17/11/2025
Message to U.S. Citizens:
Demonstration Alert: Suspension of Public Services at U.S. Embassy on November 18, 2025, due to Ongoing Rally in Rizal Park
https://ph.usembassy.gov/demonstration-alert-suspension.../
Location: Rizal Park and Roxas Boulevard
Event: Iglesia ni Cristo rally, November 16-18, 2025
The religious organization Iglesia ni Cristo is holding a three-day rally in Rizal Park in Manila that commenced on November 16 and will continue through November 18, 2025. Visitors to the area should expect heavy traffic and road closures around Rizal Park and nearby areas, including the immediate vicinity of the U.S. Embassy.
Due to the embassy’s close proximity to the rally site and the expectation of heavy traffic congestion and security in the immediate vicinity of the embassy, we are suspending public services on Tuesday, November 18th.
U.S. citizens needing emergency assistance may call +(63) (2) 5301-2000. All routine American Citizens Services appointments will be rescheduled. Consular customers should check their email for updates.
Actions to Take
•U.S. citizens should avoid the rally. Foreign nationals found engaging in a protest or mass demonstration could be considered in violation of their immigration status, as stated in Operation Order SMB-2015-025 (https://immigration.gov.ph/.../2023/12/SBM-2015-026.pdf)
•Follow local media and government sources for updates on possible disruptions and for traffic rerouting schemes due to the event.
•Exercise caution when in the vicinity of any large gatherings, as even peaceful rallies/demonstrations have the potential to turn violent without warning. Follow instructions from local authorities.
For further information and assistance:
•Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (step.state.gov) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
•Contact the U.S. Embassy in Manila, Philippines, located at 1201 Roxas Boulevard, at +(63) (2) 5301-2000, from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. After-hours emergency number for U.S. citizens is +(63) (2) 5301-2000.
•Call 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
•See the State Department’s travel website(https://travel.state.gov/content/travel.html) for the Worldwide Caution, Travel Advisories, Alerts, and the Philippines Country Specific Information (https://travel.state.gov/.../Internation.../Philippines.html).
