Philippines against a bomb threat.

The warning was issued following reports that the suspects involved in a bomb plot were arrested in Metro Manila.

The US embassy, in its security message, cited a report from the media on Oct. 8 that three men “known to have links to terrorist organizations” were arrested in Quezon City on Tuesday.

“The Embassy wishes to remind all US citizens to remain vigilant and maintain an appropriate level of personal security in all circumstances by reviewing your personal security plans,” the message said. The message also advised US nationals to remain aware of their surroundings, including local events; and to monitor news sources for updates.

The embassy, in same message, advised US nationals who see a suspicious package or object to not disturb it and instead notify an appropriate officials such as a police officer or building security staff, then leave the area.

“If you are in the vicinity when a security threat occurs, leave the area immediately. Do not approach the scene of a bombing or remain in the area,” the embassy said.

An earlier report on The Philippine Star indicated that three men with links to an extremist group were arrested in Quezon City saying former Quezon City police head Chief Superintendent Richard Albano identified the three as Ricardo Ayeras, Andrescio Valdez and Ricky Macapagal.

The report added that Ayeras is reportedly a member of the Rajah Solaiman Movement (RSM), a group reported to have an inlvolvement over the bombing of the Awang airport in Datu Odin Sinsuat.

The group was also reported to have link with the radical Abu Sayyaf bandit group.

Source: GMA news online