By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora
MANILA – The United States Embassy in Manila on Friday issued a direct warning to American nationals against affiliating with insurgent groups, including the New People’s Army (NPA), the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP).
In a security alert, the embassy reminded its nationals that the NPA is designated a “foreign terrorist organization” by both US and Philippine governments, and anyone in proximity of NPA elements is “at grave risk of arrest, injury, or death.”
“Foreign terrorist organizations actively recruit Americans to participate directly in terrorist activities and/or provide financial support,” it said.
“Areas of Heightened Concern include rural, mountainous regions of Leyte, Mindoro, Negros, and Samar, all of which have seen recent fatal clashes between NPA and Philippine forces,” it added.
The embassy said the advisory comes amid the recent intensified operations by the Armed Forces of the Philippines against the NPA.
On April 19, at least 19 individuals were killed in an armed encounter in Toboso, Negros Occidental, including two US citizens, Lyle Prijoles and Kai Dana-Rene Sorem.
The embassy advised its nationals to reach for its assistance should American citizens “unwittingly become associated” with a group they suspect is engaged in terrorism or armed opposition to the Philippine government.
“If you encounter armed individuals not affiliated with police or military, leave the area immediately,” it said.
It also noted that “some nongovernmental organizations” have affiliations with the NPA and other violent groups, and that Americans seeking volunteer in humanitarian causes should work with those registered with the Philippines National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency.
“Volunteer groups should also coordinate with local governments, which can provide reliable security information and local context,” it said. (PNA)
