Avoid Crime in Philippines

Crime in The Philippines

Avoid Criminals in the Philippines

Setups in hotel rooms - legal age lady invites an underage girl to the room (a "sister," "cousin," etc.) - next thing you know a police officer will be at the door. You will need an attorney!

Pickpockets in malls, in jeepneys, on sidewalks, in crowds.

Robbery at gunpoint - stay alert.

Be careful where you walk at night.

Ask someone where not to walk (eg. a security guard or a desk clerk at your hotel.)

Snatchers - will grab the necklace off your girl's neck and run.

Someone tries to befriend you - "Hey Joe, I've been to the US also..." - don't answer, just keep walking.

Someone tries to sell you a gun - it is illegal for foreigners to own guns - see self defense in the Philippines.

Be especially alert in bus stations.

On the bus, sit near the front of the bus so that you can make a hasty exit if armed robbers get on the bus and start demanding money (advice from a police officer.)

The two locks shown above will adjust to fit different inswing doors.

Carry some kind of traveler's security door lock to use when staying in hotel rooms. Try it when you preview the room. Make sure it fits the door before you check in.

On two occasions someone has tried to get into my hotel room in the Philippines. One time, at a cheap hotel in Batangas, the person used a tool, which left marks on the door and door frame, while we were sleeping. In the morning I noticed a lot of pry marks and it was hard to open the door. The other time, at the Mariche Apartelle in Cavite (across from SM Bacoor Mall), we were awake and heard someone trying our door. Both times I had inserted a steel lock like the one in the second image. It foiled both attempts to get in.

If you would like to order a lock, like the one I use, contact me. This lock works on doors which swing into the room.

Here is an idea for a makeshift lock made out of a common dinner fork. It does not appear very secure, but it looks like it would make some noise if entry was attempted, and it would provide more security than no lock at all.

Avoid Criminals. DO NOT do the following:

Do not wear gold jewelry in the Philippines.
Do not wear diamond rings in the Philippines.
Do not wear expensive glasses in the Philippines.
Do not wear expensive watches in the Philippines.
Do not display expensive cell phones or tablets.
Do not drive expensive cars in the Philippines.
Do not carry a lot of cash.
Do not hire taxicabs that have no signs on the doors or on the windowsills inside the car.
Do not walk on dark streets.
Do not be a belligerent, overbearing, bossy foreigner.

Never call anyone "stupid" if you value your life.
Always be "nice" and respectful.

Maintain a low profile as much as possible.
However, all Anglos are considered "rich" by the majority of Filipinos. In fact, all foreigners are considered rich.

Do not buy gold jewelry or diamonds or any expensive items for your Filipino girlfriend. Unless she is rich by Philippine standards, she or some member of her family will probably eventually pawn them (if they have not already been stolen from her by a stranger, "friend" or family member.) Save these purchases for after you are married. Keep in mind she may be a scammer.

This is not a complete list of tips but it should be helpful. Will add more later.

Be alert and have a good time in the Philippines.

Have you been a victim of a break in, a snatcher or a pickpocket? Or do you have ideas regarding security? Please share your experience or suggestions with other readers by making a comment below.

Update Sept. 25, 2015: Abduction close to Davao on the island of Mindanao. Read a startling and enlightening news report about it here. 

Was this article helpful?

If you have found this article helpful, have suggestions, advice or insights please "comment" below.

This article will be expanded upon. Please check back for more information about crime in the Philippines. This page last updated June 3, 2022.

Home Security Philippines

Security Systems

Home Security in the Philippines

Many homes and apartments are fitted with window units wherein the bars are an integral part of the window unit and the swinging windows. These are cemented into the casement very securely. In essence, when you open the windows, the openings are still protected by a grid of bars on the inside.

Steel window unit with integral bars.

Most homes and apartments in the Philippines have steel or iron bars covering their windows. The bars are welded to a steel or iron frame around them. Then the bar unit is screwed or bolted into the window casement.

Window bars mounted in the casement.

Some window bars are mounted outside the casement.

Window bars mounted outside the window opening.

Some window bars are made of re-bar as are some security fences and gates. Some are fancier wrought iron.

Many apartments, homes, and townhouses have gated car parks.

Gated parking areas at townhouses.

You can purchase some inexpensive home security devices like what you find at Ace Hardware of the USA. Ace Hardware . Many Philippines stores are located in malls.

At Ace Hardware you may find smoke detectors, carbon  monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers, window bars and more.

Ask around and you can find metal workers who can make security window bars and gates for your property.

Of course, some of these products are also found at other hardware stores in malls.

You can find electronics stores in malls that sell more complete home security systems which include CCTV cameras, sensors, alarms, and DVD's.

10 Ways To Secure Your Home in the Philippines

Shopping malls and many stores in the Philippines have uniformed armed guards at the entrances and inside stores.

Security guards at mall entrances.

Want to do it yourself and save money? Read "How to install a home security system." It details how to install a kit system using door sensors, window sensors and fire sensors.

Read my article about self defense in the Philippines.

Was this article helpful?

If you have found this article helpful, have suggestions, advice or insights please "comment" below.

This article will be expanded upon. Please check back for more information about  home security and security systems in the Philippines. This page last updated April 28, 2022.

Self Defense Philippines

Firearms & Self-Defense in the Philippines

Guns & rifles may be used under certain conditions.

Self-Defense in the Philippines

See updates below.

Thinking about moving from the USA to the Philippines to live? Basically, you will be defenseless while you are in the Philippines. As you will be in most countries you visit. You will be reduced to using your fists or if you have training in martial arts that may help in times of need. Best if you keep a low profile and treat everyone you encounter with respect. Filipinos will be friendly if you are. Treat them like dirt and you may very well regret it! I have seen a guy thrown out of a bar in Angeles City for some reason. He took a drunken swing at the bouncer. He should have left peacefully. He was the recipient of several punches from bystanders and tricycle drivers. Fortunately, he was able to walk away.

If you think gun laws in the USA are restrictive you ain't seen anything yet. Read about the

new gun laws in the Philippines which were just signed into law by the President of the Philippines (the news story is dated June 2, 2013.)

According to the story (dated June 2, 2013):
"the gun holder should be a Filipino, at least 21 years old, a taxpayer, and has not been convicted of a crime.
Under RA 10591, only small firearms may be registered by licensed Filipino citizens or licensed juridical entities for ownership, possession and concealed carry." But only the military and law enforcement "can lawfully acquire and possess high-powered weapons."  And "All licenses should be renewed after two years or risk revocation of the license and confiscation of the firearm." Learn more by clicking on the link above.

Semi-Automatic Rifles

Update March 6, 2024

Rifles for civilians to boost defense vs China

Story by Emmanuel Tupas

 • 10h

MANILA, Philippines — The decision of the Philippine National Police (PNP) allowing gun enthusiasts to own and register 7.62 semi-automatic rifles will boost the country’s external defense against China’s aggression, the head of the Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption (VACC) said yesterday.

Update March 6, 2024 - PhilStar Global - Manila, Philippines — Civilian gun owners can now own and register 7.62mm semi-automatic rifles, according to the Philippine National Police (PNP).

Upon enactment of Republic Act 10591, civilian ownership of rifles was prohibited although they were allowed to license and sell them, she added.

A technical working group was formed to study the possibility of amending certain provisions related to the function and authority of PNP chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr.

Update at Inquirer.net Mar. 27, 2014: Gun Owners to Go to Supreme Court Over New Rules.

Read this great post by JohnM titled

"Foreigner + Gun = Prison." He even covers the idea of your Filipino spouse owing a gun. This is a must read.

See this Wikipedia article about guns in the Philippines for more insight into past and present gun ownership issues.

Foreigners are not allowed to possess firearms in the Philippines. So, how to protect your dwelling and property in the Philippines? You could rent a home or apartment in a "secure" neighborhood. Another way would be to purchase a condo in a building which has "good" security. What does good security consist of? Well, armed guards at the entrances of condo buildings, armed guards at the entrances of residential subdivisions. Some subdivisions have roaming armed guards. And be very sure everyone you allow into your residence can be fully trusted, beyond a shadow of a doubt. If you are married to a Filipina, she and her family members could possibly get gun permits and purchase weapons at gun shows or gun stores. But as one blogger said "in the Philippines ladies are not considered to be pistol packing mamas" so, if the police respond, they will likely assume you did the shooting even though the weapon is registered to her.

Update July 15, 2016 (excerpt from newsinfo inquirer dot net)

"Gun Permits Made Easier:"

"PNP chief Director General Ronald de la Rosa said the 10 requirements for a license to own and possess firearms (LTOPF) have been reduced to just four: the neuro-psychiatric screening, drug test, police clearance and the RTC/MTC or NBI clearance."

What about the carrying of knives? Here is a page from the Philippine Law Dictionary. Do you know what self-defense weapons foreigners and Filipinos are allowed to carry? Please submit a comment below.

Gun shows in the Philippines.

Regardless the dangers, it is reported that there are about 300,000 US citizens living in the Philippines. Some of those are dual citizenship Filipinos. I have read that approximately 30,000 US citizens are living in Angeles City.

I have lived in the Philippines for over 5 years and have only experienced 2 pick pocketing attempts and a snatching. My wife and I were walking near a bus station in Manila when a thief tore a necklace and pendant off her neck and ran back the other way. It was not an expensive necklace. We chased him through the heavy crowd on the sidewalk and down a side street. He disappeared. We approached 2 police officers near a fast food restaurant and asked for help and described what had happened. One responded, "I think I know who it was. Maybe he gave it to his aunt." I told him I would give him a reward if he could retrieve it and gave him my cell phone number. The next day he called and said that he had retrieved the pendant but not the necklace. We took a long ride in a jeepney to go meet him. He returned the pendant but I did not give him a reward because he did not retrieve the necklace and we had spent about 2 hours traveling to go meet him. My wife offered to buy him some food at the fast food place he was stationed near. He said he had plenty of food but wanted money. She told me let's just walk away and that is what we did! Living in the Philippines will take some getting used to.

Pickpockets, Crime and Security in the Philippines

Armed Security Guards check bags at most malls we have visited.
We always feel safe in the malls. We have never seen an incident.

Probably the safest places to be in the Philippines are in the world class shopping malls. There are armed guards at all entrances. They search inside all handbags, backpacks, sling bags, all other bags and even sealed boxes shoppers bring into the malls. They even do a quick pat down at the waist checking for weapons (as seen in the picture.)  

Inside the malls many merchants have uniformed guards at their entrances. 

In the Philippines all Western foreigners are called "American." Don't ask me why, I don't know. All "Americans" are considered "rich." So, whether you dress well or dress down you are still seen to be "rich." When traveling via jeepney, tricycle or bus always be cautious. The US Dept. of State issues travel advisories. In an advisory in 2011 it advised travelers to the Philippines not to ride on motorcycles, tricycles, jeepneys, buses or trains. The advice was to use only metered taxis. However, taxis are hardly ever found outside major metropolitan areas. We traveled, without harm, for over 5 years using all available modes of transportation.

Beware of pickpockets, especially when riding in jeepneys. Read my post about my run ins with thieves titled "Pick pockets in the Philippines. Crime in the Philippines."

Another excellent method of self-defense is Krav Maga. Filipinos, visit the International Krav Maga Federation of the Philippines website where Filipino is spoken.

If would like to train in your country do a Google search for "krav maga" in your city or a nearby city. 

 

There are legal self-defense methods for foreigners in the                  Philippines.

I have lived in the Philippines for about 5 years without major incident.

Find Attorneys in the Philippines.

If you have insights, suggestions or questions please let me know in "comments" below.

Was this article helpful?

If you have found this article helpful, have suggestions, advice or insights please "comment" below.

This article will be expanded upon. Please check back for more information about self defense, foreigners and guns and gun shows in the Philippines. This page last updated July 20, 2022.

Pickpockets Philippines

Pickpockets in the Philippines

Watch out, pickpockets are everywhere! The human type steals the most.

Pickpockets on jeepneys in the Philippines

On two occasions I have been the victim of pick pockets who failed in their attempts to rob me while riding in jeepneys.

The first time the pickpocket had already emptied my wallet and pushed the money and credit cards under the bench. I finally realized that he was trying to rob me and I grabbed his wrist and raised his hand quickly in the air and held it there while I repeatedly tapped the driver on the shoulder and told him several times "a guy is trying to rob me." The driver totally ignored my taps and repeated statements. Apparently the pickpocket was in cahoots with the driver who would retrieve the loot when he parked the jeepney at the jeepney terminal at SM Clark City Mall (near the old Clark Field Base).

This young pickpocket and an old man were working as a team. The young man was dressed in a t-shirt with bold blue and white horizontal stripes and looked like a rather wealthy college student. The "student" dropped some coins as he was handing them to me to pass to the driver. The old, unkempt, man across from me extended his leg and tried to "retrieve" the coin from under the bench I was sitting on. He kept up his foot action to distract me while the pickpocket was emptying my wallet. Fortunately my action prompted the two of them to hurriedly get off the jeepney at the next stop.

After the pickpocket team left the jeepney, a young lady, who had witnessed the whole thing, told me that my stuff was under the bench. I thanked her and bent over and recovered my stuff from under the seat. It was all there, including my credit cards and about 2,000 pesos of paper money.

You will be squeezed into a spot on one of the benches in a jeepney. Do not carry a lot of money. Keep your bag at your chest and keep a hand on it. Be very aware of who sits next to you.

The second time I was in a jeepney on Fields Avenue in the Balibago section of Angeles City. He climbed in and sat close to me. I happened to look down at my shoulder bag and noticed some sales receipts sticking out of the unzipped pocket (a zipper that I always keep zipped closed). He had a jacket over his arm and was still very close to me. I pushed him rather gently with my elbow and he didn't move away. I gently pushed about 3 more times and he still never moved further away. Finally he apparently gave up and got out when the jeepney stopped to let another passenger off. You should have seen the way he looked when he was walking toward the sidewalk. His face was totally scrunched up in disgust. Foiled again! After he had left another passenger let me know that she had indeed seen the activity but was too scared to say anything at the time.

I don't know how often actions similar to mine end of with an American getting stabbed or shot. But I am glad that nothing worse happened to me.

To learn about how to protect yourself from pickpockets read this wikitravel article.

Even "lofty" politicians are not immune to someone taking the watch right off their wrist while they are shaking hands in a crowd! And, they are surrounded by bodyguards.

Most Filipinos are Honest

To be fair to Filipinos, there have been more than a few occasions when I have dropped money while in line at fast food restaurants in the Philippines or dropped my hat while riding in a jeepney. Each time a Filipino has tapped me on the arm or shoulder and let me know about it. Of course I thanked them profusely. The vast majority of Filipinos are scrupulously honest and very pleasant people.

Read about the Most Common Crimes in the Philippines. Learn how to avoid being a victim.

Read what the US State Department has to say about threats to your safety and security in the Philippines.

If you have had experiences with pickpockets in the Philippines please share with my readers by making comments below.

If you are considering buying real estate in the Philippines.

Was this article helpful?

If you have found this article helpful, have suggestions, advice or insights please "comment" below.

Subscribe in a reader

This post will be expanded. Check back for more information about pickpockets and crime in the Philippines. Last updated June 4, 2022.