For Westerners traveling to the Philippines for the first time, one of the things you become immediately aware of is the fact that there are Security Guards everywhere.
But are they really keeping you safe?When I say everywhere I mean it. I don’t think I have ever been anyplace that has so many damn Security Guards.
There are guards at gas stations, clothing stores, parking lots, hotels, office buildings and even McDonald’s. At first your mind starts racing and wondering what the hell is so bad here that I need to be guarded when I go to the grocery store? After a while you begin to realize that these are no ordinary security guards.
I found it a little odd the first time I was in a convenience store and the guard came up and asked me if he could help me find something. I mean did he think I was there to shoplift something? Then when I went to an office building the door man opened the door and said “Good morning Sir”. But then I noticed this doorman had a gun and the word “Security” on his shirt. What really did it was when I stopped by McDonalds for my Big Mac fix and I saw the security Guard behind the counter scooping ice cream for some kids. Is this keeping me safe?
When you go to the malls there are Security Guards at every entrance. Usually there are 2 lines, one for male and one for female. You line up like school kids headed to lunch and work your way to the search area where guards holding short little wooden rods poke them inside the women’s purses and tap the men on the back as they enter. Now I know what the rods are for, but I am not sure the guards do. In all of my travels to the Philippines I have only been patted down twice and not very well then. Most of the time the guard looks at everyone in line and uses his little wooden rod to wave them through.
Some of these guards carry pistol grip shotguns and I have read where more than one has accidentally discharged his weapon and in a few instances shot someone by mistake. I steer clear of the shotgun toting guards, so much so that I will cross the street at times. There is something about a guy with his finger on the trigger of a shotgun that doesn’t make me feel to safe.
The other problem I had was that at times I didn’t know if the guy standing in the street was a policeman, security guard or traffic enforcement. You see very official looking people directing traffic, scolding drivers and telling pedestrians where to stand on the street to cross or wait for taxis and buses. In a lot of cases these are private security and not the police.
All of it makes me wonder just how well trained these guards are? Now I am sure there are some very dedicated and professional guards, I am not saying that. However with what appears to be one of the largest occupations in the country, and all of them toting weapons, just how well are they trained and do they require regular ongoing training and weapons qualifications? For some reason I think not.
I realize that the guards are there because of possible threats. There have been cases of bombings, kidnappings and such. Maybe it is like having a security alarm sign on your door. If someone sees lots of security they won’t attempt anything. But if I notice that most of the effort is for show I think the bad guys could figure it out pretty quick.
Now if you have read this blog before you know I love the Philippines and have never felt in danger anywhere I went and have always felt pretty safe. The one or two exceptions was walking into somewhere and seeing a guard with his finger near the trigger of his pistol grip shotgun.
Being retired Military and having been in a lot of hostile locations where I was shot at, I don’t want my epitaph to read “Accidentally gut shot with a 12 gauge while entering Krispy Crème Donuts”
Yup, I know what you mean about the guards. I just returned from 2 months in Manila (same every year) and I’m still not entirely used to it. The guard at the Starbucks I go to in Rockwell spends most of his time cleaning tables or acting as a doorman. The one time I sat by the door his holstered gun was waving right in my face every time he turned around….needless to say I moved to another table. lol Good post!
It does seem like a lot of them spend more time cleaning tables and dumping the trash instead of doing what guards are supposed to do.
And what about the Tourist Police?!? Did you ever see any of them out, usually at big social events, music shows, and festivals like SummerFest or OctoberFest… Each of them carry an assault rifle strapped to the back. I was not sure if they were there to protect the tourists or oversee them LOL 😉
I saw a few that had tourist police on their shirts but you just never know who they really are. Are they part of the police, private security or what? I just steer clear of the guys with weapons that look like they don’t know how to use them.
Tourist police are part of the state police force. They usually have a beretta concealed within their waists or sometimes a Glock on their holsters.
Very interesting insight. Coming from the Philippines I guess I got too used to seeing them all the time that I never wondered why they’re there. Until now. Hahaha.. And yes you’re right. Most of them aren’t really well-trained, not that I have the least respect for them for I know some and they’re really nice guys. They’re not just for security purposes, they’re part of the crew… helping customers out, cleaning tables, etc. They even serve your food. 😀
Well that is what I noticed. And I am sure most of them are great people but I just wonder how quick they could drop the trash and react in a security situation if need be.
The problem I see is that you worry about the credentials of the security guards in places where you might actually need them. If they’ve just taken kids out of high school and given them a uniform and a gun (which is what you assume in some countries), then what happens if there was actually a threat?
Agreed and it’s not just the Philippines. Security guards overall are underpaid and under trained so you get what you pay for.
I had an uncomfortable feeling about personal security that I havent had in other parts of SEA say maybe some spots of Indonesia. Guns everywhere! It does seem like they employ people for the sake of employing people sometimes in the philippines, probably a good reason why they security guards are serving you ice cream or the fact that it takes people to make a coffee in starbucks!
hi Bob! amused by your observation, though having been used to security guards – i still find some annoying when they insist on opening my bags and poke wooden sticks inside my bags while holding a garrett (from one entry point to the next in the same mall/bldg). i often wonder if they know what they’re inspecting? can they truly identify a bomb, a lunatic who can use a mobile phone as a triggering device, can they stop a person who runs amok?! still hoping that these security guards will be properly trained – physically, emotionally, mentally and psychologically to perform their duty – to serve and protect. 🙂
The one that really got me was the security guard at McDonald’s that was cleaning tables and serving ice cream.
You get used to it pretty quickly. Years ago Northern Ireland was like this. You quickly learned to raise both arms upon entering anywhere, while the security guard patted you down for arms. I just didn’t know they do that in the Philippines now. Hmmm, interesting.
It’s true, I couldn’t believe how many security guards were there when I traveled the Philippines a few years ago. They seemed to be on every corner – guarding what I do not know.
A worse country for security guards is Turkmenistan. On my travels through there we were stopped so many times for no apparent reason. Holding a camera was not allowed. Smoking on the street was also a no no. Security everywhere. A very strange place.
I have no problem with security but when the security guard at a restaurant is cleaning tables and saying come back soon it makes me wonder how well trained they are. I am sure some are good but for the most part I think they hired a body and gave them a gun.
Very interesting. Also consider that most of these guards are hired through private agencies, and even the government hires guards from these agencies for their protection. Which means: a lot of private entities equipping more people for profit purposes. I’m only waiting for a junta from these private agencies, who have enough arms to stage a rebellion.
anyway, great writing. I was laughing all the way through.
Hi Levi, Thanks for stopping by and the comment. Glad you enjoyed the article.
Man, this would drive me nuts. It’s almost like big brother, but out in the open. All around and doing “normal jobs” with an agenda. I am glad to have read this and be prepared if we ever go. My niece is going there later this year, so I will make sure she is aware of this too. Thanks so much for sharing.
Hi Samantha, thanks for stopping by. It is definitely different the first time you see it.
I live in Manila and observe the ubiquitous security guards on a daily basis. A good friend of mine claims that the guards are not equipped with real guns but have cheap imitations. Does anyone know the truth about their guns? Are they real or fake? I have never seen one gun drawn here during my lengthy tenure in the Philippines. Besides, I am not an expert and can’t tell real from fake.
During my visits I saw on TV about a couple of incidents of accidental discharge hitting bystanders. The guns may be knock off and not top brand but they still push a bullet down range.
most of the comments here seem overly-optimistic. i’m lived in the Philippines almost ten years. it’s not safe here. especially in Manila, anywhere. but everywhere else can be problematic as well. but it depends on the village and what’s around. i’ve been threatened more than once. i was physically attacked three times so far. usually its by a drunk filipino laborer, and they’re out and about even by 5 or 6 pm. i was attacked by a street person with mental problems. anything involving filipinos and money can lead to problems. business deals can turn sour. there’s a lot of resentment in the population towards foreigners. this is not a nice place. that’s the reason people aren’t exactly flocking here.
those security guards aren’t just jobs. the society is one of if not the most unequal in Asia. and the “bad guys” have guns, too. and a lot of other people as well. in their bags. backpacks. pockets. that’s why you get searched going into the malls.
there was a bus bomb near my place in Makati, which is the nice area. and a shoot-out.
there are “rebels” around. and i’ve met them. and if you’re kidnapped in malaysia, it’s not by malaysians. its by Filipinos. the chaos of the Philippines has even spread to there occasionally.
people sneak into your room sometimes if you’re not real careful.
people make shitty comments to you. usually about money.
they try to rip you off constantly, that’s every day life in Manila, the worst city i have ever seen so far. its real seedy.
the security is around everywhere with guns because they’re protecting the money and businesses. take away the security and it will be more dangerous. not less.
I appreciate your view. I don’t think it is as dire as you make it out though. While it is true there is crime in Manila, there is crime everywhere. I have traveled extensively for extended periods of time in the Philippines, not just a couple of weeks a beach resort. I agree that some Filipinos talk bad about foreigners but I have also witnessed foreigners that are arrogant, and talk bad about the country that they have decided to either visit or call home. It amazes me when people either visit or relocate to a country and continuously deride the people and country.
They are all thieves, and can’t be trusted. They will do nothing but rip you off if given the chance. Everyone is untrustworthy and will cheat you no matter what. They are lazy, take advantage of you and talk about you behind your back.
Well then go back home.
Whether you are a visitor or a resident, if you act superior, arrogant, feel you are better, or continuously talk about how the people suck and the place is the worst you have ever been then you probably are not going to have a very good time. If you visit high crime areas, you might be robbed, if you leave valuables lying around your hotel room whether in Manila or Dallas, chances are they might come up missing.
“Bad guys” everywhere have guns, not just the Philippines. The basis of the article was mainly about the training of the security guards. Personally I don’t see the necessity of a security guard that scoops ice cream, cleans tables, or mops the floor as part of his job. A security guard that glances into a bag without really looking or taps you on the ass with a stick as you pass him isn’t really making anything much more safer. A security guard armed with a shotgun that has maybe shot two rounds out of it as part of his training is not really keeping anyone safe.
I currently live in Manila and it is generally safe, especially in the business districts of Makati, Bonifacio Global City and Ortigas. I’d consider some of the comments overblown – there hasn’t been a “shootout” in Makati in years. The “nicer” areas are perfectly save with low crime rates, comparable to Europe, probably less than average US.
The security guards at stores, restaurants and malls not only check customers coming in, they also check staff going out to prevent employee theft! And while they might not be equipped to prevent a serious robbery, they prevent low-level crime. Keep in mind that 27% of the Filipinos live on $1/day, so even left-over food at McDonalds or food items at a 7/11 can be tempting if you are desperately poor!
The different types of security are a reflection of the way the cities are organized. The blue uniforms (shirst/pants; you don’t have a photo) is the Philippine National Police, government security the same to any other national police force. In addition, the cities have local police run by the government, also similar to other countries – the yellow/green uniforms in one of your photos look like Makati City police.
Because many (especially the wealthier) neighborhoods are technically “private communities” that happen to allow visitors in or through, they employ their own security. They are typically armed and while not government run, they do have full authority on these private properties. There was a recent outcry when the then Makati Mayor was refused passage at a closed gate and he felt like the rules don’t apply to him (they do and the security has the right to do that).
The next level are private security at malls or stores. While similar to the neighborhood police, they often are not armed, have less training and take on other tasks (like holding the door, cleaning up, helping customers, etc).
Lastly, there are guidelines for training, certification and employment of security – it’s a big business in the Philippines. Keep in mind that they are not very well paid – so I wouldn’t expect them to put their life on the line at $10/day to protect a shop!
Hey Rupert. I agree, I have been to the Philippines on several occasions and never felt unsafe. I questioned the training of some of the security guards and whether they really know what they are doing since some seemed more like store employees, cleaning and insuring the store looked nice. When people talk about security in the Philippines the people that routinely talk about how bad the security is are the people that live there. Rarely do you hear from anyone that has traveled to the Philippines talk about how they felt unsafe or felt in danger. I have heard so many people tell me how dangerous the country is and how I need to be very careful everywhere I go, or stay and I just haven’t found that to be true.
Apparently they need to be there.. bit when I visited in 2014 I had somewhat the same feelings. Are they really there to protect or is it just to show and of something happens they are not totally ready? I don’t know..
I am sure they need them, I just wish a lot of them were better trained to do their job.
I have never read such cynical comments in all my life
I feel safer where there is an answer to physical criminality
as we are this country it seems hope and a prayer which didn`t to well of recent times here
if I recall. Knife crime has escalated out of any understandings and
some of the sentences where the perpetrators are caught are derisory.
We are so slowly rising to meet the issues and the do gooders and parents
are making every seemingly good excuse for their off springs criminal behaviour, which is
often a result of the parents inadequate good parentage. I feel less safe here than in
Pinoy land. Burglars seem unstoppable and you must not hurt them in defence , or you could get prosecuted.
Put barbed wire on top of your fence without a warning to trespassers, get prosecuted, don`t put a complaint form in the hands of a prisoner then he can sue for mismanagement.
Corruption – We have plenty at all levels – Don`t read the newspapers..
Where are we going here??
I had to read your comment a couple of times since it is a little incoherent. Evidently you are upset since I posed the question if you are safe in the Philippines.If you have read many of my posts regarding the Philippines you would know I absolutely love the country and have never really felt unsafe. I have written about the fact the Philippines in general is a safe destination as long as you remain aware of your surroundings and don’t put yourself in a compromising situation, like anywhere else in the world.
Had you read the article, it was not geared towards overall safety in the Philippines but instead whether the run of the mill security guard was trained to keep you safe. When you have security guards serving food, cleaning tables or anything else that is not security related, are they really doing their job. The fact that a lot of security guards have little or no training yet carry loaded firearms or are expected to guard facilities is in my opinion irresponsible, and dangerous to both their security and mine.
Having worked in the intelligence and security industry for over 30 years I think I understand a little about the industry. However if you feel slighted, hurt or upset about my observation of ill trained security personnel that’s fine.
Haven’t you heard of a starbucks holdup that happened in QC? Holdups are quite common and hiring private security guards is an investment. You don’t see a lot of police officers, they are all usually assigned in traffic duties. If you do see a policemen, they are assigned in highly densed areas.
Also security guards in Schools is a must since there are many cases of kidnappings, esp in school where all the children of businessmen study. They just keep it hush-hush because the policemen are usually in cahoots with the kidnapper. (I don’t know if the situation has alleviated now that Duterte is the president. But I do know the people now feel a bit more relax to go about their daily lives.)
No, I am not making up about the kidnappings. It has a season too! When election is coming, if everyone know your family has business, you better hide. Talk to any businessman/businessman’s children. They know someone who had been kidnapped. Back in elementary, one of my classmate’s brother had been kidnapped.
People i met in college also knew someone who had been kidnapped. And we were all from different provinces.
Don’t forget those who car-knap cars. It’s bad enough they want to steal the car, they don’t have to kill the person driving it. And dump the body somewhere in the highway. One particular story come to mind of a man who was about to get married…
Anyways, I don’t want to scare you. But be vigilant.
Note: Hopefully Duterte’s reputation will continue. Crime rates are down too. Because before, criminals were not afraid of police officers. Now they know what the police will do.
I traveled to the Philippines several times and my observation was not that security guards are not needed. I just didn’t see the need for them to be cleaning tables and serving food in the restaurants. That and the fact many had absolutely no training but were handed weapons didn’t give me much confidence that they could protect themselves much less me.
I totally get what you are trying to say. They dressed like security guards but their work doesn’t really match with their uniform. I mean, they are really there for our security, they are just there to be a lackey in some cases. I even experience seeing a security guard being a lackey for the other workers whom he is working for. Also, I have heard a lot of cases when there’s a shoot-out or something that includes violence near them, they just run. I get it, they are afraid and they have family to feed but they have guns and they have the chance to stop it but they just run. Honestly, I am so disappointed with most of the security guards we have here in the Philippines.
I’m sure there are some good security guards in the Philippines but for the most part they are not trained and don’t really know what to do.
I’ve been visiting the Philippines regularly for 30+ years (Filipina wife…) and now we live here, in Tagaytay, a small city south of Manila. I’m always wondering about the extremely numerous and heavily armed security guards. Pistol-grip shotguns…? Is it really so dangerous here? It doesn’t seem so to me…
There are many good comments already and I can only add a couple of things. First, manpower here is cheap. It doesn’t cost much to hire guards, and since it doesn’t cost much, businesses hire plenty of them. All businesses are over-staffed by Western standards, whether with security guards or other staff. Companies don’t seem to worry to much about their staffing costs.
Second, Filipinos are accustomed to the armed guards at this point and see them as part of the landscape. Certainly they’re not bothered by them. Some people say they like the feeling of protection the guards give, whether it’s objectively necessary or not. As you say, businesses use the guards as ‘greeters’, similar to Walmart in the US and, as another comment has observed, the guards are checking out the other staff more than the customers. There are some new trends. I’ve noticed that at some of the places we go (e.g., our son’s condo in central Manila…), they’re hiring young and pretty lady guards instead of tough-looking young guys. I’ve also noticed that some newer shops and restaurants don’t have any guards.
Also, I think there used to be significantly more crime in the past, during the Marcos time. The extreme security guard demand started then, I think, and has to some extent just carried on out of habit. If you ask your Filipino friends and neighbors about crime, they will invariably warn you that crime is bad, all types of crime, and you have to be very careful, especially a foreigner. But when you ask for examples, they usually find it hard to think of anything specific; they may come up with one or two events from long ago. In all the time I’ve spent here, I’ve never been the victim of a crime nor seen any crime committed.
One last observation is that many of the guards are not actually armed. It varies a lot. Almost all guards have a pistol holster, for example, but if you look closely, about half or a third of the time, there’s no actual pistol.
Cheers…
Great observations.
It is safer now with the watch of pres Duterte. I think pres Duterte is right that drugs is the number one cause of crime since this will have a domino effect for example if you are drug dependent already and you have no money to buy drugs what will you do? I think the quick means is stealing or rub that is one of the causes of the holdup
Interesting article. As a Brit married to a Filipina I was quite shocked at the number and variety of weapons on display in the Philippines – bank guards with Mac 10s, security guards at convenience stores with pump action shotguns, and armed cops with M16s. I was also shocked at the lack of trigger finger discipline. I have also often wondered just how much training and range time even the cops get never mind the average mall rent-a-cops and traffic engorcers. Also, in recent years I noticed that many security guards stand with one hand covering the trigger guard of their shotguns and occasionally have seen that there is no actual trigger. Same goes for some revolvers carried by security guards. Are they carrying dummy weapons as a visual deterrent? Davis (above) rightly notes that often-times a security guard has a pistol holster that is either empty or stuffed with a handkerchief.