3 countries join U.S. security alert in Philippines

• U.S. citizens urged to avoid 'American events'
• Authorities say there are no specific threats against westerners
• Increased security measures went into place after the killing of a U.S. diplomat in Libya

MANILA, Philippines (AP) -- Britain, Australia and Canada have joined the United States in warning their citizens of a security threat in the Philippines, particularly in the capital, Manila.

Philippine authorities say they have no information of a specific threat against Westerners but are treating the warnings seriously.

On Friday, the U.S. Embassy in Manila said "reliable security forces" detected a threat specifically in suburban Pasay City where it maintains a residential facility and a Veterans Affairs office. It urged U.S. citizens to avoid gatherings that may be regarded as "American events."

Metropolitan Manila police chief Leonardo Espina said Saturday that he had ordered heightened security for embassies with increased patrols by uniformed and plainclothes officers. Such measures were put in place after attacks that killed the American ambassador in Libya.