Dealing with the everyday woes of commuting in Metro Manila—traffic, long lines, cramped vehicles, and unpredictable weather—is enough to worry about, which is why we don’t really dwell on how dangerous it actually is. Carrying self-defense weapons with you while commuting might come across as being too paranoid, but if you think about it, it’s better to be safe and rational.
With unpredictable situations like Uber being suspended for a while (read: dark times), having to walk in dim, sketchy areas, or suddenly having to commute after a late night out, a pepper spray or keychain alarm can come in handy for the worst-case scenarios.
We’ve come up with a list of easy-to-carry self-defense weapons for your daily commute:
Pepper Spray
Let’s start with the basics. There are actually several kinds of pepper spray. And you’d be surprised at how accessible they are. It’s one of the most commonly carried self-defense weapons because it’s simple and not as intimidating as a taser or a knife.
Mace Pocket Pepper Spray
Price: P649.75
Where to buy: Ace Hardware (most SM Malls nationwide and select Ayala Malls)
Sabre Pen Pepper Spray
Price: P625.00
Where to buy: Hahn Philippines store branches (Ali Mall, Festival Mall, Glorietta 2, Shoppesville Greenhills, SM City Cebu, SM City Pampanga, SM City Mall of Asia, SM Megamall, SM North EDSA)
Keychain Pepper Spray
Price: P295.00
Where to buy: TOSC Trading (17 Pasig Blvd. Extension Bagong Ilog, Pasig City) or order from Self Defense Philippines’ Facebook page.
Pen Knife
Pens are necessary for our daily routine, and an executive pen knife serves the dual purpose of writing while discreetly concealing a knife for just-in-case situations (*knocks on wood*). Self Defense Philippines’ executive pen knife is very affordable. It also has an elegant ballpoint pen design.
Price: P120.00
Where to buy: TOSC Trading (17 Pasig Blvd. Extension Bagong Ilog, Pasig City) or order from Self Defense Philippines’ Facebook page.
Keychain Alarm
We all carry a bag or a purse during our daily commute, and as much as possible, we wouldn’t want our self-defense weapon to be a burden to bring every day. Sabre’s personal self-defense alarm is a keychain that you can attach to your bag. It has a 110-decibel dual alarm siren that can be heard up to 300 feet away. All you have to do is to pull it from the base of the keychain or to press a button, depending on the design.
Price: P650.00
Where to buy: Hahn Philippines store branches (Ali Mall, Festival Mall, Glorietta 2, Shoppesville Greenhills, SM City Cebu, SM City Pampanga, SM City Mall of Asia, SM Megamall, SM North EDSA) or order from their website.
Kuba-Kickz
Good thing sneakers are trendy because Fury Tactical Kuba Kicks is a non-lethal lightweight object you can attach between the laces of your shoes. It’s easy to walk with since it’s made out of high impact plastic, yet it's highly effective once used against a threat.
Price: P750.00
Where to buy: Tactic Asia
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Disclaimer: Always remember to use these weapons with care, and only if necessary. Keep away from children.