I live in Laoag, Ilocos Norte. I am from Ohio USA. I was shocked when I first arrived here and decided to inquire about property for sale. First I learned that finding a realestate agent was nearly impossible. Although every dog and his brother is willing to show you property for sale. That is because everyone associated with the showing gets a commision.
I did go to the office of a popular gated comunity. This was a frieghtening experience for me. I arrived and wasnt allowed entry. They had four security guards preventing anyone from entering the building. Once i did gain entry. I was escorted to the waiting area. A lady (not an agent) greeted me took my info and told me once I gave them 10k then I could meet with an agent. The office area was full of disgruntled buyers. Upstairs is where the sales teams were and guards kept anyone from going up.
I agreed to ride with four employeeys none were agents. To go an look at thecomunity. We get there and we all had to fill out a form telling where we lived and why we were there. I inquired about this and was told this is required by everyone except residents. Even guest of residents have to complete this. . I looked around at the houses and noticed that many of the residents had plain clothed security guards at their homes. The prices were much highet than back home. So with all that said people be careful. These places may boast safety vut as I have mentioned before if a man with a gun needs to watch over you while you are sleeping then you are not living right.
Do not get caught up thinking crime is something you need to concern yourself with here. This is the Philippines. My hometown reported a highercrime rate last year than the past two years of crime in all the Philippines. Most of the crime here happens in Manila. Which is a city with crime specific to it slum areas. The people here live by a simple code.EYE FOR AN EYE....my opinion its a great deturent. If you are affraid to live amoung the Locals you really shouldnt be here. Rentals here range from 4k to 8k. House and lot go from 800k to 2.5mil. Not bad. House and lot in gated will start at 6mil....So be aware.
Gated comunities...aproach with CAUTION!!!
what was so frightening about it -as u said more crime happens in your own home town ,thats what security do -stop people from entering ,of course crime is something you have to be concerned with ,it happens all over the world ,been to many parts of manila and never had any incident .
Incase you didnt understand. I was refering to my hometown in the US. Manilla is a very safe place in comparison to other cities its size.
As you say security keeps bad guys at bay except when its the bad guys they are trying to protect. This is something to be ware of in third world countries. The wealthy and elite are often intrenched in coruption. They may befriend you but not because you are such a nice guy. Just be wise enough to know that.
Just because a gated community has strict security doesn't necessarily imply that there's a high crime rate in the area. Often, the decision to put up security guards and setting up protocols and rules is made by the officers and board of directors of the homeowners' association. The owners of houses with extra security guards are often those who are very wealthy or are high-profile such as politicians, high rank military, etc. who may have enemies. Or it could be someone who's just paranoid and has money for a security guard. (Sometimes, the owners don't even live there. Just their property caretakers or mistresses.) And if these homeowners become officers, they are likely to put strict security measures all over the subdivision, even if it a generally safe community.
The area of Quezon City where I live is generally safe. I live in a gated community and I would prefer to live in such rather than in a non-gated. There are guards at the gate who call you to verify if the person who claims to know you is someone you were expecting, roving guards, security cameras, well-lit streets. Robberies are very rare, and they are perpetuated by people living in the house such as relatives and house help who run away with cash, jewelry or appliances / gadgets.
I agree with the latest post, generally most locals are paranoid but it does keep the bad or just poor people away, I think you are much more likely to be stolen from within your household
Pete
I disagree with what this guy said about the rich and the elite are often entrenched in corruption. I think he is the one being paranoid. There are a lot of wealthy people here in the Philippines who became successful because of hard work and good educations.
Because of the fear entrenched on some foreigners, they make opinions based on this fear.
I live in a gated community. Yes they call unless you tell them company is coming. And you need go to the gate to let them in. Unless it is mother in law. She just stares them down and walks on in. And yes they have 1 guard at the gate at night and one walking around with a shotgun. 2 in the day both at the gate. I have yet to hear of a crime here in the community were I live. Very safe. Much safer than anywere in the U.S. As for going to town I take the bus, jeepney, taxi, and have walked. Never a problem from no one. I will admit around the wet market and at events that draw a crowed. They do have pick pockets here. Never robbed yet but they have tried. And others I know have been pickpocketed. Even the Philippinoe's here.
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