FOREIGN EYES ON PH SAFETY

Beyond taxes and red tape, a bigger obstacle to Philippine RE is safety. For many foreigners, crime is the deal-breaker.

What JPRE clients are saying:

Korean businessman

•⁠ ⁠“Friends used to fly in for golf; now, I don’t invite them—too unsafe.”

•⁠ ⁠“Kidnappings by Korean syndicates targeting Koreans are worse. Against Filipinos? They wouldn’t dare.”

•⁠ ⁠“Our embassy issues constant crime alerts. Even in Makati Cinema Square, a waitress once warned me not to walk outside.”

•⁠ ⁠"Even tourists are targeted!"

Diplomat

•⁠ ⁠“Embassies share intel: crime in Makati is worsening.”

•⁠ ⁠“Even daytime, Greenbelt’s streets no longer feels safe.”

•⁠ ⁠“I stopped jogging outside my village.”

•⁠ ⁠“Japanese nationals were mugged along Pasay Road—broad daylight.”

The Headlines in 2025

•⁠ ⁠Violent robberies hit Manila’s upscale districts, rattling diplomats — July 2025, Politiko

•⁠ ⁠Two Japanese shot dead in a Manila “robbery” setup — August 2025, Asahi Shimbun

•⁠ ⁠Eight kidnappings this year—all involving foreigners — Aug 2025, Inquirer

•⁠ ⁠Chinese-Filipino businessman Anson Que abducted and killed — 2025, local reports

•⁠ ⁠Government creates desk for foreign crime victims — Sept 2025, Philstar

Meanwhile, PNP claims focus crimes dropped 16.5% YoY (Jan–Aug 2025) — PNA

The paradox: crime rates on paper may be falling, yet foreigners feel more exposed.

Why It Matters

•⁠ ⁠High-value targets — foreigners perceived as wealthy.

•⁠ ⁠Localized hot zones — even “safe” districts like Makati see bold attacks.

•⁠ ⁠Global reputation — one mugging ripples across embassies and investor circles.

•⁠ ⁠Media amplification — A single dramatic case involving a foreigner can get picked up globally, reinforcing the notion of danger.

Impact on RE

Security is no longer a “perk”—it’s non-negotiable. Gated villages, and strict security are as important as location. Foreigners are already pricing in a “risk premium” when considering lodging arrangements.

The bigger question: is the Philippines becoming safer, or more dangerous in the eyes of the world? With the government banking on a tourism boom tied to the Bulacan airport, addressing these security concerns is no longer optional—it’s urgent.