What to Do If You're a Victim of Crime or an Accident
Last updated: 2026-09-13
A summary of what to prioritize in an emergency — robbery, fraud, accidents, a lost passport, and more.
If you run into trouble in the Philippines — robbery, fraud, an accident, and so on — staying calm and acting in order of priority helps prevent the situation from getting worse. If your life is in danger, don't hesitate to call the emergency number.
Overview
Steps
- Don't resist — prioritize your safety and move to a safe location.
- Call the nationwide emergency number 911, and the Philippine Red Cross at 143 if needed.
- Consult the embassy's assistance desk for Japanese nationals.
- File a Police Report / Blotter at a police station to preserve a record.
- If your passport is stolen or lost, contact the embassy's consular section promptly.
- In fraud cases, stop sending any more money and save the transfer details and conversation history.
Preparation checklist
- The nationwide emergency number 911 and your local police contact
- The embassy's emergency contact (assistance section for Japanese nationals)
- Your address and a nearby landmark
- A copy of your passport number (kept separately from the original)
- Your travel insurance emergency contact
Frequently asked questions
What should I do if my passport is lost or stolen?
File a Police Report at the nearest police station promptly and contact the embassy's consular section. Issuing a travel document or new passport can take time, so it's important to consult them early.
How should I preserve evidence of an incident or accident?
As much as possible, take photos of the scene, record the other party's information and witness contact details, and obtain a Police Report / Blotter from the police. These records may also be needed for an insurance claim.
What should I do first if I realize I've been scammed?
Immediately stop any further transfers or payments, save the transfer details and your communication history (chat, email), and consult the police, the embassy, and your financial institution if necessary.
If your life is in danger, don't hesitate to call the local emergency number, 911.