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Climate Change Is Turning Antarctica Green
Dominique Mosbergen
HuffPost May 24, 2017 (Posted here 9:30 P.M., 24 May 2017)
A message from the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines that shows just how dangerous it can
be for U.S. Citizens not just there, but anywhere.
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. This City had a population of 131,000 people in the 2000 census and a head count (maybe), of 202,000 in 2015. Many of these people are from the rural areas due to the insurrection/ fighting that goes on there. As you can see, it is NOT a small town even though it is by size the least populated of any of the highly urbanized other Cities in the Country.
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.
And sadly, here is some of the latest news on the fighting. It will not end well for that Priest or those taken prisoner with him.
ISIS-linked militants attack Philippine city, behead police chief
The Associated Press Published 8:12 a.m. ET May 24, 2017 | Updated 8 hours ago (posted here 11:00 P.M., 24 May 2017)
Islamic State group-linked militants swept through a southern Philippine city, beheading a police chief, burning buildings, seizing a Catholic priest and his worshippers and raising the black flag of IS, authorities said Wednesday. President Rodrigo Duterte, who had declared martial law across the southern third of the nation, warned he may expand it nationwide.
At least 21 people have died in the fighting, officials said.
As details of the attack in Marawi city emerged, fears mounted that the largest Roman Catholic nation in Asia could be falling into a growing list of countries grappling with the spread of influence from the Islamic State group in Syria and Iraq.
The violence erupted Tuesday after the army raided the hideout of Isnilon Hapilon, a commander of the Abu Sayyaf militant group who has pledged allegiance to IS. He is on Washington’s list of most-wanted terrorists with a $5 million reward for information leading to his capture.
The militants called for reinforcements and around 100 gunmen entered Marawi, a mostly Muslim city of 200,000 people on the southern island of Mindanao, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said.
Marawi Bishop Edwin de la Pena said the militants forced their way into the Marawi Cathedral and seized a Catholic priest, 10 worshippers and three church workers.
The priest, Father Chito, and the others had no role in the conflict, said Archbishop Socrates Villegas, president of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines.
As one can again see, these people will go anywhere, do anything to achieve any goal be it long or short term as long as it creates murder and mayhem.
Be alert, be safe. 'nuff said'.