Embassy of the United Kingdom, Manila

British Embassy, Manila Embahada ng Britanya, Maynila
Location	Metro Manila, Philippines
Address	120 Upper McKinley Hill, Taguig, Metro Manila 1630
Coordinates	14°32′26″N121°3′14″E / 14.54056°N 121.05389°E / 14.54056; 121.05389
Ambassador	Laure Beaufils
Website	Office Website

The British Embassy, Manila (Embahada ng Britanya, Maynila) is the chief diplomatic mission of the United Kingdom in the Philippines, with the Ambassador of the United Kingdom to the Philippines being the chief of mission. The embassy compound measures about 12,000 m², located at 120 Upper McKinley Hill, Taguig, Metro Manila, near the Manila American Cemetery.

History

Leandro V. Locsin Building (1989–2008)

During the coup attempt against President Cory Aquino, the Locsin Building, which housed the embassy and various companies, became a hiding place for the 40 members of the Reform the Armed Forces Movement. ^[1] During their time hiding at the building, the hiding RAM rebels later smashed the embassy's office windows.

On 12 September 2002, the British embassy, along with the other offices housed in the building, were briefly evacuated after a company employee received a call that they were going to bomb the embassy. After the evacuation, the bomb squad of the Philippine National Police led by SPO1 Eduardo Ugaddan conducted their search for the bomb, and at 10:15 am, they discovered that there were no planted bombs at the building. ^[2]

Taguig City, Metro Manila (2008–present)

In June 2006, the British embassy announced that they would build their new chancery in Taguig after Megaworld Corporation agreed to sell the 1.2 hectares of their 50-hectare land to them, which was later approved by the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs. ^[3] The groundbreaking began on March 2007, with the ceremony led by British ambassador Beckingham and Philippine officials including DFA secretary Alberto Romulo and Taguig mayor Sigfrido Tiñga. ^[4]

On 12 July 2008, during the tenure of ambassador Peter Beckingham, the chancery in Taguig was inaugurated, and after almost 19 years in Locsin Building, the staff members were moved to the said building. ^[5]

See also

• Philippines–United Kingdom relations
• British School Manila
• List of Ambassadors of the United Kingdom to the Philippines
• List of diplomatic missions of the United Kingdom
• List of diplomatic missions in the Philippines
• Embassy of the Philippines, London

References

1. "Coup bid in Philippines put down". New Straits Times . 4 December 1989. p. 1. Retrieved 29 June 2024. About 40 rebel soldiers were holed up on the second floor of the Locsin Building, which houses the British embassy, two Japanese companies, and many private offices.
2. Esguerra, Christian V.; Burgonio, TJ; Pazzibugan, Dona (13 September 2002). "Bomb scare hits UK embassy". Philippine Daily Inquirer . p. A20. Retrieved 29 June 2024.
3. Dizon, Nikko (9 June 2006). "UK to put up own embassy building". Philippine Daily Inquirer . p. A7. Retrieved 29 June 2024.
4. "British Embassy breaks ground at McKinley Hill". Philippine Daily Inquirer . 12 March 2007. p. B12. Retrieved 29 June 2024.
5. Jalbuena, Katrice R. (8 July 2008). "British Embassy moving to new location". The Manila Times . p. A6. Retrieved 29 June 2024.