I'm not sure I buy that. The Philippines ranks quite high on terrorists attacks and their police and military are quite poorly trained, MUCH less than their Western counterparts.
I thought the security in manila was very thourough and good . they dont even let you take tape on board
my experience is that the scanner / baggage brigade operators are the thieves....be very careful leaving attractive items in your hand carry and just pick up the other side....I got done, once, went back created sh*t and lo and behold my credit card appeared out of the scanner. Some Filipino boast about good stuff for sale ex airport worker thieves.