If you read this site much at all, you know that I live in Davao City, on the Island of Mindanao. I love Mindanao, and I have loved the place for nearly 2 decades now. My love for Mindanao is manifested in many ways. The most obvious is by my living here. In addition, I travel around Mindanao a lot. I’ve shared some of my Mindanao travels on this site recently. Additionally, I own the domain name “Mindanao.com” and have owned that since the mid-90’s. I do all I can to promote Mindanao as a safe and peaceful place. It is a place where I personally feel at peace, and when I travel Mindanao I honestly feel a love in my heart for the place. This is home to me, and it always will be.
All that said, Mindanao really has a bad image. People all around the world think of the place as full of terrorists, bombings and such. In my opinion, the reputation is largely undeserved, but it is something that is difficult to change!
Actually, I have now visited every Province on the Island of Mindanao. There are three Provinces that are administratively under Mindanao which I have yet to visit: Dinagat Islands (just became a Province in January 2008), Camiguin Island (don’t know why I haven’t been there yet!) and Sulu. Each of these places is easy to go to and safe, except for Sulu.
It’s easy to get to Sulu from Davao. Just go to Zamboanga City (either fly there or drive), then you can either fly to Sulu or take a boat to get there. Sulu is an Island Province that is out in the Sulu Sea, south of Zamboanga. There are three such Island Provinces in the area: Basilan, Sulu and Tawi Tawi. I’ve been to Basilan and Tawi Tawi, but have yet to go to Sulu. All three provinces have a reputation for danger. At times, the Abu Sayyaf (ASG) Terrorist Group (an Al Qaeda affiliate) has used each of the Provinces as their home base. I guess that the ASG originally sprouted into existence in Basilan some 2 decades ago. Over the years they have been chased from one island group to another, but have never been wiped out.
Yes, getting to Sulu is easy – I’ve even flown over Sulu and seen it from the sky – but, it’s dangerous there. I do plan to go there, but I am not sure when I will do it. My hopes were to visit sometime this year, although the situation on the ground there has been somewhat more troublesome for the past year or so.
A little over a week ago, a relatively famous Journalist here in the Philippines, Ces Drilon, was abducted in Sulu along with three others. One of her companions, an assistant cameraman was released this past weekend. Although it is not 100% confirmed, it is widely believed that Drilon is being held by Abu Sayyaf terrorists. They are asking P10 Million in ransom, although her employer has a policy of not paying ransom.
So, after a number of years of no real kidnap problems in Mindanao, here we are again. A high profile kidnapping. One of the problems is that this scares people away. People think that all of Mindanao is full of terrorists and kidnappers. Nothing could be further from the truth. For example, Davao, where I live, is maybe 300 or more miles from Sulu, and it’s not a few hours drive. It is a full day, probably 2 days to get there from Davao. So, a tourist coming to Davao really has no threat of harm from the Abu Sayyaf. Yet, all of the foreign governments will issue warnings that it is too dangerous for their citizens to visit Davao. Honestly, any of the major cities in Mindanao are relatively removed from this danger, and can be considered relatively safe to visit.
It seems that no matter how hard people work to show Mindanao as the peaceful and beautiful place that it really is, some small group always spoils it. Even if they are only causing havoc in small isolated places that are not even on the Island of Mindanao, the impact is the same.
I pray for Mindanao. I also pray for Ces Drilon. I hope that she is released, unharmed, soon.
Morning Bob,
I tend to agree with your thoughts, however, it is all a case of risk and the odds of being the unlucky one. You may live there all your life and have no problems whereas some poor tourist may stumble into the area and get abducted or blown up on his first visit! Its the same as driving too fast-everyone has done it and are hoping they won't be the one found wrapped around a tree. Its only when the risk of becoming a statistic becomes high enough that people really stop and question things. For example, sitting in a trench in WW1, you would be writing a letter home because the odds were you wouldn't be making it home and you knew it! It's probably all a case of not pushing your luck too far. Does going to Sulu count as pushing your luck!?
Bob,
I read about this story on CNN but had to do my owe research looking on a map to see it really had nothing to do with what I think of as Mindanao. Also I got my news about GenSan from your Mindanao site. I guess you are not continuing that wonderful service. If so do you know where I can get new about Davao and GenSan?
Hi AussieLee – I will go to Sulu, but I have to wait for the right timing, and set up a support network there to some extent before I go. Most parts of Mindanao are quite safe, no worries. Unfortunately, Sulu is not, but for me that also makes it a more interesting trip. Do I push my luck? Yes… I do. But, I enjoy living my life on the edge to some extent. We all have things that we do which we probably shouldn't. I do know that I have had some wonderful experiences during times when I traveled to places where I "shouldn't" have gone (according to others), and they are experiences that I am happy I didn't miss.
Hi ben ream – When you say that you don't think I will be continuing the service I am offering on Mindanao.com, I assume you mean that because I have the domain for sale, I will be stopping the service. Well… I think it will take some time to find a buyer for the domain, so I wouldn't consider it a big worry as of now. In one way or another, though, over the years I will be promoting Mindanao in some way, the method may change, we'll have to see.
Thanks for your comment.
Hi Bob,
I had a client early this year who does documentary for a living in Europe. He's married to a filipina as well and yet, he never wanted to come to Davao because of the travel warnings. He finally gave in to his wife's request and came over, with fear of course that he'd be kidnapped or something like that.
He got the surprise of his life when he found out how peaceful it is here. He was laughing when he remembered his friend's comment that he'd die if he comes to Mindanao. ha ha
Seriously though, sometimes I think that it's not fair. True, there are places in Mindanao that I would never go. But Davao is very safe.
Re: Camiguin, you should go there Bob. 🙂 John and I went there last march and the place is so beautiful. You can tour the whole island in a few hours. (Roads are all concrete). Made me hope that Samal will be the same someday… 🙁
Nicest hotel there is Camiguin Highlands. Then there's Villa Paraiso. Hotel rates are very cheap.
Point of Interests:
Katibawasan Falls
Ardent Hot Spring
Sto. Nino Cold Spring
Sunken Cemetery
Mt. Hibok-hibok
Great view and good food at J&A fishpenn. That's very near the ferry.
Had a very memorable stay there. 🙂
Thank you again for letting me share Bob!
Lea C. Walker
Hi Bob,
I am slowly reading all of your articules with great interest as I intend move up the within the next 12months. I intend to get to tavel as much of the Philippines as I can with aim so finding a place I can settle up there.
It always amazing who people quickly people will scare the on the slightest bit of imformation and then proceed to blow the that imformation out of all proportion. A couple of examples: A fiherman catches a tiny fish and shows it to friend his friend then tells the story to a bunch of other friends. By the time the story ends the fish is the size of a marlin. Do not go in the water a shark will eat you, if there is a shark in with salt and pepper shaker waiting for everytime you go for a swim. All motorcycle riders a crimminals. The list goes on, but the worst offenders for giving countries or people undserved reputations are the media and governments. The word terrorism and people go into a panic and it turns people who normally did not have a problem with each other, start hating each other and nobody really knows why.
A lot of western governments need to be seen to protecting it citizens and why not. But we do feel as though we being rapt up in cotton wooll, good for some people, but not good for the free thinking individual. Anyway you are more than likely to be run over by an out of control jeepney the be abducted by a terrorist group.
Steven
Mindanao is generally safe. In my opinion there are more terrorist in New York than the entire island of Mindanao. Like in any country there are places you would want to avoid.
Hi Sir robert. as you are aware i travel the world extensively. Davao is one of the safest places i go with very friendly people .My inlaws in Luzon said i am crazy to go to Davao. Well last year i brought one of them to Davao . She had such a good time . She keeps asking if we retire to Davao can she come and live with with us.
Perhaps I missed it (and perhaps you would be willing to share), but why have you decided to sell Mindanao.com?
Bob…It is amazing how only on on few idiots can do incredible damage to the local population. With the natural beauty in the Philippines and the Filipino people's warmth, there should be millions of tourists visiting each year, much like Hawaii or Bali. Until the radical elements and Islamicists are under control, the perceived threat, real or not, is far more damaging than any bombing or kidnapping. One just has to look at the post 911 paranoia in the States to see the results: The radicals got what they wanted. The economic damage far exceeded the physical damage.The fear of danger is more real than the danger. Sad situation, especially since the likelihood of physical danger is actually higher in much of the USA.
Hi Lea C. Walker – You are so right about Davao, it is almost comical that people feel scared of the place! And, after they come here, they realize how misplaced their fears were!
Don't worry, Camiguin is on my list for a visit very soon! 😆
Hi Steven – Very true! Funny, but true!
Hi Bobby – I think you are right on your comparison with NY.
Hi frank fealey – Funny how opinions turn around after people come and check the place for themselves! 😆
Hi Tom – I never really announced here on this site that I was selling Mindanao.com, others must have noticed it when they visit there. The reasons I am selling it (or hoping to) are varied. Mostly, my interests have shifted a bit, and I find that there are other web projects that I wish to pursue. In addition, I feel that I have accomplished most of what I wanted to do with the domain. I've had it for about 12 years now, and it is just time to move on, I think. In addition, it is my opinion that the domain is worth considerable money (it is a single word, geographical locational domain, it should garner a high price), and there are things I would rather do with the money that I feel it is worth. I have had offers for it over the years, well into the 5 figures (in US dollars). It mostly is not a money thing, but all of those factors play into it.
Hi John Miele – Yes, indeed, I fully agree. A few jokers can mess up the lives of millions of people. And, for what? Indeed we can see it happening all over the world. 😡
hello bob
i can say i have had a warning about mindanao from my father before my first trip there and thats when i was looking for info about mindanao and found your website.i did feel at ease after i read your info.i guess i would have to say there are a few places i would not go to in mindanao.the npa,arm,milnf are a reality and not to be taken lightly for sure.i had more problems at public beaches and with groups of men that were drunk.and that is the same here in usa.so i usually traveled with family and avoided alot of bars and public beaches at night.day time is not so bad in philippines.there was one day me and my fiancee was at the beach in panabo and these fishermen about 10 of them talking very badly of me.of course in bisaya and my fiancee told me some of what they said.they were drinking rum that day building a float on the beach.after awhile they asked if i wanted to come with them.hmmm im thinking now why would they want me to go with them and just minutes before they are talking bad of me.well anyways my fiancee says better to not go with them.they could have been npa or some kind of group mabe trying to kidnap me.my fiancee then looks to me and asks what i would do if they tryed to take me.ahhhh i said i will fight them all if i have to because im not going of my own free will.i would rather be shot or stabbed right there instead of being tourtured.it did make me very nervous though.but i can tell countless storys of my adventures in usa.try walking through bronx in newyork at 1 am hehehehe.not me thanks.
salamat bob
hello again bob
i just wanted to point out that the goverment issues warnings for travelers but they dont issue warnings for here in the usa.why does our goverment try to control irac and afganistan when they cant keep control even in its own borders.i think i say for alot of americans that we the people have no control over our own goverment.and alot of people say philippines is corupt.i think we shouldent throw stones when we live in glass houses ourselves.thats my opinion.
salamat bob 😯
Hi Bob- As you know I share your sentiments for Mindanao and its people and the most important thing to me is we continue to sing the praises of Mindanao as I'm sure the more people who hear us the more we will be believed.
Regards.
Jim.
Hi Ron W – Yeah the kinds of problems that you are mentioning, like drunks on the beach or whatever, are typical problems that you will find anywhere in the world. I must say, I feel safer in Davao than in most parts of the USA! 😆
Hi Jim – Yep, we are "brothers in arms" on this one! 😀
hi bob-
one things for sure, having grown up in davao, fully aware of the false perceptions of the city from the outside, it's made me a better traveller.
i'm not easily swayed by press releases & generalized opinions about places all over the world. i just do my research & be a smart traveller.
i've read about the killing fields of davao, the drug wars of mexico, the fear of anything islamic like rural turkey etc.
travelling the world is the great educator. as you can attest from your travels across mindanao.
i've learned that it is simply lazy to believe whatever is force fed to you by the media or so-called "experts" (i'm looking at you, "mindanao is not safe" manilenyos) ;P
Hi macky – it's good that smart travelers like you have learned to inform themselves through the net. Problem is that it is probably only 5% of the people who do that.
The other 95% hear the media reports, and get scared away. 🙁
that is true.
i'm just trying to learn from what i can from this. being filipino, we've been beaten down so many times by bad news for years. now, being dabawenyo, there's another layer that goes with that.
it's a vicious cycle, reading stories like these. as you just wrote "here we go again". being filipino in this age makes it easy to be disgruntled, angry & apathetic. another black eye to my home city. once again trying to convince people that i did not live in a warzone…. again.
tiring isn't it?
i may drifting off topic here. but from where i am sitting, i am trying to approach this differently.
san pedro church happened, ipil happened, the hospital seige, garci, burnhams & now ces drilon.
all mindanao stories.
the list keeps growing. it can break down even the most loyal mindanaoan. every pinoy can relate to this.
so now, i'll try to see this differently. like you, speak what is reality & learn what i can from all this. maybe it will keep me sane.
Good Day All:
The Abu Sayyaf is not the only perceived radical military/terrorist threat in the RP. My wife and he family continually mention the NPA New Peoples Army in her home province in area which they term NA, No Address. With the different agricultural business we are trying to start, they are very cautious not to do so in areas where the NPA are prevalent as they can and will demand money if not kidnapping. While there this past winter news came about a relative that had been taken off and literally tortured to a gruesome death for information. Since the investigations and case are on going I will not go into more details.
The bottom line seems to be that no matter where you may be you have a chance to meet them as they do come into towns also. Family members always made sure that we were all accompanied by someone of the family when we went about the town and were told not to go out without them.My wifes family and neighbors take this threat very seriously as I believe all of us should when traveling.
So Bob how would you contrast that with your experiences?
Hi macky – Although I am not a native Mindanaoan, I love Mindanao, and have made efforts to promote Mindanao, so I believe that I can understand the pain that it causes you when things like this happen. Heck, I feel it too. I suppose that there is really little, if anything that we can do except to continue to promote a positive side of Mindanao, kind of like what Jim said on #18.
Hi Wayne A. Derby – I was pretty much focusing on Mindanao in this article. Fortunately, the NPA is a less active force in Mindanao than in some other parts of the Philippines. Yes, there is NPA activity here, but it is not a huge threat in this area.
Frankly, I blame the Philippine Government for this debacle, in many ways. A few years ago, the peace process was on track with the MILF, and there was only one issue left to resolve: Ancestral Domain. However, for several years now there have been no negotiations taking place. The MILF has been asking for resumption of the negotiations, but the government seemingly is not willing to negotiate now. If they can wrap up a deal with the MILF, then they can concentrate on cleaning up the Abu Sayyaf problem. In addition, they can make the MILF an advocate against the Abu Sayyaf in that situation, which would speed up the resolution of the situation.
I don't think that the NPA comes much into play on this account.
My thoughts are along yours Bob, if something bad is going to happen…it will happen. Is like the old saying here "You could always walk out your front door and get hit by a bus", I know that is ridiculous…but it could happen..lol. So what are you going to do…stay in your house and never come out??…lol.
This is kind of funny that you have brought this up, most of my family knows that I will be moving to the Philippines very soon. With the exception of some relatives that I don't get to speak to often. But I called up my Aunt Judy the other day, who lives in Arlington, VA, and told her of my plans. She was very skeptical of me going to live in the Philippines, she read too many bad things about it there, and that it is also third world country. But the main thing she harped on was about the terrorism, she said, my chances of something happening there were much greater than happening in the USA. Of course, MAYBE, she is right. But I was very suprised this coming from her, because, even though she is retired now, and has been for a couple of years now. I reminded her, of just where she was on September 11th during the terrorists attack against the USA. Of course she answered, The Pentagon, that is where she worked for almost 25 years for the Navy and other branches of the military there, and she was in the building that day…in fact she was using the ladies room when that airplane hit the building (FYI, one of the offices that was damaged in attack, was her old office 6 months before the attacks). So I asked her, with all the heighten security with terrorist acts in the world…would you have quit your job at the pentagon, because of it. Of course she said no, so I explain to her…moving to the Philippines will be just a chance I will need to take..and is important to me as well..and I may say…I am looking so forward to it..each and everyday.
Just a tidbit on this subject,
Take care all,
Danny 😉 😉
hi bob,
it is sad how other nations perceive mindanao as a troubled place, i can't blame them, do you still remember the time when Ex-president joseph estrada ordered the capture of one of the milf base? and so they did, the milf was disbanded for a while until our dwarf president macapagal arroyo (or should i say MACABAGAL ARROVO) didn't take the chance to eliminate the MILF completely , what i don't understand is all of a sudden the milf group is somehow re-group again and as far as i know they regained control of their captured base.
these armed group are all disillusional, the NPA want's the philippine to be a communist, the milf/mnlf wants the entire mindanao under their control and under their sharia law. they couldn't get what they want and they spread terror across the country, and guess what who are affected? their very own family, then they blame the phil government because their own family is in poverty. these very people who is terrorising the philippine is the main reason of their own poverty. our government estalbished the ARMM so that part of the mindanao can have their own rule, nur misuari who has been fighting for it and when he was installed as the armm governor, what he accomplished? absolutely nothing! instead he pocketed the armm's money!.
you know for a fact that there are only about 5~10 percent muslim population in mindanao (they are not even in the big cities), and it is not right to have a sharia law in mindanao where majority of the population are christians.
all i can say is… the groups demands for what they think is good for them and not for the entire 89 million souls and i fully support my government not to deal with them.
Hi Bob:
Dumb question. In your answer what does MILF stand for?
Hi Wayne A. Derby – MILF is the Moro Islamic Liberation Front. It is the most powerful of the Islamic groups that is clamoring for an Independent Muslim Homeland in Mindanao. It was a breakoff from the MNLF (Moro National Liberation Front, which negotiated peace with the Government in 1996.
Hi dans – the MILF camp that was taken over by President Estrada is Camp Abubakar, it is in Maguindanao, near the Lanao del Sur border. I have been there three times myself, and am very familiar with the area. Unfortunately, your information is wrong, the MILF was never disbanded or defeated by President Estrada. In fact, President GMA has brought the situation a lot closer to a peace settlement with the MILF than President Estrada ever did, although in the last few years the process has stalled out. No, the MILF has never regained Camp Abubakar, in fact it is nothing but a vast wasteland now. i was there last month and know this for certain.
Hi Danny – very interesting comment. Hearing your aunt's reaction was really, really interesting. It's interesting that she was unable to contact her reaction and what you want do. I had many similar reactions myself when I decided to move here.
Thanks for sharing that.
Hi Bob I whole heartedly agree with you I have been visiting for 24 years and now reside in mindanao and in all the years I spent my vacations here I never had any problems and my wife originates from N.Cotobato which was supposed to be one of the hotspots for the NPA back in the 80's the greater majority of the population of mindanao are friendly warm and definatly welcoming in fact I would go so far as to say they would quite happily give you their last bowl of rice.
keep up the good work promoting this beautiful island I for one will try my hardest to promote it : 🙂
Hi andy paterson – Thanks for any assistance in promoting Mindanao! There are not too many of us doing that, so all the help you can give is appreciated.