Ensuring Personal Safety And Security In The Philippines

[Mike Bannister]

Whenever I see this topic I ask myself what I would do differently in Mindanao, Manila or Cebu to what I would do in Los Angeles, New York, London or Sydney. The answer is nothing. Intrinsically the dangers in any of those places is very similar, but we are used to taking precautions on our own turf. We don't drive through Compton or if we have to don't leave the car, we don't walk through Central Park at night, or try to pick up girls in Brockley, or West Sydney. Yet we are aghast when a foreigner is robbed beaten or even murdered in parts of Manila, Cebu or CDO where the police won't even go unless in numbers. My advice to all expats is talk with people about where is safe and where it is not safe to go at nights and in all your journeys take the same precautions you would in a town or city in your own country

[Jack Peterson]

:unsure: Well, For me, it is simple, Don"t , ever, be in the wrong place, saying the wrong thing to the wrong person. at the wrong time.!! :)

:tiphat:

[Thomas]

Whenever I see this topic I ask myself what I would do differently in Mindanao, Manila or Cebu to what I would do in Los Angeles, New York, London or Sydney. The answer is nothing. Intrinsically the dangers in any of those places is very similar, but we are used to taking precautions on our own turf. We don't drive through Compton or if we have to don't leave the car, we don't walk through Central Park at night, or try to pick up girls in Brockley, or West Sydney. Yet we are aghast when a foreigner is robbed beaten or even murdered in parts of Manila, Cebu or CDO where the police won't even go unless in numbers. My advice to all expats is talk with people about where is safe and where it is not safe to go at nights and in all your journeys take the same precautions you would in a town or city in your own country

I agree with THAT part, not to GO to some places,

BUT don't forget the difference in poverty, and in Phili we kanos look different and easy to see because of the length :) And most Filipins believe ALL kanos are rich. So not odd it's biger risk for break ins in our HOMES. Many houses - belonging to Filipins to - in Phili has iron bars over all windows. In Sweden only SOME shops have, no homes, here it's better to NOT have bars over the windows, because keeping the chance to get OUT everywhere at fires.

[joeatmanila]

I see this topic coming over and over again, good one though and worths the repeat.

Don't argue with a drunk filipino or when you are drunk with a sober filipino. Never know the outcome, can be deadly.

Never go on a fist fight with a filipino, you'll beat the heck out of him and he will come back with 6 other guys and 10 guns, most likely kill you.

Never seriously offend a filipino in public, loosing face for some is paid back by shooting you.

No i do not mean be the victim no matter what, do your argument, stand your opinion but with the filipino ways. You will never see them as us arguing talking to each other with words such as "what you say you mother***er" "i say my sh&t you idiot as**ole" "i had your mother's ..."etc etc and then see them drinking beer together on the end...This simply DOES NOT HAPPENS here. if you do as such, your provoke guns and knives to be pulled. Instead they argue with passion but rather low tone voices using as respectful words as possible, such as "yes po you might be right but this is my car" "sorry kuya but it is you who bumped my car from behind" "Sir for sure we have a slight dispute, let us call the police or so"

I hope i cleared out the argument incident where LOTS of KANOS have lost their life for no damn reason other than cultural difference!!!

On road safety, do not walk around with plenty of cash flashing them all over as well jewelries etc. When i have not much to eat and i see the opportunity on grabbing your necklace and give me a months food....i will, same they will too.

Road rage, do it but know the limits, when you see the presistance in major, let him pass.

Oh house safety, you are dealing mostly with small time thieves who will grab whatever available and leave, unless you wake up and then they have to fight and usually out of their own fear kill you. Either let them take your cellphone and laptop, your life worths more, or secure your house. I installed surveillance cameras and motion sensors all around my house, plus two dogs on in the front one in the back of the house. No irons in the windows, just a simple fence easily jumped. Before i installed them (a year ago) i had some barking in attmepts but the dogs and me the heavy Greek were waking up they barged i opened the lights in the house, thieves runned away, since then though no one has attempted braking in. The other neighbors still get "visits", we hear about one every month or so. Some did exactly the same as me, no issues there either. Rather cheap investment for peace of mind. 8 cameras with a dvr holding two weeks history from all 8 camera plus 8 motion sensors with light and LOUD siren, about 2000$.

For the ones who bring young girls in their house...not a good idea!!! take them to an appartelle, it costs 300p...do your thing an hour or two (not unless the viagra lasts longer), then go home alone, ask your helper to cook you a stake open a few beers and enjoy your glorious evening!!!! hahahah!!!! But do not let them know where your house is etc. If the girl wants to bring a friend...you bring one too, ask her if it is ok to bring Fat Pete the famous fart maker so you can all have some fun...WILL SAVE YOU some trouble!!!!

If these kind filipino guys promise you to take you here aned there to meet this girl who has never done it before...and all the rest of their crap, buy them 6 beers, go to the manager, pay the bill take a taxi-tricycle whetever and RUN AWAY!!!!

Ofcoruse all that can be bypassed and it mostly applies to the first timer here (first timer i mean someone who lives here less than a year).

You can have all the fun in the world, you can live your dream as i do, but use common sense, guard your attitude and practices according to the local customs and way of living and you'll be more safe than anywhere in the world!!!!!

[Mike Bannister]

Another aspect that we sometimes fail to appreciate is that we can become part of the community in which we live or just live in it. I sit out on my front porch in the afternoon and talk to the kids as they pass and often have groups stop for impromptu singing or english lesson's, we have our family involved in all aspewcts of what is going on in the community, local events, sponsorships, talking at schools, clubs etc. This results in us being seen as community, still foreigner, but one who is involved. We have wall(6ft) around our property and a gate but so far 3 years, no breakins nothing stolen.

[Mike Bannister]

Just a final thought,

I have lived for long periods in LA, Sydney, London, Auckland, Brisbane. I feel safer here than I ever felt in those cities. I wanted to thank Joe At Manila for the wisdom in his post, but apparently I have exceeded my thank quota for the day. It is my first post. Si I hope you read this and know that I appreciate the considerable thought and effort that you put into it

[Old55]

Some well thought out suggestions and ideas thank you for sharing them!

Knowing and getting along well with those living nearby is key.

[Mike S]

Instead they argue with passion but rather low tone voices using as respectful words as possible

Hey Joe ..... you obviously didn't see the interaction between the taxi we were riding in and the stupid motorcycle rider that smashed into the side of the cab ..... he leaped off his motorcycle screaming and yelling his head off that the taxi should have know he wanted to turn there .and wanted the cab driver to pay for his bike ..... the traffic enforcer just ignored his ranting and raving and told him to fix his own bike or he would give him a ticket ..... it has been my observation that the person who usually yells the loudest in a traffic dispute is usually the winner ...... :hystery: :hystery: ...... but then I have only lived in Cebu City and the Cebuanos are loud anyway .... IMHO ...... :hystery: ..... :cheersty:

[Jim Sibbick]

The biggest safety message I can give is

Treat ALL Filipinos with respect ALL of the time.

[Jollygoodfellow]

apparently I have exceeded my thank quota for the day

I don't recall there being a "thank" quota but will look into it. :thumbsup: