Philippines Crime Rate & Safety
Homicide statistics, crime trends, and travel safety for Philippines
US State Department Travel Advisory
Exercise Increased Caution
Updated May 8, 2025
Philippines recorded 4.3 intentional homicides per 100,000 people in 2023, a rate that is moderate by global standards. That places Philippines #77 of 195 countries by homicide rate, compared with the Asia average of 2.0 per 100,000 and a world average of 5.2. Homicide rates have fallen 58% over the past decade (from 10.4 in 2016). For travelers, the US State Department currently rates Philippines at Level 2 of 4: Exercise Increased Caution.
Homicide Rate
4.3 /100k
Safety Rank
#119 of 195
Travel Advisory
Level 2 of 4
Data Year
2023
Homicide Rate Trend (1990-2023)
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people. Homicide rates have fallen 58% over the past decade (from 10.4 in 2016). Source: UNODC via World Bank.
How Philippines Compares
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people, latest available year per country.
Who Is Affected
In Philippines, the homicide rate for men is 6.4× higher than the rate for women — 7.5 vs 1.2 per 100,000 (2023).
Homicide victims per 100,000 of each sex. Source: UNODC via World Bank.
Armed Conflict Context
Philippines has recorded battle-related deaths in recent years. Conflict deaths are counted separately from homicides — a country can have a moderate crime rate but significant conflict risk, and travel advisories weigh both.
Battle-Related Deaths
176(2024)
Military Spending
1.3% GDP(2024)
Safety for Travelers
Summary of the current US State Department advisory for Philippines:
Reissued after periodic review with minor edits. Exercise increased caution in the Philippines due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, and kidnapping. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory. Do Not Travel to: The Sulu Archipelago, including the southern Sulu Sea, due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, and kidnapping . Marawi City in Mindanao due to terrorism and civil unrest . Reconsider Travel to: Other areas of Mindanao due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, and kidnapping .
Level 1
Exercise Normal Precautions
Level 2
Exercise Increased Caution
Level 3
Reconsider Travel
Level 4
Do Not Travel
Safety Guidance for Philippines
Practical safety information for visitors, from US State Department country information (last updated April 22, 2025).
Terrorism
Terrorist groups, and those inspired by such organizations, are intent on attacking U.S. citizens abroad. Terrorists are increasingly using less-sophisticated methods of attack – including knives, firearms, and vehicles – to target crowds more effectively. Frequently, their aim is unprotected or vulnerable targets, such as: High-profile public events (sporting contests, political rallies, demonstrations, holiday events, celebratory gatherings, etc.) Hotels, clubs, and restaurants frequented by tourists Places of worship Schools Parks Shopping malls and markets Public transportation systems (including subways, buses, trains, and scheduled commercial flights) U.S. citizens should remain alert to the potential for explosions and bombings as part of pre-planned attacks, as well as the threat of kidnapping.
Crime
Confidence games (con games), pickpocketing, internet scams, and credit/ATM card fraud are common. Be wary of unknown individuals who attempt to befriend you, especially just after you arrive in country. Do not accept food, drinks, or rides in private vehicles from strangers, even if they appear to be legitimate. Solo travelers have been drugged and robbed by strangers after accepting an invitation to visit a tourist destination. Kidnappings, physical assaults, murder-for-hire, and other violent crimes occur in the Philippines. Travelers have been stopped and robbed shortly after leaving Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport in a taxi or private vehicle. Taxi drivers and/or individuals using stolen taxi cabs have committed robberies. Ask the hotel, restaurant, and/or business establishment to call a reliable taxi service for you or use a ride-sharing application.
International Financial Scams
See the Department of State and the FBI pages for information on scams. Internet romance and financial scams are prevalent in the Philippines. Scams are often initiated through social media or by unsolicited emails or messages sent via messaging apps such as WhatsApp or Viber. Scammers may pose as potential romantic partners or as U.S. citizens in crisis. Common scams include: Romance/online dating Money transfers Lucrative sales schemes Gold purchase schemes Contracts or jobs with promises of large salaries or commissions Grandparent/relative targeting Offers of free travel or luggage Lottery winnings Inheritance notices Work permits Bank overpayments
Victims of Crime
The Department encourages U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault to contact the U.S. Embassy for assistance. Report crimes to the local police at the 911 hotline and contact the U.S. Embassy at +(63)(2) 5301-2000. Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting the crime. See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas . We can: Help you find appropriate medical care. Help you report a crime to the police. Contact relatives or friends (with your written consent). Provide general information regarding the victim’s role in the local criminal justice system. Provide a list of local attorneys. Provide our information on victim’s compensation programs in the United States. Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution. Help you find accommodation and arrange flights home.
Domestic Violence
U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the Embassy for assistance.
Tourism
Please check with the Philippine Department of Tourism before traveling. The safety standards you might expect of transport and tour operators, including adventure activities such as SCUBA diving, are not always met. Operators may not provide sufficient safety equipment or observe recommended maintenance standards and safety precautions. Always use available safety equipment, such as lifejackets or seatbelts, even if others do not. If appropriate safety equipment is not available, use another provider. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is widely available throughout the country. However, outside of major metropolitan centers, it may take more time for first responders and medical professionals to stabilize a patient and provide life-saving assistance. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance .
About This Data
Homicide figures are intentional homicides per 100,000 people, compiled by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and published by the World Bank (indicator VC.IHR.PSRC.P5). Homicide is the most reliably comparable crime statistic across countries because definitions of other offences (assault, theft, robbery) vary widely between national legal systems and reporting practices.
Travel advisory levels are issued by the US Department of State and updated continuously. They reflect risks to travelers including crime, terrorism, civil unrest, health, and natural disasters — not only crime rates. Countries report crime data with different lags; the most recent available year is shown for each metric.
Philippines Population & Demographics
Population of 115,843,670, growth trends, economy, and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Philippines safe to visit?
The US State Department rates Philippines at Level 2 of 4 (Exercise Increased Caution). The homicide rate of 4.3 per 100,000 is moderate by global standards.
What is the crime rate in Philippines?
Philippines has an intentional homicide rate of 4.3 per 100,000 people (2023, World Bank/UNODC), ranking #77 of 195 countries.
What is the US travel advisory level for Philippines?
Philippines is currently at Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution. Advisory levels range from Level 1 (Exercise Normal Precautions) to Level 4 (Do Not Travel).
How does crime in Philippines compare to other countries?
Philippines's homicide rate of 4.3 per 100,000 is below the world average of 5.2 and above the Asia average of 2.0.