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The Philippine government is taking action against the terrorist and kidnapping threat. It has tightened security in Metro Manila and other areas considered at high risk, including airports and seaports.There is a high incidence of violent crime, including gun crime, British Nationals have been recent victims, but there is no evidence that they are specifically targeted.

There is a high incidence of street crime and robberies . Sensible precautions include: arranging to be met at the airport, (We Can Arrange This, With Guided Tour, if  Required). using a driver or taxis from a reputable source and avoiding displays of cash or jewellery. You should beware of strangers offering drinks or confectionery; criminals intent on robbery may lace these to render the victim unconscious.

You should be particularly vigilant when travelling on public transport. Armed hold-ups have occurred on jeepneys and buses in the Philippines, and have in some cases resulted in fatalities. The roadworthiness of some of these vehicles is also a concern.

On 23 August 2010, an armed man hijacked a tourist bus in Manila. During the incident eight hostages were killed.

You should take precautions to ensure your personal safety. Be vigilant; avoid large demonstrations or gatherings; seek advice from local contacts, avoid travel off the beaten track and always leave travel plans with friends, colleagues or relatives. Or better still, employ your own personnel security.

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There is also a threat from kidnapping in the Philippines particularly in the southern Philippines. But, kidnapping could occur anywhere, including on coastal and island resorts and on dive boats and sites in the Sulu Sea. Foreigners have been targeted in rural, urban and coastal areas in the past. On 1st February 201, 2 two foreign nationals were kidnapped from Parangan in the township of PanglimaSugala in the TawiTawi island province.  On 5 December 2011, an Australian citizen was kidnapped in ZamboangaSibugay. On 12 July 2011 two US citizens and a Philippine national were kidnapped from a resort on the island of Tictabon near the southern port city of Zamboanga. You should be aware thatit is the long-standing policy of the British Government NOT to make substantive concessions to hostage takers. The British Government considers that paying ransoms and releasing prisoners increases the risk of further hostage taking.

Over 130,000 British tourists visited the Philippines in 2011 (Source: Philippines Ministry of Tourism).  MOST visits are trouble-free. But,  171 British nationals required consular assistance in the Philippines in the period 1 April 2010 - 31 March 2011 for the following types of incident: 74 deaths; 25 hospitalisations; and 16 arrests, for a variety of offences.

BE SAFE IN THE PHILIPPINES........................................CONTACT US NOW.