American nationals told: Don’t join political rallies in Philippines

CEBU, Philippines —  The U.S. Embassy in Manila, along with the U.S. Consular Agency here in Cebu, has issued a reminder to American citizens to avoid participating in large rallies or crowds in line with the upcoming national and local elections on May 9.

 “As the election nears, we remind U.S. citizens that foreign nationals are prohibited by Philippine law from engaging in partisan political activities in the country,” part of the message reads.

For their safety during the election period, foreign nationals, including U.S. citizens, are discouraged from participating in large rallies or crowds, it said.

“Foreign nationals found engaging in a protest or mass demonstration could be considered in violation of their immigration status.”

The message also elaborated on the safety measures to be observed throughout the election period for civilians.

Meanwhile, earlier, the U.S Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has de-escalated the COVID-19 risk level for traveling to the Philippines to alert level 2.

As per CDC, level 2 is considered a moderate level of COVID-19.

Last February, the country was classified by the CDC under alert level 4 then downgraded to level 3 earlier this month and went down further to alert level 2.

“Travelers are expected to be fully vaccinated before travel while unvaccinated travelers who are at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19 are advised to avoid nonessential travel to this destination. If you must travel and have concerns, talk to your doctor,” the center said.

CDC uses Travel Health Notices (THNs) to alert travelers and other audiences to health threats around the world as well as advise them on how to protect themselves.

From a 3-level notice system, CDC then adopted a 4-level system for COVID-19 and updated the criteria used to determine THN levels on November 21, 2020.  — JMD (FREEMAN)