Conflicts and War in the Philippines

 

Conflicts and War in the Philippines

Conflicts and War on Mindanao, Philippines

Watch the video above about tension, fighting and occasional "war" on the island of Mindanao in the Philippines.

I spent about 1 and 1/2 months with my Filipina wife visiting chat mates on the island of Mindanao. Visited the cities of Cagayan de Oro on the North coast and General Santos City, the Southernmost city on the Island. See my page about Flying in the Philippines. And, check out hotels in the Philippines. We stayed at several hotels on Mindanao. We were stopped at military checkpoints in General Santos City and in South Cotabato.  We were on the way to a friend's family farm which is about 5 kilometers from North Cotabato. There have been occasional clashes between rebels and the Philippine army in North Cotabato. On the way to the farm we passed a Muslim school. After we returned to Manila there was a conflict near a pineapple plantation we passed on our trip.

Give it a go. Visit Mindanao. But stay alert.

See what the Australian government advises about travel to Mindanao. See what the USA government advises. What the Canadian government advises.
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UPDATES (excerpts from Australia's Smart Traveler site):

• On 3 November 2016, the US Government warned that terrorists are planning to conduct kidnappings in areas frequented by foreigners on the southern part of Cebu Island, specifically the areas around Dalaguete and Santander (including Sumilon Island). See Safety and security.
• On 23 May 2017, the Philippines Government declared Martial Law in Mindanao for 60 days. Measures imposed under Martial Law may include the suspension of the writ of habeas corpus, the imposition of curfews and establishment of checkpoints. Monitor media reporting and follow the instructions of local authorities. 
• There is a very high threat of kidnapping in the southern Philippines, especially along the Zamboanga peninsula and in the Sulu Archipelago. Tourists in southern Palawan, southern Negros or Siquijor could also be targeted.
• The deterioration in security in Mindanao has resulted in a more volatile security environment in the Philippines. Travellers are reminded of the high threat of terrorist attack in the Philippines, including Manila. Exercise heightened caution at this time. Be vigilant about your surrounds. Monitor the media for information that may impact on your security. Follow local authorities' advice. 

See what Canada says about Safety and Security in the Philippines.

If you are the daring, adventurous type, while you are on Mindanao be sure to visit the beach at Dolores Tropicana Beach Resort on Sarangani Bay at General Santos City. Dine there too!

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This article will be expanded upon. Please check back for more information about conflicts and war on Mindanao 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.

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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.

Home Loans Philippines

Get a housing loan.

Home Loans in the Philippines

Ready to buy a home or condo?

Should you ask a banker, a property broker or a mortgage broker to advise you about getting a home loan?

Find out why Ryan Ong says Mortgage  Brokers Get You The Cheapest Loans.
It appears that is probably a good way to save money.

How to find a good, licensed mortgage broker and read the good advice at this link. Do not trust every broker, read what to watch out for.

It is essential to have a Filipino attorney advise you and review all of your real estate and loan documents before entering into a loan or a property purchase agreement.

Ask questions of your property agent, banker and/or the property developer regarding a loan. But it appears it will be best to rely on the assistance of a mortgage broker to arrange the lowest rate home loan.

If you cannot find a mortgage broker, then it will be up to you or your attorney to check mortgage rates at several banks. Find the lowest rates. Read about money and banks in the Philippines.

Whatever you do, don't buy a home or condo near a

pig farm or chicken farm.
You will probably get sick enough that you will need to know about hospitals and doctors in the Philippines. This is why it is a good idea to purchase property in a better location far away from pigs and chickens.

Oh, don't forget to check and see if any neighbors of a property raise hogs in their yards.

Foreigners are not permitted to purchase land or houses in the Philippines.

But, if you are married to a Filipino, your spouse may purchase land, houses and condos.

Foreigners are permitted to purchase condominiums in the Philippines.

Read more about buying property in the Philippines.

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Disclaimer: I am not a mortgage broker or lender.

This article will be expanded upon. Please check back to read more about home loans, bankers, property agents and mortgage brokers in the Philippines. Last updated July 18, 2022.

Money and Banking in the Philippines.

Banks in the Philippines

Money and Banking in the Philippines

Visitors to the Philippines - check out Currency Regulations in the Philippines before leaving home.

Use this handy International Currency Converter to find current exchange rates. This is not a warranty of its accuracy, but I have found it to be quite accurate. 

BPI 

Which bank to use in the Philippines? My favorite bank is the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI). Banks in shopping malls often have many people waiting to be served. Some have seating for those waiting, some do not. For example, Banco de Oro (BDO) has long lines and few seats, and it is common to stand in line for up to 45 minutes before being called to a teller. On the other hand, BPI has chairs or padded benches to relax on while you are waiting to be called. BPI has a ticket system where you enter information about your transaction (deposit or withdrawal, etc.) The machine will issue you a ticket with a number on it. Your number will be called when you are next to be served. If you need to see a bank officer your wait will be shorter.

Another difference between BDO and BPI:  the last I knew BDO charges a fee to deposit and a fee to withdraw money. BPI does not charge such fees. If you discover that they now charge fees, please notify me by commenting below.

Some of the largest banks in the Philippines:

1. Banco de Oro Universal Bank (BDO Unibank)
2. Metropolitan Bank and Trust Company
3. Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI)
4. Land Bank of the Philippines
5. Philippine National Bank
6. Development Bank of the Philippines
7. China Banking Corporation (Chinabank)

The banks most commonly found in shopping malls are:

Banco de Oro (BDO), Bank of the Philippine Islands

(BPI), and China Banking Corporation (Chinabank.)

A more complete list of major banks in the Philippines.

If you are selecting a bank, ask the bank manager if there are safe deposit boxes available. I have read that you must be a regular customer and must have large deposits in the bank. I just discovered online that Philippine National Bank (PNB) offers safe deposit boxes and has the fees posted (call the bank to confirm.)

If you are in the USA or another country and want to open an account with a Philippine bank. You may want to use PNB which has many offices in the USA and other countries.

Warning: I tried to cash Travelers Checks at Western Union in Manila and discovered that they do not accept them. Almost nobody accepts them. Do some research online before purchasing them. I have read that some banks, hotels and restaurants will accept them.

Warning: if you wire funds to a bank in the Philippines there will be a wait of about 10 days before the funds will be available to you. The money arrives at the bank within hours or a day or two but for some reason the money cannot be withdrawn fast. If you write a check on a U.S. bank it will take 30 days to clear.

If you are planning on staying for an extended length of time in the Philippines, it is a good idea to open a Peso account and a Dollar account (or an account in your home currency.) Everything is priced on Pesos. And, with a Dollar and Peso account you can wait until the exchange rate is more favorable before exchanging your currency for Philippine Pesos. Another reason is so that you can exchange Dollars for Pesos at the "onshore rate." It will cost you considerably less than exchanging in your country.

If you send money via Western Union tell them you want the money to arrive in the Philippines as US Dollars. If you send it as Pesos you will lose when your dollars are converted to Pesos by Western Union.

There are money changers with small sidewalk offices, but it is much safer to change your money in a mall. Often there is someone looking over your shoulder while changing on the sidewalk.

If you exchange a large amount of money at a mall you can ask a bank guard to request a mall security guard to take you to your car. If you do not have a car then exercise extreme caution. Be aware of who may be watching you exchange, be aware of anyone who may be following you. Take precautions. Maybe take a family member, relative, or a trusted Filipino friend with you to the bank.

Banks and bank branches usually have at least two armed security guards. One outside and one or two inside.
They are armed with pistols and shotguns, are very professional, happy to answer questions.

Armored truck personnel are more heavily armed.

Need to hire someone to work for you? See information and charts about how much money do Filipinos earn?

Check out foods to avoid in the Philippines.

Discover Filipino Foods Americans Like.

You will find many American restaurants in the Philippines.

There are grocery stores where you may buy American and European foods.

Malls in the Philippines are World Class! And they feature world class cinemas and restaurants chains from all over the world.

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This article will be expanded upon. Please check back to read more about money and banking in the Philippines. This page last updated July 18, 2022.

Bad Food in Philippines and USA.

Don't eat bad food.

Bad food, commonly thought of as "good food." 

Watch the movie above to discover what is wrong with eating meats. It may change your mind about which foods you will eat from now on.

"If anyone wants to save the planet all they have to do is just stop eating meat…vegetarianism takes care of so many things in one shot: ecology, famine, cruelty."
~ Paul McCartney

Check out this article: Want to Help Save the Planet? Stop Eating Meat. It addresses many reasons for not eating meat, not the least of which is filth in factory farms.

To avoid the bad stuff try eating as a vegetarian or try eating as a Vegan.

Avoid Genetically Modified foods.

If you still want to eat meat after watching the above short video, try a local restaurant. After dining, please consider sharing some of your wealth with

street children and orphanages in the Philippines.

Want some familiar Western or other ethnic foods? You will find many American fast food franchises in the Philippines.  This is an extensive list with links to help you find local branches near you as you travel the Philippines.

"Even today, the problem of food safety in the Philippines is largely blamed on a lack of enforcement. Tap water is often undrinkable, and food sold by street vendors is still classified as unsafe by the US Center for Disease Control." From an article dated July 11, 2015 at csmonitor.com about the incident where 1,300 school children were sickened eating a Filipino candy.

Be careful, don't get sick, check out other Foods To Avoid in the Philippines.

Be careful about drinking water and Slurpees in the Philippines.

Two months after arriving in the US from the Philippines my daughter and I ate chicken nuggets at KFC. We both got sick. I had to rush my daughter to the emergency room. The doctor said it could be a virus or it could be the chicken!

Find grocery stores in the Philippines. In these stores you will be able to find some American foods, drinks and snacks.

Try some Filipino foods Americans like.

Learn about genetically modified foods

(GMO) in the Philippines.

Expose about famous fast-food restaurants (2025)!

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This article will be expanded upon. Please check back for more expose about the bad foods in the Philippines and in the USA. This page last updated April 23, 2025.

Dentists Philippines

Dentists in the Philippines

Click to enlarge this amalgum image

Dentists in the Philippines

Mercury in Fillings and Root Canals

97% of terminal cancer patients previously had root canals!
(See a short video by Dr. Mercola)

Why to say no to a root canal.

Update Apr. 28, 2014: Read about the possible negative effects of having a root canal.

Update Sept. 18, 2024 about why not to do root canals and crowns.

The prices in the chart above are U.S. prices.

NOTE: Go to a typical dentist in the USA.

Go get your teeth cleaned and then have them tell you "Oh, you need a deep cleaning now." How much is that? "Oh, it will be $350." So, I said to the dentist, 

"What a scam! Who dreamed this one up? It used to be that when you got a cleaning it was a thorough cleaning. Say you hire a maid to clean your house and pay her then she says, 'Oh, sir you really need a deep cleaning now....' " Same, same HUH?! He did not appreciate my comment. He would not keep me as a "patient."

Try to find an honest dental practice in the USA nowadays! Oh, by the way, in the Philippines a cleaning is a cleaning. No BS. And only the dentists do the cleanings. No cleanings done by assistants!

Mercury Poisoning -

Root Canals Pose Health Risks.

Protocol for amalgam (mercury fillings) removal.

Find dentists in Metro Manila and other cities of the Philippines.

See mercury vapors being released into the mouth from amalgam fillings!

Mercury free dentists in Philippines.

Find mercury free dentists in the USA.
  

“There is no safe dose of radiation since radiation is cumulative. Harm in the form of excess human cancer occurs at all doses of ionizing radiation, down to the lowest conceivable dose and dose rate.” ~ John Gofman, Ph.D., M.D. in Radiation and Human Health -

 Are you sure you want those dental Xrays?

Try some of the best restaurants. After dining please consider sharing some of your wealth with street children and orphanages in the Philippines.

Want some familiar Western or other ethnic foods? You will find many American fast food franchises in the Philippines.  This is an extensive list. Check their sites to find local branches near you as you travel the Philippines.

Be careful, check out Foods To Avoid in the Philippines.

Find grocery stores in the Philippines. In these stores you will be able to find some American foods, drinks and snacks.

Try some Filipino foods Americans like.

Try vegetarian eating.

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This article will be expanded upon. Please check back for more information about dentists in the Philippines. This page last updated Sept. 28, 2024.

Nuclear Radiation a Hazzard

Fukushima Disaster

U.S. orders 14 million Potassium Iodide tablets for children of Pacific Rim islands (reported Dec. 9, 2013.)

Is Japan exporting food to your country?

What effect will the Fukushima disaster have on the Philippines?

Will foodstuffs be contaminated? Produce, Rice, Grains, Fruits, Fish?

Japan has banned the national and international sale of fish caught in the vicinity of Fukushima.

Should we eat Pacific Ocean fish?

"Deep-dwelling fish, such as cod, flounder, sole, halibut and pollock, caught in waters surrounding the plant still show high levels of contamination, which was a bit of a mystery to scientists until the recent announcement of continued spill of radioactive water into the ocean off the Fukushima plant" (excerpt from article at the link above).

Watch this short video where Arnie Gunderson talks about Fukushima and its effect on Pacific Ocean fish. His comments about Pacific Ocean fish is in the last part of the video.

Fukushima farmers describe what it's like to harvest poisoned food.

See Foods to Avoid in the Philippines.

For new insight into the disaster read this article dated Oct. 1, 2013: 

11 Facts about the ongoing Fukushima Nuclear Holocaust too Horrifying to Believe and read about the Ten Most Radioactive Places On Earth.

I have tried to find updates from the Philippine government but have not been able to find any to date. Will post more information when it is available.

Update June 11, 2015: I just found the following YouTube video, about turning your smart phone into a Geiger counter, which you may find helpful.

 
PROOF that rains bring radiation to US and Canada from Fukushima. For those of you living in the USA there is a radiation map available for viewing.

Update June 24, 2015: What's Really Going On At Fukushima?

Check out Helen Caldicott's website for more information.

Check out this article "Fukushima radiation taints US milk supplies at levels 2000 percent higher than EPA maximums."

“There is no safe dose of radiation since radiation is cumulative. Harm in the form of excess human cancer occurs at all doses of ionizing radiation, down to the lowest conceivable dose and dose rate.” ~ John Gofman, Ph.D., M.D. in Radiation and Human Health -

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Update from SHTFplan.com August 21, 2015:

"Elite Hiding in Bunkers to Escape War with China: “Intended Survivors Are Moving Underground.” What could happen if an EMP took out the power to USA and Canada nuclear power plants.

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Check out the site of Beyond Nuclear, which is "working for a world free of nuclear power and nuclear weapons." 
                    
Some more food for thought regarding Fukushima.

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After dining please consider sharing some of your wealth with street children and orphanages in the Philippines.

Want some familiar Western or other ethnic foods? You will find many American fast food franchises in the Philippines.  This is an extensive list with links to help you find local branches near you as you travel the Philippines.

Be careful, check out

Foods To Avoid in the Philippines.

Find grocery stores in the Philippines. In these stores you will be able to find some American foods, drinks and snacks.

Try some Filipino foods Americans like.

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This article will be expanded upon. Please check back for more information about Fukushima nuclear disaster and its effects on the Philippines. This page updated April 28, 2022.

No Toilet Paper In Philippines

Toilet paper in the Philippines

No Toilet Paper in Bathrooms?

When you arrive in the Philippines one of the first things you need to buy is a roll of toilet paper. Many bathrooms in malls and public places do not provide toilet paper. Shocked? It's true.

For example, if you go into the bathrooms (comfort rooms or CRs as called by Filipinos) at SM malls there are toilets, but you will find no toilet paper or toilet seats in the stalls. However, they do sell small packets of toilet paper for around 5 pesos in vending machines on the wall as you enter the bathroom, or "comfort room (CR)" as referred to by Filipinos. But if the machine is empty, you will really be in a fix, especially if you do not speak Filipino! If you wear cargo pants flatten a roll and keep it in a leg pocket.

Ayala malls and Robinson's malls usually have paper in the stalls in CRs. But to be on the safe side be sure to always carry some with you.

I was in the habit of carrying a small sling bag in which I always carried a roll.

Take heed of this advice or you may find yourself in a difficult situation.

Oh, and always carry a small bottle of antibacterial hand wash with you. The liquid soap dispensers in SM Mall CR's are often empty. You can buy the small carry size in drugstores and grocery stores.

If you need to find a "bathroom" ask directions, ask someone, or any security guard, "where is the CR?"

Read about malls in the Philippines.

American fast food in the Philippines.

Filipino food Americans and Europeans like.

Do not eat or drink these foods or beverages.

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This article will be expanded upon. Please check back for more information about toilets and toilet paper in bathrooms  in the Philippines. This page last updated June 4, 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.

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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.