Scam in PhilippinesTheft
Armed piracy and theft at sea in Philippines
How it works
Armed pirates in high-speed boats stop vessels, take valuables and hold people hostage. Foreigners have been killed.
Warning signs
- A boat route crosses waters highlighted for armed piracy.
- Armed people in fast boats approach your vessel.
How to avoid it
- Avoid boat travel across the named high-risk waters.
- Check the full route before agreeing to a boat trip.
If it happens to you
Do not fight over valuables. Follow crew instructions where possible and seek police and embassy help as soon as you can safely do so.
- Move to a safe public place. Do not chase thieves or start a confrontation.
- Check whether anyone is injured. Get medical help if needed.
- Freeze missing payment cards. Secure affected accounts and block a stolen phone through your provider.
- Save receipts, booking records and messages. Write down the time, place, vehicle details and what happened.
- Report the incident to the police. For taxi complaints, contact the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board on 1342.
- Contact your insurer. Ask your embassy for help if your passport is missing or the incident is serious.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
- Government adviceSafety and security - Philippines travel advice - GOV.UKBritish authorities warn of piracy and armed robbery against ships around the Sulu and Celebes seas, including potential attacks on boats serving offshore islands and dive sites.Read on Government advice
- Government advicePhilippines travel adviceCanadian travel advice reports pirate attacks and armed robbery targeting ships in Philippine coastal waters.Read on Government advice
Questions
What is the armed piracy and theft at sea scam in Philippines?
Armed pirates in high-speed boats stop vessels, take valuables and hold people hostage. Foreigners have been killed.
How can I spot it early?
A boat route crosses waters highlighted for armed piracy. Armed people in fast boats approach your vessel.
How do I avoid armed piracy and theft at sea in Philippines?
Avoid boat travel across the named high-risk waters. Check the full route before agreeing to a boat trip.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Do not fight over valuables. Follow crew instructions where possible and seek police and embassy help as soon as you can safely do so.
Where in Philippines does this happen?
The Sulu Sea, coastal areas of Palawan Island, the Celebes Sea and waters near Mindanao
How common is this scam in Philippines?
Occasional. Taxi overcharging and theft are common risks in the Philippines, especially in busy city areas. Watch for drivers refusing the meter, bag snatchers, pickpockets and distractions such as dropped coins or spilled drinks. Keep valuables out of sight and settle disputes calmly.
Are there similar scams in Philippines?
Yes: pickpocketing, bag snatching, including by motorcycle riders, hold-up robbery.
Who can I report it to?
Philippine National Police (PNP): report theft, robbery, threats or fraud at a police station or Police Community Precinct. Bring the evidence you have and ask for a report reference or copy. Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board: call 1342 for a taxi complaint. Keep the plate number, trip details and any receipt. Card issuer or bank: use the bank's official app or verified contact number to freeze a missing card and report unauthorised transactions. Embassy or consulate: use its official contact details for help after passport theft, a serious crime or hostage taking. Travel insurer: contact the claims or assistance service. Keep police reports, receipts and evidence of the loss. Taxi booking app: report the trip through the app and include the booking record, driver details and disputed charge.
Reviewed by @snuck