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SAFETY/SECURITY: The security situation has improved in most areas of the country in recent years. Most of the country is hospitable to travel. The government has been engaged on and off in negotiations with communist and Muslim rebels. Nevertheless, rebel activity and armed banditry in certain areas of the Philippines still poses potential security concerns. New Peoples Army insurgents remain active in some mountainous and jungle areas, including parts of Mindanao and Negros Island as well as Quezon Province and the Cordillera and Bicol regions of Luzon.

In Mindanao, crime and insurgent activity may make travel hazardous to and within the provinces of Tawi-Tawi, Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Lanao del Norte, Sulu, Basilan, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga del Norte, North and South Cotabato, and Sultan Kudarat.

The threat of terrorist action by extremists, both domestic and foreign, does exist in the Philippines. There are periodic reports of plans for possible kidnapping or terrorist acts aimed at U.S. Government installations, public and private institutions and transportation carriers. Although there have been some attempts directed against U.S. interests, most of these reports have not been followed by terrorist action. Security is not a major concern at the popular tourist and diving sites.

The State Department reminds all Americans traveling or living abroad of the need to remain vigilant with regard to personal security issues. With international events such as the actions against Iraq in 1999, the August 7, 1998 bombings of the U.S. Embassies in Nairobi and Dar es Salaam, the August 20, 1998 air strikes in Afghanistan and Sudan, and the apprehension of persons believed to be involved in the Embassy bombings, the potential for retaliatory acts against the official American community exists worldwide. Periodically, the U.S. Embassy receives credible threats directed against USG personnel and/or facilities. The Embassy takes these threats seriously, and they can usually be countered by following some very basic personal security countermeasures, which private Americans can also follow: Do not establish a pattern in movement and travel; times and routes should be varied to the extent possible. Maintain a low profile at all times, and immediately report any unusual activity, to include possible surveillance, to the Philippine police and Regional Security Office at the U.S. Embassy.
Travelers are encouraged to call the U.S. Embassy for an update of the current security situation, especially if traveling outside the Manila metropolitan area.

CRIME INFORMATION: As in many of the major metropolitan areas in the U.S., crime is a serious concern in Manila. As a rule of thumb, Americans are advised to exercise good judgment and remain aware of their surroundings. Reports of confidence games, pick-pocketing and credit card fraud are common. If someone offers you a deal that is too good to be true, it probably is. Be wary of unknown individuals who attempt to befriend you, especially just after you have arrived in country. Criminals have administered drugs via proffered drinks to unwitting visitors in order to facilitate robbery and assault. Tourists frequenting lower quality nightclubs are particularly at risk. It is best not to flaunt your nationality and to maintain a low profile. Avoid wearing large amounts of jewelry, and do not carry large amounts of money. Visitors should take advantage of safety deposit boxes at hotels. Taxis are the recommended form of public transportation; however, the following safeguards are important: do not enter a taxi if it already has accepted another passenger, and also request that the meter be used. If the driver is unwilling to comply with your requests, it is best to wait for another cab. All other forms of public transportation, such as the light rail system, buses and jeepneys, should be avoided for both safety and security reasons.
Visitors should also be vigilant when using credit cards. One form of credit card fraud involves the illicit use of an electronic device to retrieve and record information, including the PIN, from the card’s magnetic strip. The information is then used to make unauthorized purchases. To limit your vulnerability to this scam, never let your card out of your sight. Major problems have occurred at large department stores and some hotel restaurants.

DISASTER PREPAREDNESS: The Philippines is a volcano-, typhoon- and earthquake-prone country. During the rainy season (May to November) there are typhoons and flash floods. Flooding can cause road delays and cut off bridges. Typhoons in the vicinity of the Philippines can interrupt air and sea links within the country. Volcanic activity is frequent, and periodically the Government of the Philippines announces alerts for specific volcanoes. Earthquakes can also occur throughout the country. General information about natural disaster preparedness is available via the Internet from the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) at http://www.fema.gov.

CRIMINAL PENALTIES: While in a foreign country, a U.S. citizen is subject to that country’s laws and regulations, which sometimes differ significantly from those in the United States and may not afford the protections available to the individual under U.S. law. Penalties for breaking the law can be more severe than in the United States for similar offenses. Persons violating Philippine laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested or imprisoned. Penalties are strict for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs. Convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and fines. Capital punishment is possible for certain drug-related crimes. Swindling and "bad debts" are also serious criminal offenses in the Philippines. The Philippine Government has very strict laws regarding the possession of firearms by foreigners and several foreigners have been sentenced to life imprisonment for bringing firearms into the country. Americans who are arrested overseas should immediately ask to speak to a U.S. Embassy representative.