US gov't advises nationals to avoid Manila Peninsula area

The United States government warned its nationals in the Philippines to avoid the vicinity of the Manila Peninsula hotel in Makati City, where Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV, Brig. Gen. Danilo Lim and their supporters have gathered since walking out of a court hearing Thursday morning.

In a public announcement posted on its website, the US Embassy in Manila said demonstrators have already started to converge near the hotel and emergency vehicles are already causing tightening of traffic flow in the area.

"The parties involved in the 2003 'Oakwood Mutiny' have walked out of the Makati Regional Trial Courthouse in protest of court proceedings," the US embassy said.

"Approximately 50 individuals are demonstrating along Makati Avenue in the vicinity of the Manila Peninsula Hotel. Emergency vehicles and personnel are in the area causing considerable traffic delays. All are encouraged to avoid this area," it added.

Source: GMANews.TV
Dated: 11/29/07