Safety In The Philippines
Although most expats report feeling quite safe in the country, there are a number of safety and security concerns in the Philippines. It has a high crime rate and is subject to frequent natural disasters. Although the risk of terrorism remains relatively low, the southern regions of Mindanao and the Sulu Archipelago continue to experience insecurity due to the presence of numerous insurgent groups.
Expats should take necessary precautions when it comes to safeguarding their valuables and should always keep abreast of political developments and hazardous weather warnings.
Crime in the Philippines.
Crime rates in the Philippines are high, with violent crime a particular concern. Gangs are active in large cities like Manila, which has experienced a recent increase in armed robberies. Expats should be cautious and vigilant in crowded public places to avoid petty crimes such as pick-pocketing and mugging.
Scams.
Expats in the Philippines should be aware of various scams targeting foreigners. These include Internet scams, credit card fraud and ATM fraud.
Credit card fraud is an ongoing problem in the Philippines and expats should use credit and debit cards with caution. It’s best to not use ATMs that have any unusual covers over the keypad or the card slot. These devices can record banking information and PINs.
Foreigners in the Philippines should avoid carrying large amounts of cash and wearing flashy watches or jewelry. Those who use common sense are less likely to become victims of crime.
Emergency numbers.
The general emergency number in the Philippines is 112. Expats can also call 117 or 168 to reach the police directly.
Food and water safety in the Philippines.
It is unsafe to drink tap water in the Philippines, but bottled water is readily available at shops and restaurants. Expats should remember that ice is made with tap water, so they should also avoid having ice in their drinks.
Natural disasters in the Philippines.
The Philippines is one of the most natural disaster-prone countries on Earth.
The Philippines experiences several tropical cyclones annually, which can cause flooding and landslides that have devastating effects on the population.
Expats should always be aware of the risks in the area where they are living and should always take cyclone and flood warnings seriously. Expats should have a plan of action in case of emergency and make sure that they have appropriate insurance coverage.
Protests in the Philippines.
Protests are relatively common in the Philippines, particularly in larger cities. These are largely by anti-government groups. Anti-US protests often take place in Manila (in the vicinity of the US embassy). Activists have long been opposed to the presence of the US military in the region and an agreement that allows US troops to hold joint training with the Philippines army. Although most protests are peaceful, expats should avoid them as a precaution.