MANILA, Philippines?US Ambassador Harry Thomas said he, too, follows President Benigno Aquino III?s policy of not using a car siren in going to and from the US embassy in Manila or any appointments except in emergencies.

?We do not use a siren. We follow the law. The President said he did not want anyone using sirens except those allowed by the law and we respect it,? Thomas said at the Manila Overseas Press Club in Makati City Tuesday night.

Told that the embassy could seek an exemption from this policy for security reasons, Thomas said he had no intention of breaking the law of his host country.

?No, not for me. Unless we have an emergency or someone is in health emergency or if one of our people is going to a hospital, that's exempted,? he said.

He said the Philippine law on the use of sirens exempts any Filipinos, Americans or other nationals in an ambulance.

Exempted by the law from the ban are the top five officials of government?the President, the Vice President, the Senate President, the Speaker and the Chief Justice.

Having been in the Philippines for a few weeks, Thomas said he has already visited the troubled region of Mindanao once and did not feel any threat to his life.

Told that he could be an easy target for terrorists, Thomas replied: ?Should I run away? No, I feel very safe here. We are pleased to accept the law and we respect it and that?s what the President wants for everyone.?