Living in the Philippines - Personal Security
How far does one go as a foreigner when it comes to personal security.
I have a very special reason for starting this article, its simple It became abundantly clear during my last visit that security is one of the major considerations when living full time in the Philippines.
I have to say in all the visits I have ever made to the Philippines I have yet to become the victim of a crime, that is not to say that crime doesnt happen in my home country, wow, it happens everywhere in the world, why some areas of London, I would never drive around with my doors not locked, secondly, I have freind who drive around certain districts with a cosh in their car, (Iron bar resembling a steel batton) interestingly, they don’t drive around with a hand gun, I will come onto this later. ( Handguns represent a mandatory 5 year prison term if caught with them).
I want to share some of my recent experiences with you all, and as usual I am very much interested in your own experiences including your views on some of my writings.
So heregoes, I was under the impression, that it was mainly foreigners who were very security concious, hmmm that was a totally wrong assertion, I had the good fortune to visit the son of my wifes former employer, he lives in a security gated compound within a sub division, the gates are locked at all times, they have 7 foot high barbed wire, or walls with casual glass pecies stuck into the cement, these it appears are to prevent people scaling the walls to gain entry.
I spoke to my freind about security for me in the Philippines, his replies kind of shocked me, remembering whilst I might have a house in the Philippines, and the house does have high walls with security bars, I have never had to live in a house with the level of security my freind was suggesting was required.
He told me firstly, in your home you should have personal protection, so I butted in and suggested perhaps a mace, or chemical spray maybe an intruder alarm system, such as we have back here in UK, maybe an alarm over the telephone system, connected to Police HQ, that brought a few laughs from him.
“No he said, you need a good weapon in the house, or 2 or 3 if you can, ” I was a little startled by this, since I was trained in certain weapons but had not fired a shot since the 80’s, I know in certain States in the U.S.A. its quite acceptable to have a gun at home, and in certain states, my experience of this was when I was in Nevada, its acceptable to shoot an intruder on your property.
Sadly, we cannot do that in the UK, in fact if you shot the intruder, you would be the one most likely charged with armed assault, and if the intruder died, charged with murder, yes the rules for intruders in our country are hard for some to understand, you may be accused of violating his civil rights amongst a string of other things, so shooting someone in your house is not a good idea.
Going back to my freind - he told me that its acceptable if you have a permit to own a hand gun, or rifle, or automatic rifle in your home, provided its for home protection, he even went on to say that he is allowed to transport the weapons, and that he can fire them under controlled conditions, what he didnt tell me, that when we arrived at our destination at his Fathers mountain resort, is that he was actually carrying a loaded weapon in his pocket, I have to say at first sight I was shocked to find that he had a Berreta handgun, with 13 rounds of ammo in a magazine in his pocket.
I questioned my freind further, “Why do you have this semi automatic pistol in your pocket I asked” well Pete its really for our protection, we dont know who we will encounter up here, the Philippines is very poor, there are some desperate people here, and its better to have protection than not all”, I also went on to say that I did not beleive in having guns in the house, I saw no need for it, my freind said ” I suggest you obtain one in your wifes name, keep it in your house, you can draw it if required, as long as someone is breaking into your lot or house, you have a right to shoot them to prevent them if your life is threatened.”
I asked my wife about this, since it had never been discussed before, my wife confirmed what my freind had said, although she did not like the idea of a weapon in the house any more than I did.
He also then went on to show me the holes in the side of the house walls, they were placed there to put the barrel of their guns through should armed intruders attack the house, was I in dreamland ?? is this the Philippines, why had I not seen any violence of this type, I see guards all the time at the banks, they all have 12 bore shotguns, some with M16 automatic rifles, on the Ferry to Ilo Ilo, I see guards with weapons, automatic rifles, and yet it hadnt really sunk in.
The 2nd experience was at the Husband of my wifes Doctor freind, I discussed the level of personal security in the Philippines with him, his reply astounded me even further, ” Yes I have a gun, actually I have about 20 different guns, would you like to come and see them ?”
I asked why there was a need for so many guns ? he said, that even for Filipinos its dangerous in this country, you need lots of protection, he said, in my house and lot, I have over 20 dogs in the grounds, naturally he had a big lot, but about 20 dogs, i have 3 Akita Japanese guard dogs, and 4 German Shepherds, the rest are a selection of other dogs, why so many I asked ?
Keep out undesirables he said, at night, I let all the dogs out, they keep a visible prescence at night, after that, I have 3 boys in the lot, looking after the dogs, and keeping an eye on things, after that, I have 2 semi automatic rifles at strategic points, and 2 handguns at others,…..is this the Philippines ?
Wake me up somebody because I felt that hearing the 2 experiences led me to beleive that this is over stretching personal security a little bit, or is it ? remembering I am a foreigner, these people are natural born Filipinos living in their own country, who knows the situation better than they do, and yet I have not heard any experiences about security issues involving foreigners, I know that Bob has remarked very often that Davao City is a very safe city, and he has always said how safe he feels there, I have no reason to disblieve him, or any other reader who says they feel safe in their cirty of occupation.
I can only now refer to my final experience, a couple of weeks ago, I accompanied my wife to the downtown plaza area of Bacolod City, she wanted to have some photos developed, in the car I was driving, my wife said to me ‘Now empty your pockets honey, give me your wallet, and where is your credit cards, give them to me, do you have any money, oh yes, fine give that to me too.
Make sure your pockets are empty, when you come with me, you are a target for snatchers, and robbers, when we arrived in the plazamart, I remarked to the cashier about the security problem in the area, the young lady said, Sir its quite safe here for you, my wife over heard the conversation and said in English, dont tell me husband that, you know its not safe, there are pickpockets, thieves and robbers here, she said I myself was robbed the last time I was down here, so dont tell him that, he has to know its not safe here, and with that we paid and promptly left.
So how about personal security, some of you will tell me you have never felt unsafe, maybe there are some of you who have had bad experiences, I know all will be diffferent, what about guns ? How do you feel about owning and keeping one ?
Recently I was taken to a firing range in Negros and given light weapons training on the Biretta hand gun, the Browining Automatic and M14 and M16 Semi Automatic Weapons, I had a great day out with some freinds, but it also brought home to me and reminded me just how dangerous guns are.
Some of you wont feel comfortable with it, and if you had to draw your gun to defend yourself, could you do it ? what if there was a discharge enquiry by the Police if your discharged your gun in such an incident, how would it go down for you if you are a foreigner ?
These and many other questions need to be discussed, I hope to hear all your vewpoints on this, and look forward to reading your replies.
My emotions as I read your article are not positive. I do not disagree with anything you said; my thoughts are why do I want to live in this country? There has been a thread of articles that are not in any way positive in regards to the Philippines as a place to live. Its not just here its the news and other blogs that keep drumming into me the issues that will not go away. Regadless thank you for something that is real, honest and thought provoking. Ron
Ron thanks for your honest and warm reply, Yes I really have thought carefully about what I wrote, there is no other way to put it, I have to tell it as I find it, sometimes what I have written may not show the country in a positive light, its not my intention to write in such a way as to be negative all the time, I am merely trying to explore the issues that affect me, and others here at this blog, I listen carefully to what my Filipino freinds tell me, its their country, its their culture, they know best, I can only reflect on my experiences and I hope thats how my article will be taken.
According to the United Nations Survey of Crime Trends and Operations of Criminal Justice, the Philippines is not in the top 60 countries with the highest murder rate per capita. The list can be seen by going to http://www.nationmaster.com. Colombia is #1, Russia is #5, the USA is #24 and the UK is #46.
It seems that the Philippines is the object of so much negative perception more than it really deserves.
I have never been a victime of crime in the Philippines and so are you Pete. So why is there so much negativity about crime in the Philippines?
Hi Samuel, good figures, to be honest I really find it hard to answer your final question, th perception is there, youre right I have never been a victim of crime in the Philippines a point I made in my post, but I have to take the social environment into consideration, for example remember I said my wife emptied my wallet, took my cards, took my money, and told me youa re a target for the snatchers, my freinds told me, you need a gun, another said, have dogs, I have to relate that to where I live now, my wife doesnt take my money from me, my cards and wallet stay in my trousers, no I dont have dogs patrolling my home, and I dont need a gun for protection.
On that basis, it appears more dangerous in the Philippines, but then again, I havent been a victim of crime, its so hard to answer isnt it, I would need more quantative evidence and of course some qualatative evidence to support any conclusions I come to, but without it, its pretty difficult, thanks for your reply Samuel.
Hi Pete,
I actually am familiar with that type of advice your friends gave. There is a certain people that do believe that this type of secuity is needed. Many in my family think that way too. Their antennas are always up… way to high for me. They’ll probably advice you to also not take the public jeepney, go hiking or check out the nightlife without an escort. To be honest, I don’t think emptying your pockets before going into a crowded mall is necessary. A bit overkill in my book.
Whenever a foreign relative (I have caucasian looking cousins) visits Davao, there would be so much security or supervision around them that sort of embarrasses me because I know that this is not necessary. It stifles their travel plans and do not get to see the real Philippines.
If you take a step out that guarded circle you may be in now, it really isn’t that scary out there. Still, being a foreigner, you can stick out of a crowd, the same way I did as the token Asian in Turkey so basic common sense is just needed. I believe there are good advice in this site that will help you.
If owing guns at home make you uneasy, you have other choices to make you and your wife feel safer. You can hire a security guard for the house. There are those that do it this way if can be afforded.
I am one of those that grew up in a house with a security guard. There never was a threat to the house, but my mother felt safe (we had a beachfront home and did not live in a subdivision far from downtown Davao). In the long run, he just became a pseudo-gardener to wile the time away.
On a final note, If those friends you described even knew the type of travelling and drving excursions Bob was taking. They would probably think he is crazy or “naive” about taking such risky trips. Either that or he works for the CIA
Hi Pete,
I enjoyed reading your post, and I agree with you, that if at all possible, you should be prepared, as best you can be, for any eventuality. I do not know where it is that you intend living, but in Metro Manila, and its environs, you need to be especially careful.
For everyone’s benefit, please take a look at the following link.
http://www.pnp.gov.ph/pcr/content/tips.html
Keep up the style of posts Pete, with a bit of preperation, we can all enjoy living there.
Hi Pete,
That was really interesting to read. I kind of agree with some of it but its still one perspective and somewhat extreme.
I think your friend is more than a little paranoid about his mortality, if you barracade yourself into some great eternal fortress and call it your home then you draw more attention to yourself and become a bigger target when you go out.
I couldn’t stand the thought of 20 dogs running around at night, thats at least 20 lumps of dog mess every day in your garden!
I don’t like guns much either, but I have a go every time I’m in the philippines and its good while it lasts. After the shooting session is over I want to forget about the gun. I also think a mass collection of guns is over the top, how many can you fire at once?
I am not trying criticise your friend, it obviously works for him and we all have our opinions and more often than not, I have been proved wrong!
Last point, I think I know the parts of London you are talking about when you lock your car doors!!
Regards
Phil
Hi Phil, thanks for your comment, I would endorse what you said about them being paranaoid, but then again, if you met these guys, 1 is the husband of a Doctor, a businessman, the other is a businessman who runs boarding houses, in other words, they are Joe public at large, when Mr Average advises you, you have to think, hey maybe I had better listen.
Macky, glad you are familiar with this advice, if thats true, then at least Phil’s point about them being paranoid might not be the norm, I have to agree with you, that over security stifles your holiday, in my wifes case, taking my cards and money I found to be irritating and spoils my day out, that I could agree with you on.
Phil, glad to hear you know where I am talking about, its just a precaution, I was in clapham once and some guy jumped in the back of my car, carjacking is a problem, but we seem alert to that, could it be local knowledge and being street wise in ones own country, I think it helps.
Thanks Guys..looking forward to other comments.
Hi,
regarding the carjacking thing… as security becomes tighter and more sophisticated we think it will help us to stop our property being stolen.
Immobilisers and car alarms are great to prevent your car being stolen when its parked on your drive or in the street. The theives then have to take it to the next level and steal the car with you in it. Some of them even crash into you before they throw you out of the car and into the gutter, before driving off in your nice secure motor!
As for chip and pin and all the extra bank card security, if the theives want your money they will march you up to the cash point machine with a knife in your side and make you take the money out. There was a guy who was kidnapped and held for several days (in england) and made to withdraw his £200 daily limit until his account was empty.
I’m just pointing out that the more secure you think you or your possesions are then the criminals will just take it further which can be a worse experience than it may have been.
Thats it, I’ll shut up now!
I want to tell you a story from my own personal experience. My Dad was killed by NPA or New Peoples Army which is an anti government organization. Around 20 NPA came to our house last March 13 1985. I was 8 years old then. The reason why they kill him is coz they hold him as hostage so his brother who was an NPA before would show up from hiding. My Dads brother decided to join the government army and gave some info. to them so the NPA got mad and kill my Dad. It was a horrible experience but i think it doesnt always mean Davao or mindanao is a dangerous place to live. Its just a matter of being in a wrong place at a wrong time. It could happen anywhere in the world.
My advice for foreigners who decided to live in mindanao is to stay as low profile as possible. Also, choose to live in the city if possible like a gated community or secured house. These days, with poverty and crab mentality of the filipinos, some neighbors would get jealous of what you have and take advantage sometimes.
I myself dont feel safe in our home province due to my past experience thats why we bought a land at Davao city in a gated community. But if you think and feel safe in province area, then stay there and try to get to know the place very well. I dont mind living in the province in mindanao its just that I had a traumatic experience.
Its also good for foreigner to go around the city or province with company or relatives esp. if you are still new to the place and adjusting.
Hi Pete,
I was not surprised that your friends were of distinguished professions (doctors etc). In fact, I fully expected this.
A lot of people with have differing views about this. I come from the common sense approach and hate to be stifled by unecessary paranoia. Why live half a world away and deal with this, right?
It’s a third world country. There are plus and minuses to that of course. Also, remember that for decades, the country was under Marcos and martial law. Those were dangerous times then and still expats came to settle.
Many Filipinos who have lived those years still hold the same mindset in regards to security (hence, the approach of my older relatives and your doctor friend). For example, Davao in the 80’s was not very safe. there were armed groups everywhere and ambushes left and right. I remember going to school and regulary hearing Huey helicopters flying to a battle site and thinking nothing of it. Brownouts meant another power plant was bombed — oh well, light the candles. Going on a hike (especially to Mt Apo) was not an issue. NPAs were there.
You can bet, there are many who have went through those years and have developed a regiment of tight security. So it baffles my family when I take my foreigner friends and relatives on a bus ride to the mountains or walk the markets. That is not what they would do. A chaperone! must have a chaperone!
Recently, they’ve mellowed down seeing so many foreigners going on their own and no trouble happening. It is the recent surge of expats/tourists and their activities that allows many locals to change their point of view. Funny how it is the visitors who are the trailblazers, huh?
You can bet that a big percentage of foreigners know more about the city’s sites or beautiful nearby areas than the locals. So many times I have been led to an amazing view or hidden cave by a foreigner visitor.
Generally speaking, Pinoys don’t like to drift away from a comfort zone and just rely on hearsay about a place (I guarantee you that many Manila residents advise their foreigner friends/relatives to stay away from Mindanao. It is a warzone to them with not much infrastructure).
A female cousin of mine (in her 30s and caucasian) even travelled (on bus and hikes) the whole island of Mindanao and made new local friends. She was smart and used her common sense and instincts, just like all of us should.
Hi all,
I have a totally different mindset when it comes to this. Once upon a time, I encountered the story of a remarkable woman which helped change my life. Her name was Peace Pilgrim.
Peace Pilgrim walked 25,000 miles, from 1953-1981 with a simple inspiring message:
“This is the way of peace: overcome evil with good,
and falsehood with truth, and hatred with love.”
She kept walking and walking and walking, alone, until given shelter. And fasting and fasting and fasting, until given food.
What this inspired me to do was to determine how I could experience my own kind of peace in my life. What was I willing to do? What was I willing to sacrifice? I realized then I’d rather have a life well-lived than a life so secure that my living became limited.
Thus, I started to practice detachment… detachment from a life identified with my worldly goods. I thought, “If I am not afraid of losing anything, then I am not losing anything.”
Since then, my life has been rich in experiences, even if less so on material trappings. I am at peace and I am happy.
May we all find that music within us.
Ok, my point of view is a bit different on this. First off it’s a foreign country. You need to leave that bleeding heart liberal “The Government is going to take care of me” mentality back in the US. You are on your own over here which means it’s your responsibility to protect youself and your family. The court systems are fair over here and as far as I understand as it has been explained to me (I have a cousin in PNP and a friend in the NBI) you DO have the right to shoot an intruder in your home. The way it should be, criminals lose all their rights when they engage in crime and victoms have the right to defend their lives and property. Living over here in the Philippines means so much more than just cheap living. It means having the freedom to live our lives as our great-great grandparents did. But with it also comes personal responsibility, sorry people no nanny state here to take care of you. If you’re the type that expects the .gov to take care of you every step of the way then you better go running back to your home country because it isn’t going to happen here, personal responsibility. My wife is if of the “Eww guns” crowd herself but I expect that, women are different over here. She also understands I’m ex military and could shoot a guy running down the street in the pitch black just by listening to his footfalls. As far as the NPA is concerned, my wife told me stories about them coming to her home street when she was a kid. Bad times, and they might happen again. Presidential transitions over here are not the smoothest. So, my personal decision will be to eventually own 1 Semi-Auto rifle, 1 Shotgun and 1 or 2 handguns. No you really can’t carry then wantonly around town, I don’t even know if Dutuerte lifted the handgun conceal carry ban yet (he started it during the elections).
Angie - That’s a good way of thinking, detachment from worldly goods, after all they are just things that can be replaced and I agree wholeheartedly. Now let me be the devil’s advocate here. Do youu have a family? Do you practice detachment from them? Can you simply sit and stare while you are tied to a chair and your daughter is raped? Or your husband is killed? Trust me, if bad guys get into your house holding hands and singing kumbaya will not make them go away.
There is a time to flee and a time to fight. When it comes to the safety of my family I will fight and I’m not playing around, I’m not trying to wound you, I will not try to reason with you, I will kill you if you threaten my family’s lives.
As Jeff and Macky have indicated, history is the answer. Recent history. The NPA have terrorized the Philippines for years, and they are still active and they are still terrorizing people all over the Philippines. The NPA leaves foreigners alone, as a rule, but target the wealthy in smaller cities, and everyone in the tribal areas. There are also kidnapping gangs which have no political goals, but only a profit motive. They target Chinese business people and their children, but if they can get a wealthy foreigner, they might try. Even the Abu Sayaf’s kidnapping of foreigners is a fund-raising operation, since ransoms are readily paid by desperate relatives and foreign governments. Missionaries are the exception. We have an understanding that no ransom will be paid to anyone for a kidnapped missionary. That is why Martin and Gracia Burnham were kept for so long, while others were released. Some money was given in the end, but it was not enough.
We will never keep a gun. We have a wall with bouganvilla planted inside and out of our wall, and glass along the top. We have two dobermen and a native dog who run loose all the time. We have bars on the windows and locks on the doors. We are not worried about our safety, these are normal precautions, like a security system might be in the States. But in the end, as it says in Psalm 127, “Unless the Lord guards the city, the watchman stays awake in vain.”
I agree with AmericanLola. I will not live in fear and try to protect myself with guns and bodyguards. I was held up in my car, a gun pointed at my belly by 3 men, in front of my parents’ house. I got away, unharmed. I have witnessed several muggings in a subway train here in NY. You know what? I pride myself that I kept my presence of mind when faced by situations like these. I currently live in a city with constant terror threats and what-nots. But, I will not let that stop me from living a normal life. Living in a house full of guns isn’t normal. Living in fear that someone is out to get you is not normal. I find strength in my faith and that’s all I need. It has and will keep me safe.
Louis,
You misunderstood my point. In my post, I was solely focused on detachment from worldly goods, which was one of the aspects for the security issue under discussion. You even quoted it right there, read your reply to me. You yourself indicated, worldly goods… Do you classify your family members as part of “worldly goods”? I think that will answer your own question.
Yes, I practice detachment from worldly goods. To a certain extent, I practice emotional detachment when I need to. You asked if I have a family. I’ve mentioned several times, I don’t have kids which probably makes me a minority here. So do I have family? Extended blood family, yes. Currently, I’m going thru a divorce. So draw your own conclusion as to this family question. I have a different definition of who my family is. Personally I have made up my own family and it is composed of either blood or non-”relatives” with who I feel a special bonding with. Family need not be genetically mandated. Or so at least I think that way. So yes, I have a family that I care about. And no, the members don’t necessarily live with me.
As to this emotional detachment. I practice that, too, selectively. It’s because I view impermanence as the only constant in life.. meaning I embrace relationships to the fullest but am willing to let go when the time comes, with grace, with dignity, with always the best wishes for everyone concerned. The best way to love is to give each other the freedom of choice. No person owns any other. Two people must always come into a common space willingly, w/o any reservation or resistance.
Last week I was summoned to court. I learned another lesson in detachment. I was ordered to pay spousal support to my soon-to-be-ex on a monthly basis, a hefty amount that makes my relatives angry. And here I was the one who has to do this and I was so calm. My “blood family” was mortified… “he’s going to live off you for the rest of his life… blah blah…”
The judge even asked me if I had anything to say and was I comfortable with his ruling. What was I to say? So I said, “I gladly surrender to your judgment. I trust that you are on that bench because you’re in a position to see the best interests of both parties. I know I would be less qualified to do so.”
America is kind and life is good. I have no remorse nor bitterness. We had our good times and I have those memories. The thing is, people will always grow, sometimes together, sometimes on divergent paths. I have accepted what has been my outcome. I am at peace.
Good for you, Angie, it’s only money, and he is not taking your food and shelter. Bitterness is poison.
Hi Louis,
I don’t think it is a matter of US based liberal politics. That thought process is not even an issue in the Philippines. It is also fair to say that no one wants to depend on the government there. Everyone knows that corruption is rampant and the system can be inefficient.
The “no gun” logic has no politics behind it whatsoever. It all depends on the person whether he chooses to arm his household or choose another alternative.
It is also a matter of fact that there are just some people who are not comfortable with guns, that’s all. I wanted to assure Pete that there are alternate choices still and not feel unsafe in my country.
Choosing a safe neighborhood, a well-managed subdivision is already a nice step. Hiring household help is the norm there and doing research on their background and references is a smart thing to do. You’ve eliminated a lot of risks already. The rest is up to you.
Yes, AmericanLola, no $$ can ever buy my peace. And that is what is priceless to me. As I’ve always thought, what I’m willing to give up can never be stolen.
Macky, that is a very good summing up on security!
Thanks American Lola. I hold highly any compliment from you.
Macky,
“It is also a matter of fact that there are just some people who are not comfortable with guns, that’s all. I wanted to assure Pete that there are alternate choices still and not feel unsafe in my country.”
I’m never comfortable with guns, myself. We once had a couple in the house, w/o my knowledge. When I accidentally discovered them, I had them removed. Thankfully, I live in a very safe community with *almost* no crime; and probably more cops than are necessary for the number of residents it has… though I’m not complaining about this, either.
I get a kick sometimes out of reading the “Police File” section of the local paper where they publish reported “incidents” — they’re unheard-of stories sometimes. For instance, somebody reported that she woke up to a noise and saw a stranger mowing her lawn. Figure that out.
And I just chuckled, “oh it’s someone wanting to donate time because his lawn is already done and he had more time to spare…”
Angie - I stand corrected, it was not my intent to offend you, please accept my apoligies
macky - I know that some people are not comfortable with guns and that’s their choice. If you have a weapon be it a gun, knife whatever you better know how to use it or it will be taken away from you and used against you by your attacker. My wife took a liking to my assisted opening ken onion knife. Only problem is she had no idea how to use it properly. I showed her just how fast someone can disarm if they know a little martial arts. Now I’m training her with proper knife fighting and I must say she is an adept student. I’m in a guarded and gated subdiv now and when I move to my new house it will be no different. We fired the maid recently because 1) She did a bad job and 2) She was running up so much debt and was always crying to my wife about it. I know what people in bad dept are capable of because I have been there and done those things myself. When I was counting my lola’s silverware every other day to make sure it was all there then I decided she had to go. It may sound hard, but maybe if she was doing a better job we would have kept her.
Hi Louis,
Believe me, I wasn’t offended. If I sounded like I was, I’m here to correct that perception. No harm done. We’re all in animated conversations here just for good exchange. Take care & hi to your wife.
-Angie
Pete, Having guns really depends on you. It is not a must to have one, your wife knows the neigborhood better consult her and see what agreement the two of you decide. See, some family might be not in the same envornment your in. I mean one could be in a more troubled area than the other one ( like in some areas kidnapping for rich familis are rampant,e.g in manila). Thus, this calls for security or guns. This does not happen in all parts of the Philippines like in Davao but still some families like to have a security or guns at home. My fathers generation used to have guns individually. Although, I don’t think its for security reason either since I haven’t seen any security arround my grandfathers house. I know they like to hunt when I was not born yet(saw their pictures) but haven’t seen them doing it when I was growing. Maybe it is for security reason that they own guns but haven’t seen them using it for safety instead my fathers generation ended up bringing their guns with them when they quarelled with each other LOL
,unusual. My generation doesn’t like guns because of what we saw with our elders. I don’t like it (w/reason aside from the above mentioned).
I actually have more concerns about personal safety if I retire in the Davao area — not so much when I’m visiting. The reason? When I move there I’ll live in one house and develop routines. Routines and routes are easy to observe and exploit. This is probably my only concern, because I like to walk around places it would feel highly restrictive to consciously avoid going to the same places using the same routes, at the same time. Then again, I’d be retired and wouldn’t be living such a structured life anymore
When I visited Davao/Tagum I had a unique and unplanned opportunity. Mady and I had been corresponding for several months. I was teaching at Coronado High School (San Diego) and the school was adopting new textbooks and getting rid of the old ones. Mady had told me her school had very old books in bad shape (biggest understatement!) so I pulled out the best copies of our old Biology, Chemistry, and Physics books (with teacher’s editions) and boxed them up in the largest LBC boxes. My students brought in children’s books to help with learning English, and we stuffed them in around the textbooks. Then LBC came to the school and picked them up and said it would take about a month for them to arrive in Tagum.
Originally, Mady was to come visit me and our school (Oh, yes…I was that naive). We (I) learned the hard way she was not making the trip. So I rushed a passport renewal and bought a ticket on PAL all the way to Davao…arriving a few days after the books arrived.
But, starting with the Filipino passengers I met in San Diego (on the PAL bus ride to LAX) I heard “Why do you want to go to Mindanao? You want to meet the Abu Sayef?” I heard it on the plane….I heard it while waiting in the PAL domestic terminal in Manilla…(and had a grandmother try to hook me up with her grand daughter (she didn’t care I was visiting Mady because “the ball is still rolling” (she said this while pointing to my ring-less finger
) Some told me Mindinao was a dangerous place…like the wild west. Mady’s family laughed when I told them all the warnings I received…”The people in the north don’t think we have cars or electricity.” The closest example of a similar stereotype or generalization of a place out of ignorance is how the rest of America views Appalachia (and there’s just enough truth in places to keep it alive).
During my entire stay I never watched my back. But when I travel I don’t like a tourist. I almost over did it on this trip…a young lady on my plane thought I looked like CIA…conspicuosly not looking like a tourist, if that makes any sense. When traveling I don’t wear clothing with American logos, or flashy or high end anything, no jewelry….many years leading tours in Ecuador has taught me how to reduce my radar signature as much as possible. I mention this because in a sense I’m programmed to behave in certain way when I travel, which is obviously being conscious of my personal security out of habit. I also travel very lightly (lots of underwear, not much else…haven’t put on a fresh shirt or pants until about day three…and I finally shave). The style is deliberately “That guy ain’t got no money!”.
The rarest diamond in the Smithsonian Gem collection is not the Hope Diamond. It is a red diamond that arrived in regular mail in a small box — not by armoured car. Annonomity is the best security. So while in Davao I (we) took few cabs. We hopped on Jeepneys and busses…and the looks of surprise on everyone’s face when they saw me climb in made me feel….very safe
Afterall, no one was expecting me.
But there was one bus ride for which we took special care to not even let the folks at our destination know we were coming. I wanted to deliver the textbooks to the remote school in a small village called Laak. Not long before my visit NPA had blown up a cell tower not far away, ambushed some busses, and much farther away had killed a local governor (can’t remember the correct word for his title). This would have to be a surprise visit (it would not have been good for word to get around that a Kano was coming). It was a bumpy ride, but otherwise a ton of fun (I must have been the first white person a little girl had ever seen, because she never took her eyes off me for the remain 2 hours).
Oooops. Hit the button by mistake. The story ends with a great surprise visit to the school, greeted by a Carabao tied to the fence at the school gate, chickens running around dirt floored classrooms (with grass carpet sprouting). I was so impressed by the creative use of plywood and green paint to make chalkboards.
The only concrete building was the library and admin. building. The textbooks were like newsprint with torn or missing covers, pages, and I saw few to zero illustrations in any of the books. Their eyes opened wide when they saw the new library we brought with us. The teachers were amazed to see teacher’s editions for each text. It was one of those moments I’ll never forget.
Then it was time to go home….and it was going to be dark before we made it out of the remoteness….and I couldn’t help but wonder if the few people who got off the bus on the way up would result in some unfriendlies waiting for us on the way back down. Not this time.
All comments are good here and relevant to the topic, people have different experiences, Jeffs experience above is surely of the worse kind and it is inevitable that he would have a different take on things than i have myself. i have a place in davao and this subject has been discussed many times with my wife for our security, peace of mind and future. I say to my wife, if a burglar comes to the house and demands some goods or money, then give them to him, we can always replace, don’t resist, give him what he wants. We have never been robbed or felt threatened but this advice is in advance of anything happening
I know what Louie means, of course we could not accept violent robbery against our family members but if someone breaks in, odds they just want to get away with some goods and escape, my goodness to shoot and kill someone for this desparate act would seem extreme i could never forgive myself…..but…..as Louie says if it goes wrong and things escalate to violence against a family member, then you would wish you had a gun to protect yourself, and it may be too late, but as i say, we have decided to risk try a peaceful passive role. I would not have a gun in our house full stop.
in this way we feel like Angie but for us this is a practical issue, it would seem to me that Angie has a more spiritual leaning and more power to your side for that Angie, our is a more prosaic and practical issue. Sorry Louie but i am a brit as well as Pete and i would not feel comfortable even in the presence of a firearm at home and i could not contemplate killing some poor soul who was desparate, this is not the answer. I smile to think of my wife trying some martial arts knife defence there would be blood everywhere, probably mine or her’s:eek:
But Macky and American Lola visit some of the historical reasons why people feel this way. I came to Tagum in year 2000 and always needed one of my wifes brothers to accompany me, but now they are used to me they have their own lives to lead and so now i’m “free”and like Bob says on many occasions we feel safe here in Mindanao.
So, i think your wife was a bit OTT pete when she demanded your wallet etc, i have seen your photo, you look well capable of resisting casual snatching, robberies can happen but some good practical advice here from American Lola and Macky, and i haven’t read anything to change my policy, i live in central park, bangkal (davao) and have a nice place, but it is not a gated community but is a well run area and it feels safe to me if something nasty happens i don’t want to risk escalating the incident into something worse, but as others have said we take some sensible precautions.
Jon & Mady,
I love your story about Laak. How did you narrow your choice as to which school should receive the donation? Regardless, this is awe-inspiring. Thank you for sharing.
Similarly, a Microsoft executive (John Wood) left the lucrative high-tech world to help the world’s children by founding a non-profit organization, Room to Read, whose vision is to put up libraries in the developing 3rd world countries.
Read about his inspiring story here:
http://www.leavingmicrosoftbook.com/
Generally, in the Philippiines to possess a gun is a kind of ‘Social Status Symbol’. It is also a ‘BLUFF’ against intruders and at the same to gain respect from the community they live in. Most of them are actually cowards and Bullies.
just my 1 cent.
Hi Angie,
Glad you enjoyed my long story. The school in Laak was where Mady was a teacher. I showed a few pictures of her school and students to my students and some of the staff at my school. The Principal at my school immediately suggested I take as many of the old books as I wanted. He was willing to help with the shipping, but that wasn’t necessary….my students paid for the shipping. The kids of Coronado are very well off generally, but many were extremely service minded. It was easy to get the book drive going.
There were enough books to give classroom sets to each of Mady’s sister’s schools, as well. I was not there for those deliveries. Getting the books to Laak presented a challenge because the books were heavy and the school was hours away (Mady made the trip up and back everyday, spending as much time on the bus as in the classroom). She would wrap herself like a mummy because the open air bus got so dusty inside she and her uniform would be dirty when she arrived at the school. I’m still amazed by such a daily journey to school. The road was full of pot holes and ruts, but somehow she slept on the bus!
Thank you guys and girls for your replies, judging by the wealth of replies when I looked this morning, this subject has generated quite alot of interest, showing that personal security brings out your personal standpoint, I have seen some of your views leaning towards the suggestion that over protection may be unwarranted, however some think that having a firearm at home is a must, naturally some of you are uncomfortable with that thought.
one or two of you have taken a spiritual approach to this, and that is of course also respected.
Rick alluded to my wife being OTT, I hear you Rick, actually I was irritated by this action, and said that it was spoiling my day out, my point was this, If I have to empty my pockets, whats the point of having a wallet in the first place if i cannot keep it in my back pocket, surely it defeats the whole object of carrying a wallet.
I can understand my sweeties desire to protect me in her country, (I tend not to argue with her in public) but there comes a point when she must rely on my ability to protect myself.
Thanks for your confidence in me Rick, yes I think I have some measure of protection in my size, the only thing that might prevent me from resisting is if someone profers a hand gun in my face, and to some lesser extent a knife, whereas Knife crime is a currently problem for us back in UK, and I have never been the victim of a snatcher here in UK, nor a victim of any other house crime, only car crime, which is common.
I am interested in Teng’s comment about it being kind of sosyal to own a gun, and it being a bluff against intruders, I got that impression also from talking to my freinds, my freind also went on to say that if neccessary you could draw your weapon, and the mere presence sometimes is enough to scare off any intruder, the next stage would be to point and shoot off target, that may also send them running, but he also said, very often the intruder may be armed.
One of my instructors at the firing range, told me that to draw your firearm, generally would mean you might have to use it, and that sometimes carrying it can be an invitation to actually fire it at someone, I still cant work out what he meant by that, was he saying, if you have it, you are likely much more to use it….hahaha that makes sense, as if you didnt have it, you wouldnt be able to use it anyway, not sure what he was alluding to.
What all of your replies tell me, is that security is a credible issue, but then so is world security, after so many world terrorism incidents, and increases in security measures at airports, 6 security checks at NAIA 2 as little as 10 days ago, this tells me that security is with is probably indefinately, it may never be the same again, thank you all for your considered replies.
As an American I am aware of the “target’ mentality when I go to the philippines, my ‘radar’ is clicked up only when I am in crowded areas such as Colon (cebu). My brother lived there for 3 yrs..went anywhere anytime…never inso much as a problem. Myself, 8 trips and only hassles with the taxi drivers over meter..simply put I feel safe ..but I also do not get stupid about where I travel i.e. …same as in USA…would you walk around in your home town large inner city at night? Don’t think so…so don’t do it there either and if I were a betting man I’d bet you’d be ok in the PI.
Inso far as guns? You bet I’d have one. Why? Guns can create an option in a bad situation….if someone has any intentions of harming my family or me in MY house..I have an option of using lethal force…if I have no gun I have no option…sorry I only prescribe to ‘love they criminal’ I believe in forgiving ones enemys..but not before you shoot em!
For those nervous about what u have read here today I suggest you pick up your morning papar and read your home town news…betcha somewhere in YOUR beloved city a few people became victims as well.
Hello everyone, I agree with Americanlola,Tina, Angie and Rick. Like what Americanlola explain of the situation back in Pinas, we have a lot of factors why it is a troubled country. This doesn’t mean a gun calls for it. Like Rick said if it is a mere theif or robber guns is not the answer. Owning a gun is not helpful if a group of bandit, NPA or kidnappers planned to get into you. A gun, even security, is nothing if this incident occur hahahaha! Angie is very right PEACE! I’ll add to that live harmoniously with your neighboor they will be like a armor.
Ohh.. BTW, I’m not trying to scare any of you here. I just wonder if anyone ever mentioned that having a gun sometimes can make you as a target. Not that they want any wealth from you but they want your firearms. I just wonder if this has even raise in any discussion.
Mahdy, good point you raised, it was put to me recently that to own a firearm may cause some jealousy, that can also be a consideration, so its a valid point thanks.
Hello Pete,
This happen to the security guard in the fast food I worked before, on duty. Luckily he is keen, ex-military himself and his reflex work that day, a group of PCA wants to get into his gun unnoticed. The waiters were also in full support with our guard at that time when the commotion happens they all went in front and got alert. We have to close the fast food early at that time.
Good Day All:
I have been reading this with a bit of interest. As many of you know I am a guide. Firearms are a part of my life every day.
If we encounter something that we are unfamiliar with we as humans tend to be wary of it, and in the case an item may do serious bodily harm we tend to be afraid of it. And justifiable so. There for if you are not familiar with firearms it is best left to the people that have the training and knowledge to safely handle them.
A few rules of thumb to remember. All firearms are tools, not weapons. Yes they can be used as weapons, so can cars, axes and stones for that matter. It is the person that chooses to use something as a weapon or not. The item itself is neither good or bad it is the person behind it and how it is used that make that determination. Please do not jump to the conclusion that firearms cause crime as I can show you many facts and stats that prove that firearms do not do so. In all cases assume that all firearms are loaded unless someone or yourself proves otherwise. If you have decided that you do want to have a firearm for safety seek professional training in it’s use. NEVER EVER pull a firearm to scare someone. You only pull it with the expressed intent of using it.
Firearms can seem scary but they are not if used properly. A case in point. Three years ago my wife Jo was drawn in the NH moose lottery to hunt moose. Jo had seen firearms but never touched one and was a bit afraid of them. We went to a professional trainer and she also took a hunter safety course, she got the highest mark in the class. She practiced on a regular basis and became quite a good shot. Most of the time better than me. Later that fall we went out the first Saturday of moose season and I called in a moose for her. With out any hesitation she properly aimed and fired making a quick and clean kill with her 7mm-08 of a nice 525lb bull moose. Now if my wife can learn to handle a firearm safely, anyone can. I was and am very proud of her.
I will add that with the many fire arms I have in the house that I do not have them for protection and have never had to use one for protection. However I have absolutely no qualms of using one if I needed to and so could Jo.
If anyone has any questions about firearms please do not hesitate to ask me. Remember firearms are a tool like a hammer of a saw when used as they were intended, and they are neither good or bad. It is the person using them that does or does not have those qualities.
Wayne, I wish you and Jo were the only ones who owned guns
Hi Jon:
Thank you. Believe it or not, Jon I do understand where you are coming from. The real important thing to remember is that if a person is going to use a firearm to do bodily harm and you take that firearm away from them they will find some other way to archive the same end. Violent people are going to be violent people no matter what. Their the ones I would like to see removed from society. Also the vast majority, the vast majority of people that do own guns are law abiding people that only use their firearms as they were intended. As with any given group it only takes a small percentage to abuse something and then there is your bad name for that group or activity.
That is the real problem about gun laws. The people that will obey them, are the law abiding citizens, and they are not the ones the need those types of laws. The criminals on the other hand will not abide by any laws, especially gun laws and will still have them. The law abiding citizen, firearm owner wants those who abuse this constitutional right rendered harmless and brought to justice every bit as much or even more so than people that do not own firearms. They, law breakers in this case give law abider’s a bad name.
Thank you Jon for bearing with me in this, and I hope not to offend you with my explanations. I realize that there are very strong feeling from people about this subject. I do hope that Jo & I can some day meet you and Mahdy.
Take Care
Wayne
Hi Pete - People like the husband of a doctor and such are not “Joe Public.” These are upper society people here. You can’t be a doctor or the husband of a doctor and just be a “regular person.” The regular people here (i.e. the “Masa”) are the poor people who live from day to day without much money and such. Honestly, I feel that this level of security that you are experiencing is really way overboard. I would never live like that.
Hi Pete:
As for me, I would rather have God, instead of gun and guard as my security.
Jul - God is good, God is great and God is all powerful, but as my lola taught me “God helps those who help themselves”. And no I never understood what she meant by it either lol. Trust me in that I have been in places and situations where I had the Good Book in one hand and my M-16 in the other.
Even the US gov’t has put its trust in God. If you doubt this, look at your paper currency. They all say “In God We Trust”
Hey I think it is a good thing to do both trust in your religon and be prepared to meet you intruder with a pass to his savior. I like many others look to live over there one day. I would just as soon die protecting someones elses child as my own but you have to believe that there are bad people everywhere. I love the people of PI but my problem as a “Kano” you are going to have to find that comfort zone or live like a hermit. Go out and take some defense courses with the martal arts learn that if you take precautions you can still live a happy life and load up on San Miguels and watch the ocean go by. It is a big world you are a big man live the good life be nice to your family love the wife and be happy. By the way you are not alone when you talk about marriage and inlaws and company coming over all the time. I catch hell here in the States but I figure that If I move so far away from inlaws/ family that when I do see them after such a long time I might be happy. Good luck and watch your six Just kidding be safe.
Hi Wayne,
I liked your posts…and I knew you’d get the underlying meaning in mine. I have neighbors and friends who own guns and they speak and act exactly as you do. Your two previous posts on this issue are clearly and convincingly argued. You’re right, just look at the middle east and guns are not the weapon du jour. However, guns are pretty much everywhere, especially in that part of the world (something like 60,000 Glocks paid for by our government and meant for Iraqi security forces have gone missing recently…most ended up in Turkey, and Iraq is already flooded with AK-47s). How many of those guns landed in hands like yours? I know this is a difficult issue and I think we accept each others points. If the bad guys want guns, they will find plenty of them. Hey, the comedian Chris Rock had a great solution. He said “I don’t have a problem with guns….but a bullet should cost five-thousand dollars!!!” It seems absurd at first, but he makes a good point…I know I’d think twice before firing off a $5,000 round
Pete,
I feel sorry for your friends who have to live this way. They have a false sense of security. No amount of guns or bodyguards can protect them if someone is really out to get them because they will be hit when they least expect it. I am sure they don’t get a good night’s sleep either. What I suspect is these people have a penchant for guns, to keep an arsenal in their homes, using security as an excuse. They must be gun collectors. I know Filipinos like them who brag about their collection. Doesn’t impress me one bit. It’s a “macho” thing you know. Whatever…
Yes Tina its a macho thing this gun culture, plenty of people above have demonstrated that and if that it their way then so be it, i would rather trust in basic security and common sense, if i get unlucky well………….that was my bad luck
what happens when people get careless, guns get left around and some youngster curious to see what the magic of the gun is about shoots his brother, sister or himslef, this is a common occurence in gun owning societys and does not need to be risked, all above points understood but ban them all for me, get guns out of society and there will be lots less bloodshed, accidental or intended
If guns are outlawed some people need to suffer like Louie or Wayne who obviously know how to handle guns but the majority of gun owners don’t and this is where a stupid and unnecassary risk can happen
Personally, I’m against guns. However, I have relatives who have guns due to “security” reasons. My aunt and her family were farmers who live in the farm in South Cotabato. Two of my cousins were shot, almost 3 years apart. One was shot in the farm at night time. The other one was shot in the downtown area. Reasons? Unknown. Only thing comes to my mind was jealousy because they’re a bit well-off compare to your typical Pinoy farmers. I don’t know. What I know is that they’re the one of the nicest and god-fearing families I ever known. After these 2 losses, I think having guns made them feel “secure”.
I don’t have any prejudice (ok sometimes) for those who have guns. I’m not talking about the hunting-type. If you’re in the military/industry, that’s an exception too. I don’t know, it just creeps me. I guess, to each his own.
Wayne - I better not mess with you!
Jon - I saw the Chris Rock show where he talked about guns. That was funny!
The .45 stays hidden away until its presence and use is required. It’s been sleeping between cleanings for quite a while, now. No one knows for certain if it exists - and so far, thank God, no one has ventured to find out. That uncertainty is a deterrent
“I feel sorry for your friends who have to live this way. They have a false sense of security.”
I have a differing view. Guns are not kept for false sense of security purpose, but really as basic necessity.
What I mean is, people get college education nowadays because it is a basic requirement, not really to get ahead. Perhaps 50 years ago, college education was a “wow” thing. Certainly not any more.
Similarly, since so many people, including the intruders, have guns in Philippines, people feel the need to have one as a basic necessity/requirement, not really for sense of “security”.
Guns and steel bar windows are equivalent in the reasoning behind them; they are basic necessity. People don’t want them, but they feel the need to have them…
I also notice the gun owners join local shooting clubs. Aside from all the fun and joy from shootin, which is really fun by the way, I believe this is really to SHOW OFF to others (outsiders as well as to their own domestic help) that they have a gun, and know how to use it. This is a form of advertisement to ward off potential intruders. Letting the domestic help know about the gun thing is also helpful because many incidents involve insider help.
I have a different feeling about guns and I totally see Wayne’s point (explained very well by the way). I don’t have a problem with gun owners. I know many who own a gun for safety reasons. We had a handgun or and a semi-automatic hidden in the house when I was a kid and shot a few rounds in the backyard (it was the 80’s — in Davao. Things were different).
My dad made sure to hide them from me and my brother (the guns and a stash of playboy mags — no way, you can hide those from two boys by the way
).
I’m not one to keep a gun in my house. I don’t care for them, but I don’t find it a problem if someone who is trained to handle them finds it necessary to protect his house and his family with it. Now owning 20 guns for the sole reason to protect a house? there are othere reasons for that. it’s all for show, a man’s way to beat his chest and show who is the silverback in the barangay/village.
In the Philippines, there is a wild west culture and guns can be a symbol of status. Just take a look at a prominent individual (politician or powerful businessman) and you might see a small group of bodyguards with him. “Private Army” is a word very familiar with Filipinos and only those with power and money can afford to have them.
You can imagine that there are Filipinos who want to be like them — men of importance. You can see different levels of those men in towns and cities. So there are people who buy them not only in the pretext of self-defense but also as a symbol of importance.
Manny Pacquiao (a highly revered boxer in the Philippines) was allowed 20 gun permits last election. TWENTY. Why would he need that many guns? But aah, to many Pinoys, that’s a sign of a local boy finally making it. He gets his own private army. In an impoverished country, these are symbols of success that one can hang their hat on.
Hello Tina, I understand how you might feel this way, sadly we have no evidence t support your assertion that its to do with gun collecting, perhaps if someone could supply some quantative evidence, or even some nicely prepared qualatative evidence then we could interpret it as such.
Hello Bob, I take your point that the levels of security my freinds live under may be over the top, hmmm do you have any evidence to support your opinion ? if so, can you produce it, I would love to read such evidence myself, perhaps you can quote the source of your evidence and author.
I did not that the City of Davao has been voted Asia’s most livable city due to the plumeting crime levels in that city, preceded by a wave of unexplained bodies turning up on the streets daily, this as previously stated seems to be the general concencus that it is linked to the Davao Death squads, where the 40 pesos bullet seems to be a cheaper solution than actually arresting suspected criminals and trying them through the judicial system.
It is rumoured that Mr Rodrigo Duterte regular sanctions this type of extra-judicial killings, maybe this has contributed to your security comfort zone, hmmm what a pity there are not other similar extra judicial projects in place in other cities.
Hi Pete - My evidence is that I live here. I live in Mindanao, which is purported to be the most dangerous part of the Philippines (which I don’t believe). I have personally traveled to nearly every point on the island. I’ve been to “Abu Sayyaf strongholds” like Basilan and Tawi Tawi. To date, nobody has laid a hand on me. Nobody has made me feel uneasy. Nobody has threatened me. I’ve been traveling around like this for nearly 7 years, and no problems. Compared to those places, I have to feel like Davao City is quite safe.
Do you have any evidence that the kind of security that you are describing is necessary? Can you product that evidence?
I really have no opinion to share about the Davao Death Squads. I will tell you that Cebu has an active death squad too, though, and other cities are getting on board as well. Is that good or bad? That is a question that can only be answered by each person.
Hi Pete,
As an ex-Army Armourer, i was given the task of training both regular and territorial soldiers, in the use of firearms. This entailed everything from basic (always point it down the range), to advanced level training.
I know what a gun can do, ( 4 tours in Northern Ireland), having watched as 8 of my comrades were gunned down, and having fired my weapon in self defence, or to protect others.
When we were there, staying in Metro Manila, I was offered a gun, by a friend of my wife’s, it was a .25 auto pistol, just for our stay, I took it, and carried it with me all the time I was there. I never had to use it, or ever felt threatened, but, when we are there permanently, I will have a shotgun (and I will train my Son to use it responsibly), for home defence, and a 9mm pistol, for defence purposes.
In my experience, you cannot take anything for granted ! If you dont like guns, then dont have one ! I, for one, would rather be safe than sorry. In the hands of a criminal, a gun is a very dangerous thing ! After all, they have come into your home, with the intention of stealing, or kidnap, and we, as the head of the family, have the right to protect our families, and possessions, dont we ?
What would the other postees, do i wonder, if confronted by an intruder, with a gun, entering their home ? Would they try to protect themselves? or just give in to the criminal’s ? How would they feel, if the criminals were intent on doing them harm ? One of the things that you never do, is allow them ” the criminals”, to render you, or anyone else, incapable, either by tying you up, or by other means, so, you have a situation, where there is a criminal in your house, with a gun, intent on doing you, and your family harm, “you have to assume this”, and you have’nt got a gun in the house…hmmm…..I dont think so, do you?
The rules are simple, ” assume that every weapon is loaded “, and, ” shoot first ! “, disarm your opponent, tie his hands and feet, keep your gun on him until the police arrive !, and, if you are incapable of this, GET PROPERLY TRAINED !
The Philippines is a great place, but, it has a few problems, none of which are going to stop me from living there. And my families safety is of the utmost, where I am concerned, and I will protect them, at all costs !
Good post Pete, keep it up.
Hello Bob, thanks for your reponses, yes I aqree the evidence your provide is 1 peice of qualatative which is your own experience, had you related that to a local crime survey for Davao City your evidence would form part of that survey, as there probably isnt a local crime survey of say 1000 residents in your locality, its very hard to produce such evidence in writen form.
I accept you have travelled to Basilin and Tawi Tawi, and no one has harmed you, I Accept your personal experiences and am happy to hear it, although you did tell me once, that when you were on Basilan or was it Tawi Tawi that you were not welcome and told to move on, or if I remember rightly you did say on your photo blog that you were told to leave the area, I think thats what you said.
Does that qualify as being made to feal uneasy, I think it might, I accept no one has actually threatened you, but at the time, were you not being chaperoned by the Governor of those places, and his entourage, I think I vaguely remember you saying you were in a van taking photos and at the time you were advised not to leave the van as it was “not safe for Foreigners” I think you did say that.
These are all indications in a qualitative sense that personal security is a major consideration in most areas in the Philippines, how that translates into my freinds and there assertions that having dogs in their lots and storing firearms at the house, seems to indicate to me that they take it seriously enough to issue such advice to me.
Whether I choose to accept their advice is another matter, in fact my own view is that I would rather no have firearms at my home, and I take the view that I have not been ever threatened or made to feel uneasy also in Visayas and I base that as you do on my 10 visits over the last 4 years I have travelled to the region, having not lived day to day for seven years as you have I cannot testify to such a period, but can only show my experience in the cumulative total of about 6 months that I have been in the region during that time.
With regard to my producing evidence of the kind of security that my freinds were describing, you must remember Bob I did not suggest it was my own view, rather that of local businessman who were introduced to me, No I cannot provide you with any evidence to support thier advice simply for the following reasons:
1. I have not been able to source any regional government crime figures for the Provinces of Negros Occidental or Negros Oriental, so quantiative evidence is not available to me.
2. I have not been able also to source any regional crime studies or population sampling to provide me with some qualitative evidence to offer you.
I suppose in some ways, the opinions of the businessman questioned could be seen as a small sampling of local population although such a small sample may corrupt any meaningful figures, and there were 7 in total who spoke to me during my trip to the firing ranges, all 7 said they felt that having a firearm at home was a personal security for them, even though they may never use it.
Im not convinced that extra judicial activities to rid cities of their undesirables is the best way forward, whilst we might have some sympathy, polished societies will always be judged on how best they protect the interests of those who may be considered to be the worst among us, i.e. rights to a fair trial and to be judged by a jury of ones peers, rights to fair treatment under arrest, are not these all the cornerstones of the United States constitution and the very underpinning of the Bill of Rights that is enjoyed by your fellow countrymen.
It does appear though on reflection that the current policies in Davao City work, people as you have said do feel safer, in that respect your points are well made Bob.
Hi Jon:
You are correct about the middle east and I understand the $5000 bullet. I saw the act also. However I respect fully disagree, because then I would never be able to fill my freezer. Thank you for your input.
Hi macky;
Thank you for your understanding and complement. I greatly appreciate you open mindedness and objectivity.
Hi Lea:
I would only use deadly force to protect my self or other people from imminent harm. Thanks for the thought though.
Hi Rick:
I can see that this topic is distressing to you. While reading your post I saw that you did have some facts incorrect and I have posted below some facts from Australia that illustrate that point. I hope that you will be open minded enough to read them objectively. The thing is Rick that there is noting wrong with a legal and trained person having firearms because they are not careless, but rather safety conscience. That is the first of the ten commandments of firearm use and safety which is taught in all training classes.Unfortunately many people of the anti firearm movement perpetuate non-truths to further their agenda. The unknowing public then believes what they are told, because the media sensationalizes it.
One other fact in all 50 states a person by law all persons have to have passed a hunter safety course and show proof of passing that course before they can buy a hunting license.
Second over 99% of legal Firearms owners in the the USA understand how dangerous they are in untrained hands and are locked away or have trigger locks on them. In addition ammunition is kept separately from the firearms. They are not left lieing around carelessly as you assert. If you look at the facts it is the unlawful or untrained vast minority that allows those tragedies to happen. Yes there are careless people with guns. However did you know that there are careless people that drink and drive that kill thousands more each year in the USA than with firearms?
I have raised two children to adulthood and what I found is that you take away the mystique of the firearm by allowing the child to view or handle the empty firearm any time they want to. This allows them to appease their curiosity. When ever they wanted to fire one we went to the local Fish and Game club and went over safe handleing and only then they could fire the firearm with direct adult supervision.
Yes, unfortunate things do happen by people being careless. What you will find is that virtually all of those people are people that have had no official training of any kind. Anyone that has not had official training should not be allowed to handle firearms except under the direct supervision of someone that is trained. Because in all training the first rule is that all firearms are dangerous, can kill people and are to be assumed loaded until they are properly examined to determined that they are not. Or if in the case that they are loaded they are properly unloaded with out discharging. The second rule is to never point a firearm at anything you do not intend to shoot, and never at a human.
Here’s a thought to warm some of your hearts… from:
Ed Chenel, A police officer in Australia
Hi Yanks, I thought you all would like to see the real figures from Down Under.
It has now been 12 months since gun owners in Australia were forced by a new law to surrender 640,381 personal firearms to be destroyed by our own government, a program costing Australia taxpayers more than $500 million dollars.
The first year results are now in:
Australia-wide, homicides are up 6.2 percent,
Australia-wide, assaults are up 9.6 percent ;
Australia-wide, armed robberies are up 44 percent (yes, 44 percent)!
In the state of Victoria alone, homicides with firearms are now up 300 percent.
(Note that while the law-abiding citizens turned them in, the criminals did not and criminals still possess their guns!)
While figures over the previous 25 years showed a steady decrease in armed robbery with firearms, this has changed drastically upward in the past 12 months, since the criminals now are guaranteed that their prey is unarmed.
There has also been a dramatic increase in break-ins and assaults of the elderly, while the resident is at home .
Australian politicians are at a loss to explain how public safety has decreased, after such monumental effort and expense was expended in “successfully ridding Australian society of guns.”
You won’t see this on the American evening news or hear your governor or members of the State Assembly disseminating this information.
The Australian experience speaks for itself. Guns in the hands of honest citizens save lives and property and, yes, gun-control laws affect only the law-abiding citizens.
Take note Americans, before it’s too late!
Forward to everyone on your email list. [I did ]
Be one of the vocal minority who won’t let this happen in the USA.
Frankly NEM I would not expect you to want us to be citizens. In polls across the nation one of the biggest anti-gun groups is cops and x-cops. Yea I need to have an automatic weapon for when the autocrats try to force feed me that I do not need one. I have the right to defend my family, my property, and myself. By any means necessary. The second amendment was put in to be able to defend ourselves from our government. Yes I see a need for that. The founding fathers had that right. You love to rant and rave against our government, but you want to do it at the expense of my personal rights. That is unjust. Statistics across the world have shown in every singe case when law-abiding citizens gave up their weapons crime went up. EVER SINGL TIME!!! You cannot deny that fact. As far as 9/11 is concerned your outlook is laughable. The only reason it happened was because when the Clinton administration had the chance to take care of Bin Laden and Alquada they did what the liberals always do NOTHING. To say it was Bush’s fault and it would not have happened if the LOOSER Gore was in office is not only laughable it is living with you head in the sand. You have been sitting at your computer to long my friend.
Oh and taking extra shots at the Libertarians is not right. The Dems & the Rep have screwed up things so much we need a third party. In addition to that they have the right idea and want to get government, where it belongs and out of our lives. As long as I ma not hurting someone else or someone’s property the government should stay out of my life. If it were up to the Liberals they would make me a subject and run my entire life making decisions for us. They want us all to believe that we are better off with the government running our lives. If you want to have that done to you, go ahead. Leave me and Harry and the rest of the people with common sense out of it.
Hi All:
I copied those stats about Australia from another web/blog site without knowing there was a post behind it. Every thing after the stats are not my thoughts. Sorry
:oops::oops::oops:
Jae,
When I said “I feel sorry for your friends who have to live this way. They have a false sense of security.”, I was referring to Pete’s friend who has 20 guns, 20 dogs, strategic barrel holes on walls! Where do they think they are, Fort Knox? If I have to live this way to live or stay in the Philippines, I won’t even bother. To me, this is waaaay over the top!
Pete,
I know what I know and I don’t think I need to prove anything to anyone. Having 1 or 2 guns at home, to me, is acceptable if it will make the owners feel safer, perhaps if they live in a farm far from police patrol areas, etc. Certainly, if I kept guns in my house for security, I wouldn’t be bragging about it, would I? I just made it known to potential robbers or “the enemy” what I have to defend myself with, didn’t I?
Wayne,
I don’t have anything against you or anyone who uses guns in his/her profession. Like you said, it is a tool. My husband comes from a family of hunters so I understand and accept that.
My point in this discussion is, at the end of the day, we all have choices to make on how we want to live - with or without guns. My choice is without, what’s yours? I’ve said enough on this subject and won’t be making further comments. I rest my case.