Manila, a city full of vitality and culture, attracts countless tourists and expatriates. However, when it comes to the safety issues of Manila, many people have doubts: Is it really safe here? Through data analysis, experiences shared by netizens, regional introductions, and safety recommendations, we present to you a true picture of Manila.
Safety Level: Manila in Data
According to the "Global Safety Index Ranking" published by Numbeo in 2023, the Philippines has a safety index of 57.3, ranking fourth among Southeast Asian countries, higher than Vietnam and Malaysia.
This shows that Manila is not as dangerous as rumored. However, data from the Philippine National Police shows that although serious crimes such as theft, robbery, and murder have been declining in recent years, petty crimes like pickpocketing and street crimes still exist.
Therefore, from the data, the overall safety of Manila is moderate, but specific areas are at higher risk.
Tourist Share: Real Experiences
Many tourists and expatriates mention that diving and island hopping in the Philippines are great experiences, and they praise the friendly atmosphere of the Philippine islands. "The diving resources in the Philippines are particularly good, with both 'big catches' and 'small catches' (different categories of marine life), and there are many types of water sports, such as free diving, deep diving, wreck diving, whale shark watching, and a rich variety of marine species, as well as kite surfing, surfing... So I especially like going to the Philippine islands."
But the capital, Manila, makes people feel "unsafe," "taking a taxi feels like there is always a danger," "the people there do not have the peace of mind of those on the islands."
Below image: The cities with the highest crime rates in Southeast Asia in 2024, Manila tops the list.
No wonder some say that safety in the Philippines is divided between Manila and non-Manila areas.
For example, netizens living in Manila mention that some areas of Manila are less safe at night, such as Paranaque, near Metropolitan Plaza, near Rizal Park, and Malate, where the crime rate is relatively high.
The area near the airport in Paranaque, where the population is diverse, often experiences robberies and pickpocketing. Near Metropolitan Plaza, because there are many tourists, it also attracts petty thieves. In the evenings near Rizal Park, there are often homeless people and drug dealing activities.
And in Malate, because of the many bars and nightclubs, there are also incidents of drunken brawls.
In addition, there are incidents of people being robbed on the streets, and some encountering taxi drivers who demand exorbitant fares. There are also cases of being sold fake goods or cheap travel packages on the streets.
It's not just these areas, the following areas require special attention.
These areas, with higher crime rates, are recommended to be avoided or approached with caution:
1. Tondo:
This area, with high poverty and dense population, often has gang activities. Even American backpackers on their own do not dare to come here easily, let alone Chinese who are often seen as easy targets. This area has a lot of robbery and drug trading. It is best to avoid going there, especially at night.
2. Quiapo
This place, mainly a mix of religious landmarks and markets, is complex in composition, so there are many people and it is quite chaotic, with high incidents of pickpocketing and fraud. It is advised to protect your belongings in crowded places.
3. Baseco
This is a poor community near the port. Where there is poverty, there is crime. Here, drug trading and violent crimes are common, so unless necessary, it is better not to go there.
4. Chinese Concentrated Areas
This needs no explanation. Just yesterday, a netizen reported that for a 200P journey, a small Filipino driver demanded an additional 500P, just for a ride. Now, with the POGO ban, many Chinese have moved to other countries, and with fewer people here, small Filipinos are even more eager to fleece Chinese!
Some small Filipinos have even learned to demand high fares and, if unsuccessful, threaten to take Chinese tourists to the police station.
In Makati's rcbc/pbcom/Saturday Market/rise/becon, Pasay's Twin Dragon area, Y Building, shore, and Genting, because these are hubs of the gambling industry with many Chinese, they are particularly likely to become targets of criminals.
A few days ago, several Chinese were robbed at gunpoint near rcbc after work, losing a backpack containing 200,000p in cash and a mobile phone.
Another guy was just walking normally near the Crab Old Man at the Makati three-way intersection when he was approached by four armed Filipinos. Scared, the guy quickly ran away. But his colleague, who was distracted by his mobile phone, did not notice the robbers approaching and was directly robbed of 130,000p in cash and a 9g work visa from his bag.
(Losing a 9G work visa at this critical moment is indeed tragic.)
Some say that Chinese who are robbed or kidnapped are those involved in the gray industry.
Consider the kidnapping of a medical executive in July this year, where the ransom was paid but the victim was killed, and the perpetrator escaped for several months before being caught.
If it weren't for the involvement of an American Chinese, which made the incident more prominent, the Philippine government might not have solved the case so quickly!
And think about the incident last month where an American blogger was kidnapped while traveling in the Philippines. The Philippine police, fearing to offend their American "father," had to follow up on the case frequently, search for clues, and look for this kidnapped American. Unfortunately, in the end, he was confirmed dead.
The security of Manila is not simply good or bad; it varies by area. As netizens say: "Do not deny an entire country or city because of individual incidents. Crime is everywhere. Rational treatment and cautious response are necessary to better experience the unique charm of Manila."
But with Christmas and the Lunar New Year approaching, whether you are a tourist or a worker, in the eyes of robbers and kidnappers, there is no difference. In their eyes, it's only about whether they can kidnap or rob.
Especially as the deadline for the POGO ban approaches, the immigration bureau keeps saying there are 20,000 people on the list, but the actual number of deportations is far from this figure. It is not excluded that some parts of the Philippines might "enforce the law" to "meet the target." It is advised that everyone be extra careful at the end of the year.
Always pay attention to the safety of your belongings and personal safety!
