The US Embassy in Manila confirmed yesterday that they received last Tuesday an envelope containing white powder suspected to be anthrax, which was sent from a US address.
Acting US Embassy spokesperson Karen Schinerrer said the mail received by the embassy was sent from an address in the US.
She said embassy personnel who came in contact with the suspicious envelope have undertaken all appropriate measures to ensure their safety and health.
“In cooperation with the Bureau of Fire and Protection, the Hazardous Materials Division, we followed standard procedures to isolate and secure the envelope,” Schinerrer said. “The investigation into the incident is ongoing. We fully appreciate the support of our Philippine partners in this matter.”
As of Dec. 31, 2008, Schinerrer said 76 US diplomatic facilities have received mail containing white powder. Tests conducted to date on the mail have resulted in the identification of no harmful elements.
“However, the comprehensive results have not been received yet from all affected facilities,” she said. – Pia Lee-Brago