US warns nationals in PHL amid threat of 'Pedring'

The threat posed by Typhoon Pedring) has prompted the United States to issue an emergency message to its nationals in the Philippines. In its emergency message, the US advised its nationals to keep updated, secure their travel documents, and inform US-based kin of their whereabouts. "In the event the typhoon affects where you live, locate shelter, monitor media reports, and follow all official instructions. Carry your travel documents at all times (i.e. U.S. passport, birth certificate, picture ID’s, etc.) or secure them in a safe, waterproof location. You should also contact friends and family in the United States with updates about your whereabouts," it said. Also, it urged its nationals to listen to the radio, watch television, or monitor http://metocph.nmci.navy.mil, www.typhoon2000.ph, or www.pagasa.dost.gov.ph. They can also consult the “Hurricane and Typhoon Season" page of the Bureau of Consular Affairs website. Updated information on travel in the Philippines may be obtained from the Department of State by calling 1-888-407-4747 within the United States and Canada, or from overseas, 1-202-501-4444. "These numbers are available from 8:00 am to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays)," it said. Temporary closure In case weather conditions force the Embassy to temporarily close, US nationals were advised to monitor the US Embassy’s website for updated information. For any emergencies involving US citizens, please contact the American Citizens Services Unit of the U.S. Embassy’s Consular Section, located at 1201 Roxas Boulevard, Ermita, Manila at telephone (02) 301-2000 extensions 2246 or 2567; after hours emergency telephone (02) 301-2000; fax (02) 301-2017; e-mail acsinfomanila@state.gov; web page http://manila.usembassy.gov. If the Embassy public phone number, 301-2000, is not operational, U.S. citizens who require emergency assistance may contact the American Citizens Services Unit through http://www.facebook.com/manila.usembassy or through acsinfomanila@state.gov or by calling the United States at the following numbers: 202-501-4444 (if calling from outside the United States or Canada) or 1-888-407-4747 (if calling from within the United States or Canada). For information on visas or to schedule an appointment, they can call (02) 982-5555 or (02) 902-8930 within the Philippines and other countries aside from mainland United States, or (214) 571-1600 for calls from mainland United States. They can also get information and book an appointment online at http://www.ustraveldocs.com/ph. For information regarding the Department of Veterans Affairs they can call (02) 318-8387 or 1-800-1888-8782 for the VA Clinic and (02)550-3888 or 1-800-1888-5252 for Benefits information. In the event of a temporary closure of the U.S. Embassy, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs will attempt to call all those with an existing appointment to reschedule. — RSJ, GMA News