Understand Where You Can Go Safely With Bodyguard Services in the Philippines
Safety risks come in a wide variety. That is why a bodyguard’s responsibility does not stop at keeping you safe from a violent attack or robbery. International experienced bodyguards also understand what a country’s political situation, laws and customs, and infrastructure mean for your business trip or holiday. Or what the level of health care means for your situation. Aside from these risks, you must consider potential natural disasters when traveling to the Philippines. The climate and location of this country involve travel restrictions, some only seasonal, others permanent. In this article about bodyguard services in the Philippines, you can discover what you need to know about how to prepare for your travels and your stay, what you can do to maintain safe, and when it is wise to seek the help of private security services in, for example Manila.
What Are the Philippines About?
The southeast of Asia is where you can find the Republic of the Philippines. An archipelago of more than 7,500 islands in the Pacific Ocean. After a period of Spanish and American colonialism, the country gained independence in 1946. However, democracy, as we know it in western countries, was not effected immediately.
For centuries, local, regional, and national politics have been controlled by powerful families. This upper layer of the population is wealthy and often owns large land areas. It is in their interest to maintain their situation as is, which can be maintained by corruption. Supporting politicians and candidates by citizens have resulted in financial benefits or constructions (road, bridges, etc.) for (local) communities. Only a little has changed since then. Today, wealthy aristocrats find themselves competing with famous Philippine celebrities such as actors.
Economically, the Philippines are transforming from a predominantly agricultural country to a services and manufacturing-oriented economy. Tourism also takes up a significant portion of the GDP, with nearly 60% of visitors of an eastern Asian background.
Are the Philippines Safe?
Some safety risks in the Philippines depend on the location (natural disasters), while others apply to the entire country. The most common risks at a glance:
Natural risks
Volcanos
Active volcanos (mostly in the South) are known to erupt without any signs. This makes visiting some areas impossible. The government has inflicted safety zones of 2 – 6 kilometers around volcanos where access is prohibited. Information and news about these volcanos can be found at the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology.
Cyclones
Between June and November, cyclones can cause havoc and lead to rains and floods. During floods, some areas become inaccessible for a longer period of time. Always follow the weather forecast and news for the region you plan to travel to.
Earthquakes
There are chances of earthquakes, landslides, and tsunamis due to the global location of the Philippines. You can consult the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology for more information.
Health
In major cities, quality health care is readily available. However, in the countryside, health care is limited. Therefore, make sure you are well-insured and take into account that for most healthcare services, you are required to pay up-front.
Personal security
Theft and scams occur regularly. Keep your eyes on your belongings at all times, and be careful of pickpockets in busy areas. Alternatively, stay away from remote streets, parks, and neighborhoods for criminal attacks. Philippino people who seem too friendly may scam you with fake products. Also, stay vigilant in bars and keep your hand over your drinks. If you were unable to do so, and your drink tastes strange, do not finish it.
Possessing drugs in the Philippines is highly prohibited. Even the smallest amount (1 XTC tablet) will result in high fines and imprisonment for life. In addition, drug dealers are publicly encouraged to be convicted of the death sentence when they resist apprehension.
Sex for money is illegal and will result in high penalties. This also applies when you have sex with a minor pretending to be older than they are. Also, you can be accused of child abuse or trafficking when you are in the company of children younger than 12 years old who are not part of your family.
Public security
Demonstrations and protests occur frequently. Do not participate and try to avoid them at all times. They may lead to violence. In some areas, like the remainder of Mindanao, excluding Camiguin, Dinagat and Siargao Islands, terrorist attacks occur. Stay informed on what areas and islands to avoid.
General risks to consider:
- Do not resist when you are being robbed and give what the criminals want. Resisting may result in further violence and injuries.
- During the rainy season, mosquitoes spread dengue. Make sure you take appropriate clothing, equipment (mosquito nets) and medication.
- Update and bring your medical passport. This enables you to bring your own medication, which you should bring enough of. Some medicines may not be available.
- Do not drink any tap water and refuse drinks with ice cubes.
- Don’t drive without an international driver’s license.
Remote Safety Measures or Bodyguard Services in the Philippines?
Infinite Risks can provide you with several protection services to increase your level of safety and comfort. This will prepare you well for your holiday or business trip and offer you the personal assistance you require.
Investigative solutions
- With travel risk management, we can assess your travel plans and investigate whether you may encounter any security issues based on your itinerary.
- When you aim to hire personnel, screen staff members, or potential business partners, we can perform a background screening on these persons.
- Doing business with a company you do not really know? Consider letting us do a due diligence investigation.
Technical solutions
- We can provide you with a 24/7 GPS tracking device (with panic button) for your personal safety without invading your privacy.
- This will feel extra comfortable when you require senior or medical assistance and road service assistance.
- Further technical security assistance could include an portobale alarm and/or CCTV system.
Personal security
Personal security services can be carried out by our licensed and vetted personal protection officers, who can accompany you to or in the Philippines to protect you against kidnapping, armed robbery and/or terrorism attacks.
- Personal bodyguards and covert executive protection services.
- Patrol services and residential security guards.
- Security drivers with luxury or armored vehicles.
- Event security solutions (e.g., when you want to host a party or event).
Our well equiped and highly trained security guards, international security consultants and local executive protection officers are able to offer armed and unarmed private security services throughout the Philippines.
More Information About Bodyguard Services in the Philippines
Once we know the purpose of your stay in the Philippines, we assess the risks you may run under various circumstances. This way, we can anticipate every step you take and keep you safe and comfortable at all times.
We are a security company from the Netherlands with a vast and reliable network worldwide.
Our highly experienced personnel consists of predominantly Dutch, British and US trained close protection officers from specialized military, police and intelligence units. Our security professionals speak at least two languages and are uniquely skilled in, e.g., specialist driving, advanced first aid, water sports, surveillance detection and counter surveillance (including TSCM and bug sweeps).
We are experienced in guiding business executives, celebrities, diplomats and UHNWI to and in the Philippines. We keep our clients safe. Please contact us for more information about bodyguard services in Manila, Quezon City, Davao and Cebu. We look forward to helping you out.