Security Overview for Philippines

There is a threat of terrorist activity affecting travelers to the Philippines. Kidnappings and bombings are common, and terrorists have been known to target foreign interests. Bombings, usually occurring in waves, may be used as scare tactics by rebel groups and criminal or radical elements. Several grenade and shooting incidents in Metro Manila have occurred in conjunction with the country's elections. The New People's Army (NPA) is active in and around Metro Manila.

The rebel Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG), active in the southern Philippines, is responsible for kidnappings and murders of Western citizens. In February 2004, ASG claimed responsibility for an explosion that occurred earlier that month on a passenger ferry, injuring hundreds. Avoid travel to the Mindanao, Jolo and Basilan island areas. Foreigners should not travel to or operate in those areas unless they take short, unannounced trips with substantial, yet low-profile, security arrangements. Authorities suspect that Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) terror network training camps are located in the southern Philippines.

The NPA and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front are in continuing negotiations with the government, but elements within the groups still remain a threat.

Large-scale demonstrations and protests often occur in Manila and can draw tens of thousands of participants. Violent clashes between security forces and protesters sometimes occur; police and military services may use force to disperse crowds. Anti-Western - and particularly anti-U.S. - sentiments exist in the Philippines; demonstrations often occur near embassies. Travelers are not directly targeted, but risk collateral injury.

Street crime is a concern for travelers in the Philippines, particularly in urban areas. Metro Manila has high rates of pickpocketing, theft, armed assault and armed robbery. Most crime involving travelers occurs in crowded public areas and near tourist attractions. Limit travel to popular destinations and avoid going anywhere alone at night. Travelers often fall victim to various scams. Beware of people who appear to befriend you quickly. Do not accept food or drink from people you do not know. Use credit cards only in upscale hotels, restaurants and stores. When on the outer islands, do not leave any valuables unattended.

Radio- or telephone-dispatched taxis are secure for transportation, but avoid using public buses and trains due to safety concerns and a high incidence of crime. Because they are often targeted by criminals, do not use taxis to travel to and from the airport; hire a private car service instead. Carjackings are common in Manila and other urban areas. If renting a vehicle, choose a low-end model.

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How we determine a country's overall security rating

Each country's current overall risk rating is determined by considering categorical assessments in kidnapping, crime, security services, civil unrest, terrorism and geopolitical stability.

Minimal Threat

Most countries in this category have a stable political infrastructure and economic system with a low rate of unemployment. These countries have overall low rates of crime. Violent crime is almost non-existent. Petty crimes do occur, but are usually limited to petty theft and pick pocketing. Police and military services are trained and trustworthy, but may lack investigative and crime fighting equipment and skills. Strikes and demonstrations are rare and if they occur are usually well planned and managed and rarely spurn violent incidents. There are no known insurgent or terrorist groups.

Low Threat

Most countries in this category will have a stable political infrastructure and economic system with some unemployment. These countries have low crime rates. Violent crimes are rare and usually involve associated persons. Petty crimes such as theft and pick pocketing are a concern and travelers may be directly targeted. Risks can usually be mitigated with simple security measures. Police and military services are well trained and trustworthy but may lack adequate investigative equipment. Incidents of civil unrest such as strikes and demonstrations may disrupt daily life, but are usually non-violent and well coordinated. These countries may experience rare instances of domestic terrorist activity but are not threatened by international terrorism. Anti-government groups may be present but have little or no impact.

Moderate Threat

Most countries in this category will have a somewhat stable political infrastructure and economic system but unemployment and rising inflation cause some instability. These countries have moderate levels of crime. Violent crimes such as sexual assault and murder occur, but few are random incidents. Petty crimes, especially theft or destruction of unattended property, are common. Incidents of armed assault also occur. More threatening crimes are usually limited to urban areas or certain parts of the country. Police and military services may suffer from corruption and lack of training, but are generally adequate for investigations. Strikes and demonstrations can disrupt daily life and may easily spur violence. This country may have a variety of anti-government and domestic terrorist groups that are organized and outspoken against the government and may conduct incidents of violence. Small cells of international terrorist organizations exist but incidents of terrorism are not common.

High Threat

Most countries in the category have unstable political infrastructure and economic system with high rates of unemployment and inflation. Violent and petty crimes are common in most areas and random acts of violence do occur. Some areas may have a general state of lawlessness. Traveling alone, especially at night, should be avoided. There will be a large infiltration of arms in the population. Police and military services lack training and equipment. Both institutions are prone to corruption. Strikes and demonstrations are common and usually violent. Domestic terrorist and insurgent groups are active and well organized. They conduct bombings and other violent acts against government, local and international interests. International terrorist groups exist and may conduct activities within the country and abroad. The country may be involved in cross border warfare.

Extreme Threat

Most countries in this category lack a political infrastructure with any democratic premise and have a high rate of corruption. The economy is unstable with a high rate of unemployment. There is a very high rate of violent and petty crime. A general state of lawlessness exists in most urban and remote areas. Overland travel through the country must be avoided. Many domestic terrorist or rebel groups exist and are frequently active; areas of the country may be controlled by rebel factions. International terrorist operations may be well organized and active. Anti- government actions and large demonstrations are common and violent. Cross border and internal warfare occur.