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Mindanao Madness

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Life is full of ups and downs.  Hopefully we will experience more ups than downs, and if that is the case, most of us will be pretty happy.  The same goes for places, I suppose.  Sometimes places experience good times, other times places experience bad times.  Over the past 5 years or so, for example, the United States (and much of the world) has been going through some relatively bad times, economically.

I first came to Mindanao back in July of 1990.  Relatively, it was a fairly good time for the island in 1990.  Previous to that, Mindanao had been through some pretty bad times. War had engulfed the island of Mindanao through much of the 70’s and even the 80’s.  A peace accord was signed between MNLF (Moro National Liberation Front – an Islamic Rebel Group in Mindanao) and the Government of the Philippines in 1977.  The nation of Libya was one of the big brokers in that peace agreement.  Unfortunately, the agreement did not really hold up over the years, and in the 80’s there was a lot of unrest in Mindanao.  In 1990 when I came to Mindanao for the first time, things had been fairly quiet on the island, and remained so for the most part through the 90’s.

In 1996, the MNLF and the Government of the Philippines signed another peace treaty under which the ARMM (Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao) came to be.  The Muslim groups now had their own autonomous region in Mindanao, which they could administer themselves.  A lot of folks were happy.  Unfortunately, though, some other groups splintered off from the MNLF and started their own aggression in Mindanao. Not long after we moved to the Philippines, in 2000, another war broke out, this time between the MILF (Moro Islamic Liberation Front – one of the break away splinters of the MNLF) and the Government.  President Estrada squashed the rebels pretty quickly.  However, over the years since then, skirmishes break out on the island somewhat regularly.  Usually this fighting is very localized, and it has always been far from Davao City where we live.

About 3 1/2 weeks ago, fighting broke out in Zamboanga City.  Once again, it was the MNLF that took up arms.  Why?  Because the Government has been nearing a resolution of the conflicts with the MILF this time, and the MNLF basically felt left out of the process, so they made a siege in Zamboanga City.  The City was under attack for nearly 3 weeks, and there are still problems there to this day, although not nearly as bad as things were a week or two ago.

During this time of the Zamboanga siege, Davao got hit too.  Two bombs exploded in two different Mall Theaters in Davao about 2 1/2 weeks ago.  Fortunately, nobody was seriously injured.

These kinds of bombings are fairly regular, although not often, in other parts of Mindanao, but almost unheard of in Davao.  Dabawenyos (people who live in Davao or are from Davao) have always taken pride in how safe Davao City has been over the years, and that the city is relatively immune to such attacks.  I have felt that way myself for the most part.  So, when these theater bombings happened recently, a lot of Dabawenyos were shocked, myself included.  It was a real slap in the face, and it made people here think more about the safety and peace situation in the City.

Luckily, as of now, there have been no additional attacks in the City.  I will say, the City Government has taken this very seriously and has instituted a lot of additional security around the City trying to prevent any future occurrences of similar violence.  So far, the measures seem to be working.  I hope they continue working too.

For the most part, I still feel that Davao is a good place to live, and is safe as well.  Bad things happen everywhere, even in very safe places.  An area becomes unsafe if bad things keep happening over and over and are unabated.  As of now, that cannot be said for Davao.

Over the years, when people have asked me about visiting Davao I have always said that it is quite a safe place, in my view.  Right now, I am being a little more reserved, though.  If you ask me now if it is safe to visit Davao, I would say that I consider it relatively safe, but it is a good time to keep an eye on things to see how developments go.  If further incidents of bombing or other types of violence occur, it will be time to re-evaluate.  If things continue with a lot of bad occurrences in or near Davao, it will be time for Feyma and I to evaluate our future here.  I sincerely hope that does not happen because we both truly love living in Davao, and don’t want to leave the area.

So, we are in a period of what I would classify as Madness in Mindanao.  I hope things return to a more sensible pattern soon.  Who needs the problems?  Not me.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Bob, I understand where you are coming from in your article, but unfortunately there are crazies every where. I grew up 5 miles from where the Boston Marathon bombing took place and never would have dreamed that would be so close to home. The good news about Davao is that they have a strong government and work extra hard to protect the citizens. Today I feel no more safer in the little town I live in in New Hampshire than in Davao City. I think it we all have to just really pay attention where ever we are because we just don’t know what could happen whether it is here in the USA or in the Philippines.

  2. Hi Bob – Is very crazy in parts of Mindanao, a lot of people died recently. By reading newspapers, the numbers suggested they weren’t taking many rebels alive as well. A lady we know of in Dumaguete, her parents were abducted by the rebels. The father escaped and was quite old, but was shot in the stomach as he was on the run. He died and the mother ended up having Government forces aiding in her release and survival a few days later. Dumaguete is reasonably safe, but they have a lot of people moving here that are unfamiliar. Example they have many criminals from the Luzon and Mindanao visiting or residing. Most of the time they cause little problems. How ever the other week a crime gang from Mindanao with guns and grenades robbed a pawn shop for 5 million peso. They caught the main guy with all the weapons and stolen money in Sibulan the adjoining town as he was in the process of getting away. There is no 100% guarantee that places like Davao and Dumaguete will stay safer. It is up to the Authorities and residents to work hard to keep areas safe.

  3. Yeah, Jeff, I agree with you. Much of what you said are things that I did point out in the article. It’s a time, though, to keep an eye on events and see how things develop.

  4. my wife and I were planning a trip to Iligan next year, but I’m thinking we will put it off until we’re sure things have settled back down a bit. If it was just me, I would go, but we have a 2 year old son, and I’m just not willing to risk him

  5. Hey Bob! I’ve been reading about the troubles there. Sorry to see things going downhill, as you are. Wishing you guys safety and continuing peace in the weeks ahead. Never forget, Campbell River is welcoming to you & yours!

  7. Excellent evaluation and write-up Bob. There are similar problems worldwide. I found it interesting that on your blog, the lead advertisement at the top of your story was headed “Jesus Christ is Lord.” Remembering that and the power of prayer seems very important in these troubled times.

  8. Ah, that was a good one, Stephen M Gray! I don’t have control over the ads, and didn’t know that one was there, interesting placement, though! Maybe it’s a sign?

  9. Come on in the water is nice. I have been hear for a month I have seen nothing or had any problems. I have been all over Gensan and Davao and Samal island. I did not not meet anyone who was not a friend.

  10. I have been here 13 years, Rosanna P. Kuivenhoven, and I agree that this region is generally peaceful. However, given the events of the past few weeks, it is good right now to keep an eye on things.

  11. Hi Bob!
    Your post was well timed.
    Danger and uncertainty is everywhere in the world today and the Philippines is no exception. After almost 20 years in the Philippines and a professional life in 17 different countries (travel to over 30), my husband still thinks that the Philippines is a safe place to live. After reading your post, he said that with the American military coming back to Luzon, the NPA (communist rebels) will, again, live up to their past of killing every American military person they can. It is in their doctrine. The areas of Subic, Olongapo and Angeles City will not be a “perfect” place to live. After all the yearly flooding, my husband and I are thinking about moving to Davao City. We believe that the strong local government is a very large plus in Davao.
    BTW, my husband said he would NEVER move back to the USA. He said that America has lost its moral compass and is destroying itself from within just like the Romans did in Rome in ancient times. He said that he is so ashamed of what is going on when there are so many average Americans suffering daily trying to support their families and find affordable healthcare. He said that the politics in the States is way worse than here.
    We have five children (college to grade school age) and we do worry about their futures but for now we believe that their future lies here in the Philippines. We need well educated, morally correct young people to take up the leadership of this country and build a new future for the Philippines.
    Bob, I think you and your family are in the right place and things will get better.
    Thanks for a very informative and timely article.

    Stay Safe and Blessed, Jocelyn

    • Hi Jocelyn – I feel safe in Davao, and love it here. I also feel that right not it is a time to keep a close eye on what is going on, though.

      Like your husband, I don’t expect that I will ever go back to the USA for any reason. I’ve been in the Philippines for over 13 years, never been back to the States, and probably never will.

  12. Bob;
    When people ask me if its safe here to live my answer to them is it really depends upon where you go.
    I honestly feel like its truly not 100% safe any where in the world. Look at what happened in the USA:
    WASHINGTON (AP) — An employee at a defense contractor used his pass to get into the Washington Navy Yard and went on a deadly shooting rampage Monday, spraying bullets in the hallways and firing from a balcony on workers in an atrium below. Thirteen people were killed, including the gunman
    This is happening more and more in our country so how can we justify that the USA is safer than the Philippines just look at all the school shooting that has happened since we started tracking them.
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_school_shootings_in_the_United_States
    Then look at how many have happened starting in 2010.
    I feel safe here just be smart where you go and what you do. Its a great place to live in the Philippines and i have no regrets moving and living here since 2007.

    Sincerely

    Jerry Olson

    • I agree with you, Jerry, I feel very safe living here and I do also feel that it is as safe or safer than the USA. It is difficult to convince Americans of that, though.

  13. Was in Davao in Mid August this year for Kadaywan, and I gotta say it seemed pretty secure. Despite the vague threats of violence, I would say that the Mayor and City provided a secure environment to celebrate Davao’s blessing’s. For a large Filipino city Davao certainly would be one of the safest. While there may be a greater chance of a rebel/terrorist type event, compared to Manila. I would certainly be on my guard, anywhere outside of the Makati business district. I would think being a “puti” in Manila would attract the wrong attention, while in Davao, the petty criminals are to scared of the Mayor’s tough stance on crime, especially knowing crimes involving foreign victims seem to be held in greater contempt. Guess they don’t want any bad publicity. Love Davao!

    • Hi David – I’m glad that you enjoyed visiting Davao and felt safe here. I do feel safe living here, and enjoy Davao a lot! It is where I want to spend the rest of my life. Right at this time, though, it is a good idea to keep an eye on developments.

  15. Funny in my last trip to Davao, my only “bad” experience involved a trip to the Filipino Eagle Park in Calinan. So really outside the city proper. Taking a city bus from Anil terminal, to Calinan, and from there hopping on the back of a motorcycle to the PEC. After what was maybe 5-10mins on this guys bike, he wants P300, for the ride. Needless to say, he didn’t get 300, more like 30. Put me off for an hour. Seems once your outside Davao, you gotta watch your self, and surroundings.

    • Hi David – When using any kind of service like that, or buying things even, it is always a good idea to get an agreement on price before you commit to the service. In other words, before getting on the motorcycle, negotiate the price. That way there is never a question, and you cannot be ripped off.

  18. If things do get bad, Bob, Cebu is waiting for you with open arms, including the Chicken dishes here.

  19. Bob,
    We felt safe in Davao when we were there. But unfortunately wherever you live nowadays anything can happen. That is simply the way society is now. Just no respect for human life any longer.

    • Hi PapaDuck, I am happy that felt comfortable during your visit here. You are so right, no matter where you live these days, bad stuff can happen.

  20. Ha I said kill all the bastards and you called me uninformed. Now that the violence is knocking at your door and you are considering your options, what say you? Doesn’t matter WHY the bullets are flying at your family or who is right and wrong, does it? You lose your head just the same. I just returned from Dapitan and Dipolog and it felt very safe there no probs – but I met several families who had fled Zamboanga and were returning now that alot of the fighting died down. Their stories were tough, man. Families shouldn’t have to flee their businesses and their properties for their lives.

  21. I am sorry, Robert, I am not trying to be mean to you, but I really don’t like your confrontational attitude. If you are going to live here you have to be able to accept and live with different types of people. That is my opinion anyway. Kill them all and such? Sad. Not much of a way to be at peace with your neighbors.

  22. Hi Bob, The I.R.A was exploding bombs in pubs where i lived 50 yrs ago. We still considered the city we lived in to be quite safe compared to other places in the world. The recent incidents of a couple of home made devices being exploded in Davao malls has been overly dramatised by a lot of people in my opinion. I think its time for some to read the world news and see whats going on elsewhere and realise how lucky we are here in Davao.

  25. I live in Davao. I feel safe. The mayor and police are excellent at handling these kinds of things. The fact that not a single person was hurt with the bombs (people complained of problems from the noise) says something. No one trying to kill anyone. Of course I keep my eyes open, but still feel a lot safer here than in Manila. Bad stuff happens everywhere. An American guy was killed in Bangkok a few months back by a taxi driver with a samurai sword for haggling about fare. It’s the world. Far more positive than negatives here. After 3 years plus in Mindanao, I still feel it’s the best place in South East Asia.

    • “Bad stuff happens everywhere ?” have you been everywhere? What is this “bad” stuff that happens in Singapore that you can compare Mindanao with ? I don’t see bombs exploding in Singapore or tens and thousands of people fleeing their homes, and the UN calling it a humanitarian crisis. Don’t speak about “everywhere”, if you do not live “everywhere”. A generalization. There are a zillion places safer than Mindanao.

        • I never told anyone where to stay. Where was it mentioned in the above statement? Only that, useless generalization that “everywhere “. As if such a thing happens in Singapore. Give me a break. It seems Mindanao is exited, and a humanitarian disaster declared, not Singapore or me.

  27. Mindanao is a very large island. What is happening in Zamboanga and Tawi-Tawi just isn’t the same thing that’s going on in Davao, Gen San, Surigao, etc. I have walked the streets in downtown hundreds of times at 2am without the slightest issue. In many parts of Los Angeles or NYC, I would have been in trouble.

    Bullets at our doorstep just isn’t the case at this time. Knock on wood. 🙂

    • Hi Daniel – Of course. The things you are saying sound like they came from my mouth! 😉 It is true that Mindanao is a huge island, and these things generally happen in certain isolated areas. However, in the past few months, bombings have spread to much of the island, so it’s just a good idea to keep an eye on it and see how the situation develops.

  28. Glad ya’ll are safe, and seem to have a realistic take on the situation. I’m reminded of our time in Germany. Most of our family and friends didn’t have much of a grasp on the geography of the place. If there was a bombing or other incident almost anywhere in Europe, we would be flooded with long distance phone calls asking if we were alright.Anything that people do involves risk. It’s up to us to asses that risk and make our decisions.

    It does baffle me that the antagonists in any long, drawn out conflict won’t see the economic damage they are doing to the very people they claim to represent.

    Take care,
    Pete

    • Hi Pete – We get the same thing. If a bombing happens anywhere at all in Mindanao, we get so many inquiries from people wondering if we are OK. It’s sort of like… if a school shooting happens in California, we don’t really worry too much about our friends in New York! 😉

  29. Outside my window is the corner of the New Lodge road, once the most dangerous place to stand in Europe.
    Drive by shootings were a regular occurrence. The city still has many bombed out buildings and miles of peace walls. The tube bombers in London hit my regular stop and I can still remember the ground shake when the Nat West tower was bombed. I was 70 feet underground at the time…I have lived in many places with a terrorist problem but have never let it worry me.
    The U.S.A has until recently been very lucky and Americans are not used to Terrorism but really the chances of ever being a victim of terrorism are remote. You are more lightly to be a victim of an armed mugger at home than the Victim of a Terrorist on Mindanao

    • That is so true, corjo, but most people can’t understand it. Actually, if you look at the crime stats, there is so much more crime in the USA than here in Mindanao, but most Americans can’t seem to understand that.

  30. “It does baffle me that the antagonists in any long, drawn out conflict won’t see the economic damage they are doing to the very people they claim to represent.” – Cordillera Cowboy

    It does seem that way, Pete. Personally, though, it is my belief that when a people believe they have been wronged, they will go to battle for the long haul with relentless determination until the ultimate goal is achieved with little or no concern to the collateral damages to their own people. In this particular conflict – the battle for Bangsamoro – the prevailing sentiment is, there is nothing to lose and so much to gain since there is no economy to speak of to begin with. With bread and bullets, periods of peace may be achieved, but only temporarily. To think that the aggrieved had been vanquished or their grievances addressed because of a lull in fighting or a peace treaty had been signed is complete fallacy. The centuries-old fight remains alive in their hearts and minds, and is passed on to their sons and their sons’ sons.

  31. John,
    I agree with you on the belief that the Bangsamoro conflict will never be resolved. One need only to the stuglle of the Vietnamee people again colonialism to see it. Also the resent welcoming of the MNLF to Davao to hold their rally and place their flag is worrisome as is the remarks of the mayor saying he could live under a Muslim governmenthas me worried. I am going to have to reconsider wether or not I am going to look at Davao as a place to retire.

  32. There are problems in all parts of the world. My family lives in Labason, Mindanao…part of Zamboanga Del Norte. I live with my sister in Dipolog. I also stay for three months of the year in Manila. I feel just as safe in Manila as I do in Dipolog or Labason.

    Listen, there is violence everywhere. My fiance is American. He loves the Philippines and gets so tired of Americans saying the Philippines is dangerous. So now, when Americans here about fighting in Zamboanga they say “see, it is dangerous there.” They apparently do not realize America is like the Wild Wild West. School shootings, church shootings, mall shootings, theater bombings, Boston Marathon bombings, Atlanta Olympics bombing, Oklahoma City Bombing, 9-11 occurred in America and many many more.

    The situation in Zamboanga will settle down…and things will go back to being peaceful for the most part. You should use caution EVERYWHERE you go. My fiance lives in Vancouver, Washington USA. There are plenty of bad things that happen there. Enjoy life, use your noggin for some common sense and you will most likely be fine.

    • Really? There are problems like Mindanao in all parts of the world ? Point it out in Japan or Singapore or Dubai , I a quite interested in “what problems” are there comparable to the massive conflict, killings, kidnappings, bombings raging in Mindanao. I certainly don’t see that out in Singapore. Did I miss something ? Its amazing how some people say “all over the world”, “everywhere”, when they have not even gone to “Everywhere”.

    • Please show me when was the last time in the last 30 years, 100,000 people fled Singapore and it was declared a humanitarian disaster and an entire city held ransom ?

  33. You only know how to compare AMERICA vs PHILIPPINES. Obviously no other country or region of the planet exists. Certainly not Singapore or Mauritius or Switzerland or Japan. America has violence therefore “everywhere” is the same. No it isn’t. Narrow minded generalization.

  34. When having conversation with some of my Filipino friends and the topic of safety or safe and unsafe places I usually suggest they check into a New York City radio or tv news website for a few weeks or more. The type or style of potential and reality dangers may sometimes differ from those in other parts of the world and in other ways be similar or the same. Regardless of that, millions of visitors and tourists still come to New York City every year. Similarly, some areas in Mindanao may resemble or have similarities to some of the not so desireable parts of New York City.

    On one of my visits to London, Victoria Train Station was closed ( and that is the one I wanted to use ) was closed due to potential IRA activity. I didn’t let that wreck my visit though I just bypassed that station and nothing happened anyway. Potential and actual dangers can exist in many places, the more familiar you are with a specific area and awareness of immediate surroundings can increase your well being and safety. It is unfortunate that things may have heated up in Mindanao but I can not deny I have had the best vacations ever there.

  35. Sorry, but I feel just to earn a few cheap dollars writing ebooks luring foreigners to their deaths in dangerous places, Bob is gambling with the lives of retirees and other ill-informed foreigners regarding the dangers of Mindanao. All major embassies issue warnings to involve in Mindanao. You’d rather believe your Embassy that has done its research and gathered sufficient intelligence than a man named Bob, who pontificates that area and does not want to “Ever return to USa” because he really has nothing to return to USA at his age, he won’t get a job, he won’t last there running ebooks or other businesses that he can do so in Philippines. He is a spent case, a rusted car that can drive by Mindanao’s countryside but never would make it in the high speeds of U.S highways. He simply cannot survive in USA. All he has is the Philippines, so he would do anything to lure people in to dangerous turfs that he puts cushions to hide. There are many other nice places in Philippines than Bob’s backyard running amock with terrorists and kidnappers and no law and limited rights. IS that a risk you want to take ?

    • Hi Masto,
      I was just curious if you actually read the article Bob wrote. In the article he did point out some of the history of the problems in Mindinao and he did say he would only say that Davao is “relatively safe’ now because of conditions. I am presuming he is comparing Davao to areas closer to Indonesia like Zamboanga. I have read a lot of what Bob has written and don’t feel he is trying to lure anybody anywhere. He runs an open forum that expresses not only his opinions, but of his readers like yourself. If expats want to go to Mindinao it is probably because they or their wife have family there.

      I don’t really understand your personal attack on Bob. He does sell ebooks, but the ones I have seen advertised are about moving to the Philippines in general not specific to Mindinao. Do you know the man personally I certainly don’t. Even if I did I don’t think I could know what he would be capable of if he moved to the US.

      Take care,

      Jay

        • Hi Bob – Masto I think is having a bad day! You just got a beat down by Masto. Ha ha. How ever he is right on a point. Many Governments including Australia have said in there websites to travel to the Philippines, but don’t go to Mindanao ever. They really discriminate against Mindanao big time. The Australian Government really hammers the point home to all Australians to never ever travel anywhere in Mindanao.

    • Hey Masto,

      Check-out Craigslist,,Manila, under the rants and rave section. Think you will find a new home there maybe. Think Joe Kano, would especially enjoy your point of view. He posts on there almost daily.

  36. Hi Bob,

    I hope that things stay safe for you in Davao City, because I know that is where yours and your families’ heart is.
    As stated earlier there’s always Cebu as a potential if desired.
    I don’t see you touting Mindanao to others either though, but you do offer up lots of useful information about the Philippines in general and encourage everyone to seek there own choices.
    Take care, Queenie

    • Thanks, Queenie, I appreciate your comment. Feyma and I have discussed that if things get bad, Cebu could be in our future. However, I don’t expect it to get to that point, and as you can guess, Davao is where we wish to stay. Hopefully things will get back to normal! 😉

      Take care.

  37. I think more information is available at No Charge to anyone right here on the ” LIP ” open website than one might be inclined to purchase. My impression is that Bob Martins Ebooks are primarily a consolidation of information presented in an organized and catagorized format that over a period of years has been presented in one form or another on this website. Packaging so much information into handy and convenient ebooks consumes time and labor which is something someone could or should expect be paid for. From my own experience, any individual information I have asked Bob Martin about that I have asked in an e mail or other form of communication, Bobs information has always had a high degree of accuracy.

    • Thanks for your support, Bob. Some of my eBooks are like you say, consolidation of the information you can find here on LiP and some of my other websites. Many of my books are new information, though, that does not appear online on any of my websites. I do try to offer a balance of free information, and it can be supplemented with paid information in books and other resources that I offer. Nobody is forced to buy anything, and as you say, Bob, I am always happy to reply to e-mail inquiries as well.

  38. Hello ! I’m a spanish who are going to do a tour of Mindanao. I’ll make the route next december/january with a good friend (also Spanish). We’ve already bought the flight Manila Dumaguete. The plan is to spend a few days in Dumaguete and Siquijor. After that take the ferry to Dipolog, and from there go by road to Davao (making stops in some areas).

    The plan is to make the route by road, bus and/or jeepneys, stopping at different places, We take the trip very prepared, but at the same time we let’s go improvising. In principle we want to stop in OZAMIZ, PAGADIAN, ILIGAN, CAGAYAN DE ORO and CAMIGUIN (cities and surrounding areas, We would like to rent a bike or motorbike in these areas to explore).
    From Cagayan de Oro would go to Davao, perhaps stopping in the city of Valencia and visit the Province of Bukidnon.

    You can give us some opinion or advice on the route?
    We have doubts about going to Ozamiz and from there maybe we can take a ferry to Kolambugan, or to Iligan.
    We don’t know if do that, or make the journey by land, from Ozamiz buses stopping in Pagadian and elsewhere. From what we have said may be some danger going on buses and stopping for these areas being foreigners, but I think it exaggerates the danger, and the real risk of theft or kidnapping must be very very small.

    We asked some people in the Philippines and they have told us that may not be good idea to do this route by road, perhaps because it was so recent conflict with the Moro National Liberation Front. I know it is a conflict that goes back many years, but it seems that it has now gone to more. Do you know if there is conflict and danger of kidnappings of foreigners is only Zamboanga City, Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi… or maybe in some areas of the province of Zamboanga?

    We were also told that Pagadian may not be a good place to stop being foreigners, because there have been problems. We were surprised to be told this, can be true?

    Thank you very much in advance!
    Tony.