Operating in Philippines? Speak with a security consultant.
The Philippines is an archipelago of over 7,600 islands with a population exceeding 115 million. Manila (and the wider Metro Manila area including BGC and Makati) is the primary destination for international business. The country has a young, English-speaking population and a growing outsourcing and technology sector.
FCDO advises against all but essential travel to Mindanao (except Davao City region) and the Sulu archipelago. Manila carries a high risk rating across crime, terrorism context, and transport risk.
Manila’s risk geography
Metro Manila’s risk profile is not uniform. BGC (Bonifacio Global City) and Makati CBD operate with significantly better security infrastructure than older Manila districts, port areas, and northern zones. This zone distinction matters: knowing where to stay, where to eat, and which routes to avoid is professional minimum preparation for any Manila visit.
The terrorism dimension
Abu Sayyaf and IS-Philippines affiliates have conducted attacks including kidnappings, bombings, and the 2017 Marawi siege (which lasted five months). Operations are concentrated in Mindanao and the southern islands. For Metro Manila, the threat is real but less acute. The November 2016 Davao City market bombing and IS-Philippines-linked incidents demonstrate the group’s national reach.
Firearms and the armed security market
Many professional operators are PNP or AFP alumni with weapons experience. Under section 10 of RA 11917, agency officers may carry firearms only on duty, in uniform and within the compound they guard, except when escorting cash or valuables. For corporate visitors, the appropriate level of security response depends on the specific profile, activity, and travel pattern being assessed.
Our vetted operators provide close protection and executive protection and security driver services across the Philippines, including Cebu’s calmer corporate corridors around Cebu IT Park and Ayala Business Park. For a detailed local assessment, see our Manila city briefing or the Cebu city briefing.
Cities We Cover
Manila
High riskCapital and primary business hub. Terrorism from Abu Sayyaf/IS-Philippines, armed hold-ups, zone risk between BGC/Makati and higher-risk areas. Strict drug laws apply.
View city guide →Cebu
Moderate riskThe Philippines' second business centre, built around the Cebu IT Park and Ayala Business Park corridors. A meaningfully calmer environment than Metro Manila, with close protection typically arranged for higher-profile visits rather than as a routine default.
View city guide →Security Regulations
Firearms
Under section 10 of Republic Act No. 11917, a licensed agency may hold small arms, no more than 1 for each security professional it employs, in line with Republic Act No. 10591. Its officers may carry them only on duty, in uniform and within the compound of the establishment they guard, except when escorting large amounts of cash or valuables. Ask how any armed element of a detail fits these rules before it is agreed.
Licensing
Republic Act No. 11917, the Private Security Services Industry Act, lapsed into law on 30 July 2022 and repealed Republic Act No. 5487. The Chief of the Philippine National Police issues each agency's licence to operate (LTO), valid for up to 5 years, and each security professional's licence to exercise security profession (LESP), valid for 5 years. The PNP Civil Security Group's Supervisory Office for Security and Investigation Agencies (SOSIA) supervises agencies and guards. Ask for both licences before an assignment starts.
Foreign Operators
Section 4 of Republic Act No. 11917 allows only Filipino citizens, or entities wholly owned and controlled by Filipino citizens, to organise a private security agency, and a security professional must be a Filipino national. A foreign officer cannot hold an LESP. Use a licensed Philippine agency for protective work, and take local legal advice before a foreign team carries out protective duties.
Sources, checked : Republic Act No. 11917, The Private Security Services Industry Act (Senate of the Philippines); Journal News, PNP-CSG and SOSIA watch private security agencies for gun ban breaches (1 April 2025).