Over the past few days, and even before that, some folks reading this site have expressed concerns about the dangers of living in the Philippines. So many people worry about the rates of murder being high here. I always get e-mails saying – “I’m white, I stick out like a sore thumb. Surely I’ll be murdered!” Well, personally, I just don’t believe the rhetoric. I believe, honestly that there is a lot of talk like this, but I feel that the reality does not match the rumors.
Because of my feelings, I decided to put my gut to the test and see if I was right. I took it upon myself to do a little research. I am writing this part of the post before even doing the research, so if my feeling is wrong, you will know it when you read the results of my research below. So, let’s have a look! We will look at murder rates in the Philippines, and compare that to other locations around the world. For our purposes, we will base the numbers on the year 2004, since later figures may not yet be totally accurate.
| 2004 Statistics | Louisiana | California | London | Philippines |
| Murders | 574 | 2,392 | 211 | 6,204 |
| Population | 4,500,000 | 35,842,000 | 7,300,000 | 79,300,000 |
| Murders per Million Residents | 127.5 | 66.8 | 28.9 | 78.2 |
So, my feelings were pretty accurate. The murder rate in the Philippines is similar to that in California. It is lower than in Louisiana. Certainly it is quite a bit higher than in London, but I expected that since gun control is quite strong in the UK. Personally, I don’t feel that such a murder rate is excessive, especially when compared with other spots. Of course, even one murder is too many… but I am talking in relative terms here.
Remember also that 2004 was a hotly contested election year here in the Philippines. Murder here skyrockets during an election year.
Figures quoted above I combed from various government websites and newspaper sites on the net. The numbers are rounded so they are not 100% perfect, but this is for representation purposes only.
Interesting data. It seems the more access to guns, the more murders. Guess I could have figured that.
My experience with danger is that people often create their own danger. Where you are at and what you are doing play a vital role in making yourself more or less in danger.
I would agree with Tom. There are occasions where you may become a statistic through no fault of your own. However, I feel you can alleviate the potential of becoming a statistic by using common sense, There are certain areas that you avoid no matter where you live. You won't find me walking down the street at night in Compton nor will you find me going alone into some hole in the wall bar in some back jungle part of the Philippines.
About 25 years ago, I made a business trip to a city in the American southwest. At that time, I was a young, naive small town guy who had not been in many big cities before. I got to my hotel around 8pm and, after putting my clothes away, I decided I was hungry. So, instead of eating at the hotel, I walked out one of the back doors and started looking for a place to eat. I found a McDonalds after about 10 minutes of walking and ate there. The menu was in Spanish which should have been my first clue. However, Big Mac, fries and Coke is universal language. I ate my dinner and headed back to the hotel. I was totally oblivious to all the stares I was getting, both in McD's and on the street. When I got back to the hotel, the doorman looked at me and asked, "Where have you been?" so I told him and he just looked at me dumbfounded and told me he was surprised I was still alive. I think I avoided becoming a statistic because all the bad guys could not believe what they were seeing and must have felt I was mentally challenged.
Hi Tom and Gary – I agree with you guys completely! Yes, you can get into a dangerous situation if you are not using common sense – but in a lot of cases, people create their own danger by doing things that are kind of absent minded!
That last post did not appear properly because of the brackets ? Please delete it Bob .. it should read as ……..
Hi Bob,
The crime rates etc. don't really matter that much, the specific type of man that is actually going to uproot and relocate to Mindanao is going to go anyway. Most people stay in their own countries, have wives from their own nationalities and are happy in the environment that they know. A small minority of men have always been restless through the ages and today would probably think nothing about relocating in down town Baghdad if that is were they were driven to be.
Take The Soldier in Kipling's poem road to Mandalay …
An' I'm learnin' 'ere in London what the ten-year soldier tells:
If you've 'eard the East a-callin', you won't never 'eed naught else.
He knows there are dangers ..
Ship me somewheres east of Suez, where the best is like the worst,
Where there aren't no Ten Commandments an' a man can raise a thirst;
But he wants to go anyway … because …..
I've a neater, sweeter maiden in a cleaner, greener land!
This poem is of course is pure sentiment but it shows The Soldier is unhappy with his own land and culture and sees a perhaps false Utopian vision of the life he could have in the Far East. This poem was published in 1892, had The Soldier been of todays age he would have been posting to these forums or would have already made the move and be found drinking in the bars of downtown Davao.
Back to my point, the men who relocate to Mindanao or anywhere else are of a specific personality type who can be identified throughout history. They are not afraid of the murder rate, the NPA, the election violence, or anything else, not because they are brave in any way but because they just don't care, they are driven to follow their path and will gladly piss their lives against the wall if necessary to follow it.
The full text of the poem is at http://www.95bbw.net/lyrics/mandalay.en.html
Do I know what I am talking about ? well in the past I had " connections " with Madagascar and lived there, and then after that with Zanzibar. Hmmmm where next I wonder …… 🙂
Scott
Bob, based on your research, I find the murder rate in my home city very reassuring, thank you, yes it is to do with gun control, anyway, whats gun control Bob ? hahaha, if you are found transporting a handgun, the mandatory sentence is 5 years imprisonment (incarceration), you may not own a handgun, or have the use of it, we do not have the right to bare arms, you may belong to a shooting club and shoot clay pidgeons, the shotgun must be kept at the club, in a strong box, the Police will come to your club to ensure it is as such, the police will issue the licence, its unlikely you will get one, unless you go through a set of the most stringent checks, most people dont waste their time.
And of course as you know Bob, our national police forces are unarmed, we are one of the few countries in the world, where Police officers are not armed.
Thanks for information Bob, so living in Philippines is no different to California or Louisianna.
Hey Scott, it's not just men! I'll admit to getting nervous about the recent news reports coming from the area where I'll be in less than two weeks, but I know the media makes it look worse than it really is.
I keep telling my mom that people get mugged right here in Ann Arbor, MI (aka Yuppie-and-Hippie-ville USA). If I start shivering in my boots walking home from the library, then I certainly have no place in Mindanao 🙂
Stupid question for Bob: So how easy is it to get a gun? I've got me some fearsome aim with a 9mm!
Hi Bill – Wow, I am sorry to hear about your medical condition! It’s really a shame. I think that your biggest problem that you need to worry about is how you will obtain the morphine here. Have you checked into that? I think it will be hard to get a regular supply of morphine here. I would do some serious checking into that before moving here. Make sure that the drugstores will have a supply of morphine, and also that they will sell it to you.
Regarding the driver’s license, I am not certain of how that will work. You could check in with a doctor here and also the LTO to find out how they would handle that. Worst case is that you hire a driver and not worry about doing the driving yourself.
It will be my honor to meet you when you get here! I hope it happens soon!
Hi Bob, you know my hubby is thinking about the safety living in the Philippines ( we just bought a piece of land in Davao City 2 months ago). Sometimes he is OK to move but the next day he will say NO we are not moving because of this and that "warnings" from the American Embassy. Well after ready your blog, I ask him to check it for himself to get some info/idea. Hopefully after all the reading in your blog/article he will say OK to move to the Philippines or just to stay 2 or 12 months,it's OK with me , I want to try to live in the Philippines again (I've been away for about 10 years now,but I visit my family every year for just a short visits 1-2 weeks the most). Thanks Bob, this website is GREAT and provides the BEST info
Elisa and Angel,
I have only been to Davao three times and so am no expert, I am Scottish by the way. What I can say is that I wandered all over the place both by day and night and felt comfortable and safe all of the time.
Elisa I think Bob will confirm that it would be very difficult for a foreigner to get a permit carry a gun on their person. There are harsh penalties for those that do so without a permit.
Regards,
Scott
Thanks Scott, I appreciate it. Well, next year when I visit Davao I will try to wander some place in Davao (ALONE) and I will let you know my experience. Thanks again.
Hi Scott – i agree with you – some of us are meant to settle in somewhere, others are wonderers. I am a wonderer.
Elisa – forget about the gun. Firstly, foreigners cannot legally have guns here. Secondly, as a foreigner, if anything bad happens with that gun it will be your fault! Nobody else will be blamed, no matter what happened. Since you are the foreigner, it will be your fault!
Hi Angel – Thanks for your post, and good luck with your husband! If it would help your husband, have him e-mail me directly.
Hi Scott – You are right about the gun! It's a bad idea.
Hi Angel – I am sure you will feel very comfortable in Davao!
Thanks Bob: I will ask him one day to email you,hoping he will be comfortable to move to the Philippines. I think we will be comfortable and and deal with lots/some of adjustment,but I guess it's worth it,do you think? I mean Philippines is a nice Country, I am sure with that,because I was born there and live there for 24 years. But of course it's normal that I am get scared because my husband is a foreigner, and I am concern for his safety too. I know he is concern for his safety. Thanks Bob, keep up the good work. Your blog is very informative.
Hi Angel – no need to really be fearful! It's quite safe here. For me, I am better off living here – better health especially!
Thanks for your nice comments on my blog.
Hello Bob….your info has been vital for me, thank you from the bottom of my heart. i have 2 questions for you, and i am very sorry if they seem out of context..( first timer)….I will be moving to Mindandao. I will be living in Butaun at first, and could end up living in Tagoloan. I will be marrying a wonderful young lady that i have known now for a year. I would love to know what you think about these communities…….Bob, this next question i have is very impotent….i have a terminal illness, not a cancer, but a Spinal condition. I have been in re-mission now for 2 years, and am in perfect health……but will be on Morphine for the rest of my life. Yes, my Lady is fully aware of this. You cannot tell by looking or talking that i have any health problems. Earlier, you were talking about getting a drivers licence……and the need to take a blood test..???…..My illness went all the way through the Mayo Clinic……thier is nothing that western medicin can do for me, except help me with the non-stop pain. Do you have any knowledge about this type of delemaconcurning a blood test, the Narcotic will be detectible..I have talked to my Doctor about this, but she is not sure how she coulds help. Bob, anything you can tell me would be wonderful…….your site is a life saver…..you and your wife have offered such a service with your daily blog…..i have read everything…more than once. This is my first question….thank you so much in advance….and i do plan on meeting you personally once i get settled with my wife to be, a Future Friend..??…….Bill Huff, Brownsville, Oregon, USA
My Dear Bill:
It's none of my business but please read my suggestions: 1. Please Visit her first- Meet her in person see if you get along well,stay in the Philippines for 2 months or so, then decide to live or move in from there. 2. Please don't sell all your belongings or whatever you have in the US,just keep it there for now,then if you are too sure she is meant for you and she is so inlove with you then decide from there. See you might get along well in text messaging or email or phone calls but seeing in person is different (new personality- I am not saying something bad,but it's better to meet her first before moving here please). Bill i think you are wonderful and honest person and I want you to have fun here in the Philippines and to have a lovely visit in this country.
Bob:
I am so sorry I sent suggestions for Bill, I think he is a fine man,and I am just being honest to him. Yeah it's good to move to the Philippines no question with that,but it's better to be cautious too,right?
Thanks Bob
Angel – no need to be sorry! This comment area is free for everybody to post their opinion! I agree with a lot of what you said to Bill anyway! But, even if I didn't agree, that's no problem too!
Hello Bob. Stumbled upon this blog site. Your site is very informative and very good. I'm really touched by the fact that a foreigner has fell in love with our country amidst the negative things outsiders here about my country. Really, thank you for these (gives me some inspiration and moral support while I'm battling my own insecurities here being a foreign Pinoy working in Singapore).
Pardon my country for appearing dangerous (especially this time of election). But crime happens everywhere. And yes, alertness, cautiousness and always being with family, friends and companions will keep one safe and secure and not stick out for criminals to prey on.
I'll include this site in my links of RP expat blogs.
Hi jio – thanks for stopping by and leaving your comment! I agree with you that the Philippines is not nearly as dangerous of a place as people think. I travel all over Mindanao, including the ARMM myself, and have never had a problem. I document my travels on my other blog, at http://www.mindanao.com/blog
Take care!
Hi Pete – Yes, the rate in London is quite low. I, personally, though am not anti-gun. I guess Americans – we just have a different culture. Heck, America is a gun loving country, and I don't have a problem with that. The problem is when the bad guys have guns! There is a famous bumper sticker in the States that reads – "When guns are outlawed, only the outlaws will have guns!" Ha ha… that's kind of the way I feel!
Bob, thank you so much for your responce….we will meet soon. I was hoping you knew a little about Butaun City & Tagoloan. My Doctor said she would look into things about the Morphine & that she will try to contact someone at the Hospital in Cagayan de Oro…i will keep you posted.
Angel, your suggestions were wonderful, i thank you from my heart. I have a very good friend from the town i live in in the US….he moved to the Phili 8 years ago, he and is Filipina wife & 8 children live just outside Butaun City….he also has a small store there for the locals. This was how i met Lou, almost a year ago now. It all started with me helping her with her Biology Thieses for graduation. We worked together for months before any sparks flew…hehehe…..we have been in contact ever since. I have met all of her siblings & both parents on the internet with the use of a cam. What you have said is completely true……but thier is no doubt about our feelings towards each other. Her parents are land owners and are very much respected. Angel…i have nothing to loose. But saying that, i will still own property here in the states..and all my possitions will be in storage…..thier will come a time when i will bring Lou with me to the states to visit my family. My knowledge of the Phili is vast…i have studied well. My friend and his family also own a beach house that they built…they have offered it to me for as long as i need it…no cost.
I will marry Lou by years end….she is the youngest of 8 siblings, and we will watch over her parents as they age. I am not a desperate man, and i know i am right about this Lady, as she knows i am right for her. Lou has never enen had a boy friend…..and i will tell you something very special about this lady….her and i have someting very much in common, for she has been fighting bone cancer. She had cimo treatments 2 years ago, and is in complete remission at this time. Like myself, she will not ever be able to have a child…….we have cryed together, and have laughed together for almost a year now…….and i will take care of her for the rest of her life, or mine….what every comes first. She will be the center of my universe….and i will do everything in my power to see that everyday she lives, will be her happiest day thus far. This is not an average internet relationship……we both need each other. She has spent most of her childhood dealing with this illness of hers, now its time to show her that she can be loved for who & what she is, and i will show her a world that she could only have dreamed about. Now, saying this, i did not know of her illness until about 8 weeks ago, i was already in love with her. Not one time in all the months we had talked….she never said a word about it….and not ever has she even hinted about money. The hospital in Cagayan de Ore has sent me all her medical reports, and i inturn hava presented these to my personal doctor…..Lou has a good chance to live a normal life…….i am only telling you of this due to your heart-felt responce to my last post, you seemed like the kind of person that would want to know this story. I have never felt like this about another person in my life….Angel, this wonderful & brave Lady, well, she tickles my Soul, and a safe, happy & loving life she will have….again, i thank you Bob…and i thank you also Angel,a Future Friend….. Bill Huff
PS ;…please tell me what you think about both Butaun City & Tagoloan
…and Bob…Bill Huff here again…i will be leaving for the Phili this September….wish me luck..hehehe….oh yes….i have read your advice on the Family issues…all Of Lou's siblings have very good jobs, and do very well….they all take care of thier own families, and have made if very clear to me that they have no need for my money…..i guess this is an acception to the norm..????….and all of Lou's family has approved of me.
Again , i thank you Bob….some how, my heart already see's you as a friend….bye now…Bill
Thank you, Bill! And… good luck with your coming adventure!
Hi Bob — Today's election day, stay safe!
~speedbump
Hi Speedbump – Yes indeed!
If the efficiency of data collection on murders is the same in the Philippines as it is in California we can infer, as the 'research' suggests, that the murder rate in the Philippines is the same as the rate in California. If, however, the efficiency of data collecetion in the Philippines is relatively low, the murder rate could be several times higher.
Hello However – Of course, it is even possible that California's data collection efficiency is worse than the Philippines!! 😉
Hi Bob–Personally, I don't believe in statistics because it's subject to various interpretations. I do believe in my own survival instinct, though, both off and on the street. If the situation seems hot, I'll either keep a low profile or leave. Most of it is common sense. I can think of other more dangerous places in the world than the Philippines. Hey, check out my blog to promote my adventure tour business: http://www.philippinevoyager.wordpress.com. Till next time….
Hi Julius – Thanks for sharing your URL, I will visit your site shortly. I agree with you about there are more dangerous places than the Philippines. Using your personal interior radar is a very important thing when it comes to safety.
Bob: I think you might want to recheck those stats you posted on murders in London. In EVERY COUNTRY that has instituted gun control the crime rate and murder rate had risen. Here are some true stats that come not far from your area of the world. The liberal media want people to believe that the less guns the less crime and murders. It is JUST NOT TRUE!!!
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 ]
Thanks for that update, Wayne!