Manila among 'riskiest' cities: DOT says Philippines committed to tourists' safety

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Tourism on Wednesday addressed a Forbes Advisor report that named Manila among the five riskiest cities for tourists, saying it is committed to ensuring the safety and security of tourists in the country.

Forbes Advisor, a global platform dedicated to helping consumers make financial choices, compared 60 international cities using key metrics such as travel safety rating (20% of score), crime risk (17% of score), personal security risk (17% of score), health security risk (17% of score), infrastructure security risk (10% of score), natural disaster risk (10% of score) and digital security risk (9% of score).

Through these, the safest and riskiest cities for tourists were ranked wherein Manila was hailed the fifth riskiest city. It garnered 91.49 score out of 100, according to the report.

In response to the report, the DOT issued a statement stressing its dedication to uphold the safety and security of all Philippine visitors. The agency said it acknowledges the report but that it could have missed the ongoing efforts to maintain peace and security in the nation’s capital.

“While we acknolwedge the Forbes Advisor survey's methodology, we understand its inherent limitations and potential oversight of the ongoing enhancements in peace and security in Manila,” the DOT said.

It added that it is working closely with the Philippine National Police and the Department of Interior and Local Government "to maintain a safe and welcoming environment for all travelers."

"The DOT remains steadfast in collaborating with various government agencies, private sector partners, and local communities to implement and enhance safety measures, as we have so consistently shown by our various initiatives in order to help transform the Philippines into a premier tourist destination that prioritizes the safety and satisfaction of every visitor," it said.

The tourism agency shared that it has implemented several initatives to reinforce safety and security. These include the Tourist-Oriented Police for Community Order and Protection (TOPCOP), a program that trains and assigns police officers to tourist destinations to ensure their accessibility and