The US embassy in Manila has warned Americans in the Philippines of “an ongoing threat of terrorist actions and violence” and advised them to remain vigilant.
A security message for US citizens posted on its website on Monday cited the discovery early last week of an improvised explosive device in a trash bin near the embassy premises.
“The US citizen community should remember that terrorists have proven time and again their preference for ‘soft targets,’ or places that offer inherent vulnerabilities, ease of access and the potential availability of a large number of unprotected people,” the advisory said.
It said terrorists have targeted sporting events, places of worship, hotels, restaurants, shopping malls and other public areas.
Philippine police have arrested three suspected members of an Islamic State-inspired terror group who allegedly planted the bomb, which failed to explode.
The embassy said the State Department had issued on Sept. 9 a worldwide warning of threats against US citizens and interests abroad, including the Philippines.