Crime in Manila, Philippines

Worst. Do not go. I work in Manila City and every time I walk even during the day time even in tourist spots I can't shake the feeling that I would get mugged. They use ice picks or sharpened bottles to threaten you. Getting stabbed by those sharpened bottles are the worst as usually your organs get sucked out due to pressure. The locals call this "Gripo". Some even use sharpened umbrellas to steal. Bringing a car is far worse an idea as parking is extremely difficult as the local parking police frequently tow away vehicles yet there seems to be a lack of initiative as to create proper parking facilities by anyone. Foreigners never ever take a local taxi as they usually increase the amount to be paid claiming that their meter is off. Better to download the grab app and book. Do not use the calesa or horse carriages in Intramuros, you'd be supporting animal cruelty as well as they'd rip you off. Same as with taking a thing called a pedicab or a bike tricycle. They charge a lot and give a "tour" but all the information you need can be found online. Women will try to rip you off for sex. Most women that you will meet in bars in Manila are hookers. Some, on the other hand, will try to get into a relationship with you and will ask money from you for their families. ALL IN ALL Manila City is a shitty place. IF YOU MUST STAY IN MANILA just go to Makati and BGC. Otherwise, get a connecting flight straight to Cebu or Palawan AVOID MANILA

Great article, thanks for the tips! Indeed, Philippines is a beautiful archipelago of islands of adventures and getaways. Unfortunately, there is a large number of tourist targeted scams and safety concerns over here.

Do be wary of the Ativan gang/family scam, familiar face scam, sob story scam, the bump and drop, paedophile scam, cards/poker/blackjack scam, beggars, fake goods, pickpockets, fake travel agents, bullet in bag scam, airline desk overweight luggage, immigration officer bribe, taxi spray scam and many more!

Keep having kids endlessly and then expect the rest of the world to help.

The criminal of Manila make to many crime the police must stop them but they cannot but they cannot finish the criminal they are so many they do not care about us how can the children be safe they must be arrest or killed but we have a good president .President Rodrigo duterte he will finish the crime in the Philippines bomings .drugs,robbers president Rodrigo duterte will finish them all .president Rodrigo duterte is a good president he will finish crime

Manila today they starting clearing operation everywhere. Noynoy Aquino it was happen when he was President but today under development and cleaning operation according to our New President Duterte.

The Philippines is not so bad... Try to look at it in a different angle. You guys just need a newer perspective in looking at things. After a tsunami struck Japan, that didn't stopped the tourist from going their...

Ok first thing undercover police harass you when you arrive.Trying to set you up for taxi ride.I was approached 5 times before I walked out side.I feel for phillipina marrage scam.The whole family was in on it.Aunts uncles cousins parents.Yes these people would do anything for money.I'm lucky I got out of that shithole.Alive.Well I supported woman for following year heard every fricken excuse for money.These people are low life scumbags.Any how this chinay woman got 25, 000 $ 0ut of me.p.s. I hope communist china takes over phillipines and cleans the slate.These people are vermin.

Sabreen's Sea Food Market Restaurant in Jorge Bocobo Street in Manila .Don't visit this place. Food is good but for sure they will overcharge you as soon as they notice you're tourist. I have receipt to prove it upon request. If you don't follow my advise then you will pay for your mistake.

@ #cathy says - What kind of country is this that allows a person to have their money stolen and then ask for money to perform a knee surgery when it wasn't their fault. How sad!
Well, that sounds like every country, city and town on this planet, Cathy. Do you know of a city that actually allows crime to occur to people? Can you name a country that will pay all your medical care when you get sick or hurt? Can you tell me about a place where crime never happens? You have an incredibly twisted sense of reality and very likely are a lifetime Democrat voter judging by your words. Please wake up and smell real life!

Manila is an open sewer, plain and simple. I've read guides saying Manila is safe and such, and it's utter crap. I've been to the city quite a few times and while certain areas are OK, others like Malate-Ermita are crime infested, with scammers licking their chops when foreigners come around. I'm not saying don't visit Manila but just know the Phils allows private gun ownership and is a Third World country, so stay on your guard.

Okay. So let me say something. I have been traveling the world since 1990. I am retired US Navy. I have been to many many third world countries. I have been to the Philippines many many times. I have never had a problem there. With anything at all.

For the tourists that comment on here. Those are individual events. Of course there are going to be some. How many horrific stories would there be about New York, LA, DC, Miami. Yo have to be kidding me when you guys claim this city is not safe. How many thousands of tourist visit, how many 1000s of westerner's live there. The crime rate is average to any Major metropolis anywhere in the world. Go to Britain, there doing cocain on the toilet covers. So please give it a rest. Enjoy the city, travel smart, be alert, do the right thing. I have ben robbed in the US more then anywhere else. While I am currently working overseas, my son back in the US got his wallet ripped off from a gym and his car almost got stolen right out of the drive way.

I went for a holiday in the Philippines and had a really fun time but here are a few things I would like to share.

You should visit the malls, there is so many and they are so packed with so many shops. It is really great to shop and dine there. MOA is definitely somewhere you should visit.

The people there are really formal and will refer to you as sir/madam. I have never received this type of service in my home country. It's great!

Makati City is definitely somewhere you should visit. I felt very safe there and seems safe according to Numbeo.

Palawan should also be on your schedule as well.

Okay, a few cons.

Firstly, I felt threatened in the airport. A lot of people were staring at me. Lots of people were beginning to get close to my luggage as well. Way too close... It had nothing to do with the fact I am a foreigner as I was born and raised in the Philippines, in other words, I blend in. I had to endure this for about 2 hours because of the traffic and my driver was still stuck in it.

Secondly, the traffic. Nothing else to say...

Another thing is the high presence of security guards. Usually, they appear in the entrances at malls and other public utilities. Their idea of frisking is usually a pat around the waist and sometimes they just let you pass. I'm sure a lot of people know this by now. Security definitely needs to improve if it's there to protect civilians. It may just be due to the fact that a mall has very low security risk and is generally a safe area. Or there is a lack of training given.

Another thing is the taxis, they are incredibly picky. They will not take you to certain places and just drive ahead. I found this out when I wanted to get a taxi back to the hotel from MOA.

you want to ask about crime in the philippines .

what about police corruption in the philippines . tourists beware . search in google bringeannahome .

The following is going viral around the internet ref the Filipino police corruption ref a Irish citizen
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8J62_STZXqk&feature=em-upload_owner

Irish priest Shay Cullen has published articles in the manila times and other national newspapers ref this case .
Please read the articles
father shay cullen is a irish priest out in the philippines who runs a charity called http://www.preda.org/

recently in the manila times and papers abroad he ran these two articles
http://www.manilatimes.net/the-injustice-of-it-all/189696/#comment-184110

http://www.manilatimes.net/the-man-who-would-not-bribe/199541/
i am sure you will agree it makes some interesting reading .

http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-1191514

You already know Filipinos are god living people.They are poor.Don't wait for the children to steal.If you have give them something. You will see them smile.They are hungry.Don't criticize them because they are poor.
Do you want to be in their shoes.I was born in the Philippines.I know how is it to be poor.Raised and grew up in Tondo.I have lived in Europe and now a united States citizens.We majority of Filipinos are poor but we are nice and happy.In Tondo I want to go back all the time.I have sense of belongings that I feel I'm free no government intervention.I can do whatever as long as I don't hurt anybody.Dogs and cats on the everywhere on the street. Vendors selling anything in the sidewalk.Filipinos don't have time for drama. .I love tondo.I live pinas.most of the time Filipinos just want your stuff so they can sell and buy food.They don't kill .If they stole your money or your cell phone just say at least I don't have to steal so I can eat.

Manila is a disgusting and dangerous city foreigners should not visit

https://www.facebook.com/ReaIImageOfmperialManilal

Hope the mayor of Manila Philippines lights up some of the main road's and main street in various places in malate Manila specially in San andress.Dakota.Taft Avenue. and most part of Malate Manila.

A friend went to install computers for a school in the Philippines and brought his daughter on the trip. Both of them got mugged at knife point and this gang stole all their money and even his watch. The sad part is also they broke her knee with a sledge hammer because she was defending her daddy. She went to the hospital and they said they needed around $2,000 to perform the surgery. What kind of country is this that allows a person to have their money stolen and then ask for money to perform a knee surgery when it wasn't their fault. How sad!

My wife and I have a condo in Pasig. Although my wife - who is a Filipina - is quite nervous in Manila, we have never had any problems there. I have been there about 6 times, usually for about a month at a time. The majority of the people are friendly and treat white people with great respect and deference. As for being dirty, some parts are - but have you been to Rome recently? I don't think that Manila is any smellier than most tropical big cities. Obviously, it's not as well developed as many, but there are so many beautiful places in the countryside, that it's worth going to the Philippines just for that. I must admit however, that I have rarely travelled unescorted by Filipino family or friends. Seriously love the place and want to retire there.

Being forced, guilt tripped, etc. to go to the Philippines in August for a wedding. My old man told me stories about the Philippines so it baffles my mind when it is apparently his "dying wish" (he's not fucking dying) that we go there to see where he grew up (which is actually Manila). Reading a lot of these comments have only reinforced my belief that something bad will happen to me, especially since I am a foreigner from America. Yep, if I don't die on the Korean airline, something will happen in the Philippines.

Thegreatdane is obviously an ignorant fuckwit-probably american. Do you really believe that people have much choice of poverty/riches, easy for you to say this about one of the poorest countries on earth. As for tourist money, of course they want your money, what country does not want a tourist dollar. you are a fucking idiot, stay away from Phillipines-Go to africa and catch something

Always intended to go to manila but till now have not.After reading all the comment l might change my mine. BANGKOK,kuala lumpur,jakarta all aresafe even at nite.....

I get a kick out of the majority of the posters saying that Manila and the surround areas are dangerous. You should all be frank about why you went to the Philippines and then perhaps your statements would have less bearing. I've freely walked / talked, traveled, the Philippines and various places throughout most cities in the PI.

For those referring to seeing sex trade, then more than likely you're looking to see that type of stuff. For those worrying about being assaulted day or night, then more than likely you're in an area looking for something that put you at those risks.

There are thousands of places in the US, Europe that I wouldn't go day or night, and the same goes for the Philippines as any other major metropolis would be like.

Manila and it's surrounding cities has expanded to what most westerners couldn't afford and perhaps that is why there is little talk about those places, but in all, you get what you place yourself into. Do your studying before arriving to Manila as you should before going to any country or city in the PI or elsewhere.

Visit Global city, Makati, Quezon city, Rockwell area and you'll feel either right at home, or out of place because you can't afford to be there.

The old town is has made leaps and bounds but still has petty crime as most big cities have around the globe.

Rule of thumb is don't flaunt it and you'll more than likely be able to keep it. :)

My spouse and I came to Manila this past October as our son was marrying a Philippine lady from the province of Pampanga. We stayed one night at a five star hotel near the airport before we were picked up by the family. We wanted to walk to a mall, which was about 6 minutes from the hotel. We were advised by hotel staff that for our personal safety we should be driven there and back by a hotel shuttle. We took a private tour of Manila the next morning and were shocked at the level of poverty and homelessness in a number of places. We also observed child sex tourism activities carried out very openly at the five star hotel - fourteen-ish looking girls with white, oriental and black men in their fifties and sixties. Our daughter-in-law, who works in Manila said that it was generally an unsafe city and that if she did not have to work in Manila, she would not do so. She also said that my spouse and I would not be safe walking around Manila, except in several smaller upscale areas. Her father, who is an auxiliary police man, escorted my spouse and I to bank machines so as to make sure we were not robbed. We spent three days at Boracay at a great resort on the beach and it was terrific; and as much as the population surrounding the resort is poor, we did not feel unsafe at any location. We also spend time in the Province of Pampanga and in the larger, more commercial areas, like malls, we were safe. However, in the more remote rural areas people stared at us - and not always in a welcoming way. We have been to more than 35 different countries, including Columbia, Nicaragua, Indonesia, Mexico and Thailand - and in my opinion, we felt unsafe in the Philippines more than any of these other countries.

i everyone. I'm a cop from the Philippines . I can say that all through out my stay in the Philippines; most of the people here are nice, and they're not looking for your money. They ain't going to take your money unless criminals. I think everywhere in worlds has criminal so don't generalized Filipinos.
Truthfully, many of the Filipinos are God fearing person, maybe it just happened that one of you were scammed in the Phil. but not all of the people here are thieves.
Though i accept the fact that the crime is continuously increasing, the government and the Police are still with its continuing effort to give the citizen and tourist a safer place to enjoy.
Wish you come to Phil it is still a better place.. :)

Remarkable how few of those who know the perils of the place hang on in there for months and years.