here have been numerous incidents of Japanese nationals falling victim to pickpocketing, theft, drug-assisted robberies, taxi robberies, and scam artist attacks in the Manila metropolitan area and its vicinity. We provide the following information on recent crime trends and precautions to ensure you stay aware of potential dangers and take necessary safety measures to avoid such incidents.
1. Pickpocketing
- (1) There are frequent cases of two-person groups on motorcycles approaching from behind and snatching handbags, mobile phones, and other belongings.
- (2) There have also been instances where victims were dragged along with their bags, resulting in injuries.
[Precaution 1] Be especially cautious of motorcycles approaching from behind while walking. If you detect an approaching motorcycle, move to a safer location out of reach. [Precaution 2] Carry secondary bags in front of your body, away from the road, to make it less likely for someone to grab them from behind.
2. Pickpocketing and Bag Snatching
- (1) Reports frequently come in about bags being opened and valuables like passports and wallets being stolen.
- (2) While walking, you may be surrounded by children or beggars who distract you, allowing pickpockets to steal from your pockets or bags. In shopping malls, there have been cases where victims were squeezed between two thieves on escalators, with one thief distracting the victim while the other stole from their bag.
- (3) Bag snatching is also common in restaurants and other places where bags are left unattended.
[Precaution 1] Carry only the minimum amount of cash and distribute valuables rather than keeping them all in one bag. [Precaution 2] Avoid distractions like “walking while texting,” and do not stop if approached by strangers. If you feel threatened, call for help loudly. [Precaution 3] Stay alert to people around you while shopping or exploring. Be particularly cautious when using escalators in malls. [Precaution 4] Always keep your bags in sight and take them with you when leaving your seat. [Precaution 5] Smartphone theft is common. If you manage important contacts or documents on your phone, ensure you have backups in case of loss or theft.
3. Drug-Assisted Robbery
- Incidents of drug-assisted robbery continue to be reported, especially among young travelers. Here’s what you need to know:
- (1) Drug-assisted robbery involves criminals, often working in groups, who approach targets, persuade them to move to a different location, and then drug their food or drinks to steal their belongings. This crime is often referred to as “Ativan Gang” incidents in the Philippines.
- (2) Examples include:
- Being drugged in a restaurant and waking up in your hotel room without your wallet or phone, and with credit card fraud charges.
- Taking a taxi and later finding yourself on the street with missing belongings after consuming offered snacks or drinks.
[Precaution 1] Victims often say they were deceived by the appearance of the perpetrators or didn’t think it would happen to them. Be very cautious of strangers offering food or drinks. [Precaution 2] Be aware that psychoactive drugs can have severe effects. Avoid accepting food or drinks from strangers.
4. Taxi and Public Transport Theft
- (1) There have been reports of passengers being threatened and robbed of their belongings by taxi drivers.
- (2) Issues with fare discrepancies and refusal to stop have been reported, where drivers demand significantly more than the agreed fare.
- (3) In jeepneys, there have been cases of thieves using tricks to steal phones or wallets.
[Precaution 1] If you are robbed, prioritize your safety and avoid resistance. [Precaution 2] Always verify and record taxi details before getting in. Avoid solo taxi rides or horse-drawn carriages if possible. Consider using safer ride-hailing services like “Grab.” [Precaution 3] Stay vigilant for theft in public transport and keep an eye on your belongings.
5. Scam Artist Attacks
- There have been numerous incidents of extortion involving foreigners, including Japanese nationals. In these scams, individuals may be approached by young women in malls, leading to extortion or fraudulent credit card charges. Similar issues have arisen through dating apps.
[Precaution 1] Avoid engaging with strangers who approach you with unusual offers. [Precaution 2] Be cautious when using dating apps, as they come with risks.
6. Passport Loss
- Cases of lost passports are increasingly reported. It is crucial to check the location of your passport and be vigilant to avoid loss or theft. In case of loss, reissue requires documents like a family registry and police report and involves significant time and effort.
[Precaution 1] Reconfirm the location of your passport and be cautious about its safety. Carry a copy of your passport instead of the original unless necessary.
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