A controversial film that angered many Muslim groups worldwide has been banned in Manila, with the city government threatening to close down establishments that show it.

 

Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim gave this assurance to imams or religious leaders during a meeting in the city, radio dzBB reported early Thursday.

 

Lim was quoted in the report as saying he will not allow the showing of the film "Innocence of Muslims" in the city.

 

The film had triggered outrage among many Muslim groups, and had been tagged as the reason behind an attack on the US Embassy in Libya that killed a US diplomat.

 

It also prompted the terrorist network Al-Qaeda to order more attacks on US posts worldwide.

 

Earlier, the Philippine National Police tightened security around the US Embassy in Manila in the wake of such threats.

 

Lim also said that because of the security risks, those who want the film shown in Manila cannot cite freedom of speech in fighting the ban.

 

He added he will have movie houses and shopping malls found showing the film closed down. –KG, GMA News