The United States Embassy in Manila has issued a firm warning to American nationals, cautioning them against any affiliation with insurgent groups such as the New People’s Army (NPA), the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines.
In a security alert released Friday, the embassy underscored that the NPA is classified as a “foreign terrorist organization” by both the United States and Philippine governments, stressing that proximity to its members places individuals at “grave risk of arrest, injury, or death.”
“Foreign terrorist organizations actively recruit Americans to participate directly in terrorist activities or provide financial support,” the embassy said, highlighting the persistent risks faced by nationals in conflict-prone areas.
The advisory identified several “Areas of Heightened Concern,” including remote and mountainous regions in Leyte, Mindoro, Negros, and Samar—locations that have recently seen deadly clashes between insurgents and government troops.
The warning comes amid intensified operations by the Armed Forces of the Philippines against communist rebels. On April 19, at least 19 individuals were killed in an armed encounter in Toboso, Negros Occidental, including two American citizens identified as Lyle Prijoles and Kai Dana-Rene Sorem.
The embassy urged Americans who may have unknowingly come into contact with armed groups to immediately seek assistance. It also advised nationals to leave any area where they encounter armed individuals not affiliated with police or military forces.
Further, the embassy raised concerns about certain nongovernmental organizations that may have links to insurgent groups. Americans planning to engage in volunteer or humanitarian work were advised to partner only with organizations registered with the Philippines National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency and to coordinate with local government units for security guidance.
The embassy emphasized vigilance, urging Americans to stay informed and exercise caution as security operations continue in affected regions.