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Crime in Cebu, Philippines

Crime rates in Cebu, Philippines

Level of crime
48.06 Moderate
Crime increasing in the past 3 years
47.69 Moderate
Worries home broken and things stolen
44.95 Moderate
Worries being mugged or robbed
45.83 Moderate
Worries car stolen
32.71 Low
Worries things from car stolen
39.66 Low
Worries attacked
39.91 Low
Worries being insulted
32.24 Low
Worries being subject to a physical attack because of your skin colour, ethnic origin or religion
26.18 Low
Problem people using or dealing drugs
55.79 Moderate
Problem property crimes such as vandalism and theft
48.38 Moderate
Problem violent crimes such as assault and armed robbery
44.27 Moderate
Problem corruption and bribery
61.45 High

Safety in Cebu, Philippines

Safety walking alone during daylight
70.64 High
Safety walking alone during night
48.15 Moderate

Contributors: 109

Last update: July 2018

These data are based on perceptions of visitors of this website in the past 3 years.

If the value is 0, it means it is perceived as very low, and if the value is 100, it means it is perceived as very high.

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28 Comments so far

#Jon on Jun 28, 2018 :
Never have felt threatened or had any problems here in the Philippines, however I don't go to bars or walk around late. I maintain situational awareness as I would anywhere, and act respectfully. Most people are very friendly and courteous.
#Anonymous on Jun 27, 2018 :
I've been to Cebu on two occasions, and I've never felt unsafe. That being said, it's important to understand you're not in your home country, especially if you're from the west, and take appropriate precautions. Go withsome locals if you can. For instance, you are way more likely to get robbed on the public buses (Jeepneys) than in a taxi or uber, so dodge those and pay the extra fee for a taxi. Otherwise a really fun city, the people are super friendly!
##TagaCebu on May 12, 2018 :
I am from Cebu, born and raised. Cebu is a beautiful place, we got lots of beautiful white sand beaches and accessible to amazingly breathtaking nearby islands such as Bantayan, Malapascua, Sumilon and many islets between Cebu and other island provinces such going to Bohol, Masbate and Siquijor. Cebu City is the second next to Manila in terms of the cities development. About safety, like anywhere else except UAE, where you can rarely encounter robbers or pick pocketing, drunk and homeless in the streets; in Cebu we do have them, but you just have to vigilant, look after yourself, don't show off flashy accessories, dress down in downtown areas like Colon, Carbon, Sikatuna, etc. And be aware of no-go zones esp. During the night such as Hidden places in Carbon, Ermita, A.Lopez street near Happy Valley, B Rodriguez St, etc. There are lot of safer places you can go Sugbo Mercado, Park Mall, Mango Ave. , Ayala Business Park, IT Park, Lahug etc. Keeping this in mind, you should be fine.
#VCrim on Jan 14, 2018 :
The biggest concern in Cebu is the fact that a lot of locals have a tendency of taking advantage of those who don't know any better, typically by overcharging them (usual victims are obvious foreigners). Then again, you can find that in many places here in the Philippines.

I usually go out late at night to travel to work, and it's been relatively safe so far. Though, I would advice to be vigilant of your surroundings. It only takes one bad thing to happen to you to threaten your life.
#John44 on Nov 20, 2017 :
Early this year I spent my holidays in Cebu. I met a nice and cute girl and had a good time with her. She would like me to settle there and stay with her. I have 2 major doubts. The most obvious one is how to find out if she really wants me or if she is more interested in my bank account. But the second doubt is about safety and environment. She is a full member of this Alpha Kappa Rho Sorority: in order to be admitted she had to suffer a lot (painful paddling and was burnmarked with a hot coin on her right wrist). I heard that part of this Akhro people is violent and dangerous. What is the risk to stay with an Akrho girl and acceptance by her fraternity friends?
#Devin on May 11, 2017 :
I'm an American, and I visited Cebu City, Oslob, Moalboal, and Camotes Island in February of 2017. At no point did I have any trouble or even feel like I might be in any danger. I was aware of my surroundings, and I knew the potential risks. I walked the streets at night and had nothing but a great time. The people were friendly, helpful, engaging, and respectful. There are dangers anywhere you travel. As long as you are respectful and don't make yourself a target you'll be fine. Common sense goes a long way. If you lack common sense, I'd say traveling ANYWHERE is not a good idea for you. Cebu is a fun, wonderful, beautiful place and I can't wait to return in a few months.
#Pat on Mar 20, 2017 :
Love cebu love the people and my partner is from cebu. Safety is about people being stupid. Would rather be there than anywhere in USA for sure.

I am Australian and love this country but there are plenty of places you don't go here. Its just about being smart and respect people in their home.

Hope to live in Cebu soon.
#Lars on Feb 10, 2017 :
I have been living in Cebu for 16 years. Been to the worst places drunk, never happened anything serious. I was pickpocked once by a gang of muslim(?)children, not Cebuanos. Extreamly cleaver, no threats involved, only distraction.

I had the vallet in my pocket, it was full of money and credit cards, 30 seconds of distration while buying cigarettes from a street wendor in Mango street 2am. When i drive home my valet is on the floor of the car. Thje money is gone but all cards left. Like magic.

Another incident 5 years earlier, I was out driving 3am with my car, right side window open. Talked with some street children thru the window and one of them took my cellphone lying on the right side chair.

Stupid me!

I went to the police station togetheer with some other street children at 3.30am. The police and the other street children found my cellphone in Pasil (a no-go zoon for foreigners and local cebuanos) and I got it back and the perpetrators were catched. At the police station the police asked me if I wanted to press charges.

I said no. And gave the street children helping me a full McDonalds meal each (which is a 5-star treat for the poor). I mean guys, in what other place in the world would the police bother to catch cellphone thiefs and get your cellphone back within 1-2 hours. It is outlandish amazing awesome.

Cebu is even safer now, after President Duterte was installed 2016. Crimerate has fallen dramatically all over the country. The government services is faster than in the so called developed world.

There are no-go zones like Pasil and Ermita and Carbon market, and some more, stay away from those places. Even locals do that. Common sence. If someone say to you "My friend!" Don't answer, say nothing, don't look that is the fastest way to get rid of street pedlers. But they are very few now since Duterte was installed.

The City of Davao, President Dutertes hometown, is the 6th safest city in the world. Go there if you want to be 95% safe and secure. It is also clean as Singapore, no bad smell. If you want to be 100% safe, you better go to heaven, but then you got to die first :)
#Barry on Nov 12, 2016 :
QUESTION OF SAFETY: How safe would it be for a Filipina traveling alone with 1/2 Caucasian small daughters to visit relative in Cebu for several weeks during the holidays?
#Shawn on Jun 16, 2016 :
My wife got robbed by some stupid teenagers they held a knife to her in a jeepney in cebu city around colon area.
#trevor on Mar 05, 2016 :
my wife is from cebu been there on many occasions,cebu is like big citys all over the world and been to many of them, its as good or bad as any,but no worse than most. the thing is the people there are good people. are there bad ones of course there is, same as anywhere,but if your thinking of going to cebu go you will not regret it,its fantastic place,are you going to be safe well most likely as much as being at home, ....
#Varmintz on Feb 17, 2016 :
Cebu City can be a fun place for the expat or early retiree to spend some extended time.
Dress down, don't be showy, or create a business or invest in anything you dont care to lose.
Whatever you build or invest in will probably be stolen or extorted, and if you succeed in business you may die since Filipinos crab mentality will end up with you being dead, stabbed, shot, or cheated.
Just roll with the whole scene, dress like you don't have money, and be ready to have your posessions, including documents stolen at some point.
Once you come to grips with this advice.......carry on, and have a nice time !
I've been going there since the 80's and have heard it all and am now sharing.
#Robert D. on Jan 14, 2016 :
So, I would like to join this discussion. I am in Philippines for 15 days now. First one night in Manila. Was walking at the late evening around some blocks next to the bay/philippino Casino. Nothing happened besides the scamming, which I always responded to with " No,thanks." After reading those posts I must admit:Lucky me. Also millions of prostitutes/ladyboys/bar owners offered their services, and I still said: No. Sometimes they only make a sound like "pffff". Nothing happened to me. I had some gas with me for protection. Never used until now. Then,after 1 night in Manila, I flew to Tagbilaran, Bohol Island to proceed to Alona Beach. The taxidriver,which brought me to the Airport just gave me his private number and name,for, if i come back, he would show me special places, and not only touristic ones. As I arrived in Tagbilaran I decided to walk to Alona Beach. Much nicer in this place. No scammers,just trycicle drivers offering transportation, looking at You as if You are a ghost,when You answer: I want to walk. Arrived in Alona Beach,almost no scammers passed my way. Offerings of diving and food are typical touristic features, but not that annoying as in Manila. The prices where higher and i think only 1 ladyboy tried to sell its services. After some days in Alona Beach I went to Cebu. To a hostel. Full of mixed people. Had some blackouts there due to this shitty beer colt 45. Went one night with a crowd out to the mango square. Sat there for about 45 minutes getting bored of too loud music and all the prostitutes and ladyboys. Wanted to go home, the others wanted to group together first. So i left alone. Got myself a piece of chicken and a can of san miguel and returned through dark, narrow and empty streets. A young and nice hooker grabbed my arm and all my "no's" did not work. One loud " No, leave" almost made her shock and she left. I tried to find the dark street which we used to come to mango square but i was confused and had to walk some other dark roads. Again, nothing happened to me. Why not? Two days later I left the hostel and tried to walk to the airport, finding myself in slums. My foot had a problem so I jumped into a pharmacy store, put off my bagpacker's bag and asked for the proper medicine. Suddenly a customer simply stood next to me covering my bag with his body. As i recognized that, he went away. Strange. I proceeded by cab and took the plane to Manila, same hotel as before. Spent one night and then wanted to exolore the city by feet. Went first to Manila Doctors, checking the foot. Allright.Then checked the two museums. Then, with great expectations, I went to the district chinatown. Completely crowdwed slum. New high skyscrapers in construction, at their bottom on the roads people sleeping on paper,next to dogs,offering almost dehydratetd puppies for sale. Fresh seafood was sold directly at the street, which is jammed almost allover the day. Had a walk through a part of chinatown took a cab to a restaurant and had Dinner. I think i won't do some of those walks again, after reading all Your posts but nothing happened to me on 2 weeks and I really challenged my fate. So on the end it might be fate. If it happens, perhaps it should happen. In my drunken mood in Cebu i almost was disappointed that I could not use my gas to protect myself. But living in Manila or Cebu? Not for me. The contrasts are too huge, poverty smells badly, and the traffic and air are really f...d up.
#walter h on Jun 14, 2015 :
my future wife lives in ozamiz as a American how safe would I be there
#RObe on May 10, 2015 :
hahah , i laugh on this numbeo report this is safe place lol its dangerous then hell . haha
#joseph on May 07, 2015 :
I love the people in cebu .they always make you feel welcome i am married to a Filipino woman for almost 2 years ..i think they are funny the way they drive cars ,,,i live in NY.i love when you go to a government office and they show there faith in god with pictures ..i the USA they don't do that
#Bill on May 06, 2015 :
Cebu city is full of scammers, thieves, prostitutes and obnoxious ladyboys. Petty crime is everywhere - pickpockets are a plague. There are also many gangs, they carry guns, and they will rob you. Do NOT take a jeepney at night or walk on the streets unless you enjoy being robbed at gunpoint.
#Anonymous on Feb 10, 2015 :
what a ahole foreign ahole if you dont like here in cebu,, dont be here just stay in your country,, we dont want your country also,,,
#Don C. on Jan 26, 2015 :
Robert, I don't know where you get your information. But in 17 years of going to Cebu and moving there last year, I have never seem a person getting mugged or people selling drugs in the open. And I have never heard of an American getting mugged in Cebu.

Maybe you can live there for a few months before you decide. I don't believe you can live here, unless you have a business or are married to a filipina. I think the police are very good here and would take action, if something happened to you.
#Don C. on Jan 26, 2015 :
Hey mwalim2002 , I am not sure what to tell you, ,but I will share this. I am also black American. I have been married to my filipina wife for 17 years this March. I feel much more safe walking and living in Cebu then living in California. We just build a nice house to live and raise our 2 children. There is crime all over the world. But I have never had a problem in the Philippines or in Cebu. I will retire there in Cebu. I am not sure why you married your wife, then tried to get a visa. You should of got the visa first, my visa was approved in about 8 weeks and the gov't gave us 30 days to marry in the US. My wife is now a US citizen.

Don't pay attention to all the negative comments. Good-luck
#Korhan A. on Jan 20, 2015 :
my 27 years old nephew shut by robbers in the afternoon just for 8000 pesos in Cebu and died.
this city is getting more and more dnagerous because there is no goverment authotority by the police ,people carry gun freely and corruption helps the rebels...
#Rik on Jan 13, 2015 :
I have been to Cebu and Manila many times. Although every city has its good and bad neibouhoods,as a foreigner, I generaly feel safer in Manila(Makati) then Cebu. Cebuanos are nasty arrogant people and all they want is your money. They will befriend you just to find an opportunity to rip you off.

I have many stories that would take too long to explain here.

Anyways there is nothing to do oe see in CC...its a shithole!

Stay well clear of Cebu City!
#tommy on Jan 05, 2015 :
wow looks like a nice place but what I've read about the crime will keep me from going there.
#Solitario Santiago on Nov 21, 2014 :
Cebu has to catch up fast to the rapid growth it is now facing. The heavy migration from other cities and towns nearby, the tourism growth. There must be drastic measures to be done to curb the alarmingly increase of crime index. Worst, the traffic is now competing with Manila. Making business growth as one of the factors for traffic is lame.
#Johnson on Nov 06, 2014 :
Cebu is really going downhill fast as far as a foreign destination for tourism. Tourism will never grow in Cebu unless changes are made and people feel safe. People are aware of the tremendous amount of crime and corruption and the news spreading throughout the world. Everyday someone is killed and the amount of robberies being committed. The police and government need to eliminate these problems and make the people visiting feel safe!
#Ed on Oct 11, 2014 :
Whatever you do, do NOT move to Cebu. The locals are terrible and the police are basically a state sanctioned mafia. It is dangerous to go out at night and even in the daytime you have to keep an eye out for pickpockets and thieves. I have lived in Cebu for almost 5 years for my work. My best advice for anyone considering to move here is to reconsider. Don't be fooled by all the local people saying that Cebuanos are the friendliest people on Earth. If you are a tourist, they will do everything in their power to take as much of your money as possible. If you aren't a tourist, they get angry when their scams don't work on you. It is not more fun in The Philippines and anybody who says otherwise is a liar.
#mwalim2002 on Oct 07, 2014 :
My wife is born, raised and still lives in Cebu City. She mentioned that she would like for me to live in her country until she gets her visa (which has been a 2 year process in spite of the fact we were married in USA.) I met her there and, as an American, I was shocked to see so many young people without jobs! As a result, I am very hesitant to live there because of the crime rate. I am an African-American and I would look like the last pork chop in a boarding house! Any advise would be greatly appreciated.
#username on Aug 23, 2014 :
my hometown cebu city is a nice place to stay a simple city yet highly urbanized and convenient, but i have to admit frequent crimes relating to thief on property is a frustrating issue, experienced car stereo and etc stolen before.
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