any hints where door locks in western standard /quality are available in Dumaguete? not looking for a bargain, just the best for security, thanks.
You don't want Western standard door locks. 90% of home door locks in the US can be raked open by a complete lock picking novice in about 10 seconds. You would need to re-pin the lock with security pins yourself for them to have any real security...unless you are willing to drop several hundred dollars per lock. I would order online. Bowley makes some nice locks. https://www.bowleylockcompany.com/ Whatever you decide to go with avoid anything made by MasterLock. Garbage company, garbage locks. If you give a MasterLock a firm enough stare it will unlock and fall apart.
Best door lock? They are about 70 to 90 pounds, furry, walk on all fours and apply about 95 pounds per square inch when they sink their teeth into you.
Many people buy very expensive locks but attach them to insecure entry points ... doors that can be broken on the hinge side or just smashed in. I have seen good locks on hasps that can be prised off in seconds. Also, I read on this forum of someone having a window grill easily removed - I lived in one place that had the grills fitted internally and that seems the best idea as it is easier to get OUT but more difficult to get IN. Possibly they could be fixed with an internal padlock. Potential (not highly determined) burglars need to be scared to enter a property and a dog (or tough wife) can be a great deterrent - but any system which makes entry time-consuming or creates noise, outside or inside the property, is a bonus. My house is full of automatic lights, alarms and other gadgets designed to scare the casual burglar - for more serious situations I have a backup!
One night I came home from a night out and forgot my keys. I was knocking on the door so my gf at the time would let me in...then a big chunk of the concrete frame where to door latched broke off and the door swung open. The gf didn't wake up to come let me in (though I suspect she did and just wanted to punish me for being out late). I suspect getting into most houses in the Philippines would just take one swift kick to the door by a rather small person.
Door locks don't work only dead bolts I was broken into by a crook that had a diamond saw and just sawed my locks off. Same as bars on the windows mean nothing the crook always comes through the front door with a sledgehammer.
That is a luxury and in the Philippines when you pay average rent you don't get that unless you want to pay for it yourself right