Manila Emergency Card

Tourist Police / Authorities

• Manila Tourist Police Unit
  +63 2 8524 1728
  T.M. Kalaw Ave, Ermita — 24/7, English
• PNP Aviation Security Group (NAIA)
  +63 2 8879 6183
  For airport-related complaints
• DOT Tourist Assistance
  +63 917 700 3777
  Department of Tourism 24/7 assistance line

First 10 minutes if something happens

1. 1.Get to a safe, public spot (café, hotel lobby, shop) and call All emergencies on 911 if anyone is hurt or in immediate danger.
2. 2.Freeze cards immediately in your bank app (do this before calling the bank — it's faster). Revoke Apple Pay / Google Pay from a trusted device if your phone was taken.
3. 3.Change the password on your primary email from a trusted device, then sign out of every other session. Email is the master key to everything else.
4. 4.Contact Manila Tourist Police Unit on +63 2 8524 1728 to file a report — you'll need the reference number for insurance, banks, and your embassy.

Full 8-step checklist at gacs.app/safe-traveller/manila

Top 5 scams to watch for

1. 1. Budol-budol (sweet-talk) group scam
   Friendly locals hypnotise/distract victims into 'lending' or handing over jewellery and cash.
   Avoid: Refuse to engage with 'friendly locals' who approach unbidden — walk away.
   If it happens: Walk away immediately at any 'lend me cash' request.
2. 2. NAIA unmetered taxi 3× overcharge
   'Yellow airport taxi' quotes ₱1,500 flat for a metered ₱400 trip.
   Avoid: Use Grab from the marked NAIA pickup zones (Terminal 1: bay 4; Terminal 3: bay 6).
   If it happens: Refuse to pay above metered rate; photograph plate.
3. 3. Laglag-bala (bullet planting) at NAIA
   Historic scam: airport staff plant a bullet in luggage then demand a bribe.
   Avoid: Padlock all checked luggage with TSA-approved locks.
   If it happens: Insist on presence of Philippine Airport Police AND your embassy representative.
4. 4. ATM skimmers in Malate / Ermita
   Overlay skimmers on standalone ATMs; charges from suburbs 24h later.
   Avoid: Use ATMs inside major bank branches only: BPI, BDO, Metrobank, Security Bank.
   If it happens: Freeze card immediately via banking app.
5. 5. Tricycle / kalesa short-trip overcharge
   Tricycle 'special rate' for tourists is ₱200 for a ₱30 trip.
   Avoid: Agree exact price in writing/photo BEFORE boarding.
   If it happens: Pay only what agreed; photograph plate.