Overall safety
Safety in the Philippines varies significantly by location [1,2]. Metro Manila and Cebu have manageable petty crime but require standard urban precautions. Some regions (Mindanao) have elevated security risks due to insurgent groups. Violent crime against foreigners is uncommon in expat residential areas but does occur in nightlife areas and certain parts of Manila.
Crime
- Petty theft: pickpocketing and bag snatching in crowded areas (jeepneys, MRT/LRT stations, markets) is the most common crime. Keep valuables in front pockets. Bags with zips close to your body.
- Phone theft: thieves grab phones from hands in public transport and on the street. Do not use your phone near the edge of the MRT platform or walkway.
- ATM skimming: present in Manila. Use ATMs inside bank branches only. Check the card slot before inserting.
- Kidnapping for ransom: exists but targets wealthy Filipino-Chinese business families, not random foreigners. The risk to a relocator living on an SRRV is negligible.
- Firearms: the Philippines has more relaxed gun laws than its neighbours. Gun-related crime exists. Avoid confrontational situations, particularly in nightlife areas.
- Drugs: President Duterte's war on drugs (2016-2022) resulted in thousands of extrajudicial killings of suspected drug users/dealers. Under the Marcos administration, anti-drug operations continue but with less lethal force. Foreigners found with drugs face the same severe penalties: life imprisonment for possession of methamphetamine (shabu) over 10 grams.
- Alcohol-related violence: common in nightlife areas (Malate, Ermita in Manila; Mango Square in Cebu). Avoid late-night confrontations.
Scams
- Girlfriend / boyfriend scam: common in expat bars and online. A local partner builds a relationship then requests money for "family emergencies", "medical bills", or "business opportunities". Once the money stops, the relationship ends.
- Investment scam: offers of high returns on real estate, foreign exchange, or cryptocurrency. Many expats have lost significant money. Only invest through SEC-licensed entities.
- Property scam: selling land with disputed title or selling land to a foreigner in a way that violates the constitutional ban on foreign land ownership. Always use a lawyer registered with the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP).
- Taxi scam: rigged meters, overcharging, or demanding payment in foreign currency. Use Grab for reliable pricing.
- Bar scam: a person invites you for a drink, and the bill is exorbitantly high. The girl and the bar staff are in collusion. Only go to reputable, well-reviewed bars.
- "Pulis" (police) impersonation: plainclothes people claiming to be police conducting a drugs search. Real police wear a uniform and body-camera or have a badge visible. Ask to see identification.
Traffic safety
- Manila traffic is among the worst in the world. Average speed on EDSA during peak hours is below 15 km/h.
- Driving is on the right (unlike Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia which drive on the left).
- Road quality varies: major highways are good; provincial roads can be poor.
- Jeepneys and tricycles are not designed with passenger safety in mind. Avoid jeepneys for long-distance travel.
- Typhoon season (June-November) brings flooding that makes roads impassable. Some areas (Cagayan de Oro, Marikina, Tarlac) experience severe flooding.
- Motorcycle accidents are common. The helmet law is enforced. The legal blood alcohol limit is 50 mg/dL.
- "Number coding" (UVVRP) scheme applies in Metro Manila (except Saturdays, Sundays, public holidays). Plate numbers ending in 1-2 cannot drive on Monday, 3-4 Tuesday, etc.
Areas with elevated risk
- Mindanao (western and central areas, particularly Maguindanao, Sulu, Basilan, Tawi-Tawi): ongoing conflict with Islamist insurgent groups (Abu Sayyaf, BIFF). Kidnapping risk in these areas. The UK FCDO advises against all travel to much of western Mindanao.
- Davao City and General Santos City: generally safe with strong local security measures. Davao has a strict city-wide smoking and drinking curfew.
- Zamboanga Peninsula: periodic security incidents. Exercise caution.
- Ermita and Malate (Manila): nightlife areas with elevated crime rates after dark. Avoid walking alone late at night.
- Provincial areas with NPA presence: the New People's Army (communist insurgency) operates in remote mountainous areas of Luzon (Sierra Madre, Cordillera), Samar, Negros, and parts of Mindanao. Not a concern for most expat residents in cities.
Natural hazards
- Typhoons: the Philippines averages 20 typhoons per year. November peak season. Storm surges and flooding can be severe. Monitor PAGASA weather alerts. Keep an emergency kit with water, food, flashlight, and medicines.
- Earthquakes: Manila, Cebu, and Davao are in earthquake-prone areas. The "Big One" (a 7.2 magnitude earthquake on the West Valley Fault) is predicted for Metro Manila. Ensure your building is compliant with the National Building Code.
- Volcanic activity: Taal (Batangas), Mayon (Albay), Kanlaon (Negros), and Pinatubo (Zambales) are active. Monitor PHIVOLCS alerts. Taal is a particular risk for southern Luzon.
- Tsunamis: coastal areas on the Pacific side are at risk. Monitor alerts after major earthquakes.
Emergency contacts
- Police / ambulance / fire: 911 (nationwide emergency number; works on mobile and landline)
- Tourist police: 117 (some areas)
- NDRRMC (National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council): +63 2 8911 5061
- PAGASA weather: +63 2 8927 1335
- PHIVOLCS: +63 2 8426 1468
- Embassies: register with your home-country embassy.
This page provides general safety information and does not cover all risks. Always verify specific concerns with local authorities.