US Embassy Denies Ownership of Apartment in Olongapo City Amid Unauthorized Signage

The United States Embassy has publicly denied that a residential unit in Barangay Barretto, Olongapo City, is part of its official property portfolio. This statement comes after images circulated on social media showing a sign posted at the apartment gate claiming it was a US government facility.

"We confirm that this is not an official U.S. government property and understand that the sign has been removed," said Jameson DeBose, spokesperson for the US Embassy, on Tuesday, November 25.

The sign, which warned that unauthorized entry would lead to "persecution under international law," was accompanied by a US flag displayed near the entrance, causing confusion among residents and netizens.

The US Embassy in Manila, located on Roxas Boulevard in Ermita, remains the sole official diplomatic mission representing the United States in the Philippines. Aside from the embassy, the only other American government presence in the country is the US Consular Agency in Lahug, Cebu City, with no other permanent facilities elsewhere.

This incident clarifies that no official US government operations are conducted at the Olongapo apartment, reinforcing the embassy's exclusive jurisdiction within Metro Manila and Cebu.