Live in the Philippines

Live in the Philippines helps expats with visas, moving and other services regarding the Philippines.

Safety: USA vs. Philippines

Safety, Travel / by

I know that some people will consider this topic to be controversial. But, if you comment and have not watched the video you might not sound very smart! Watch the video and see what I actually have to say, then feel free to leave your comments, whatever it is that you wish.

I call ’em as I see ’em. If my opinion is different than yours, I have no problem with that. Maybe you do, but we are all free to decide what we think is right.

After my monologue about safety, we go to a viewer question. This week, I heard from Bobby. Bobby is asking about travel to the Philippines and whether he is required by law to have an ongoing ticket, or whether he can make this particular trip with only a one-way ticket. I am able to help Bobby out with an accurate answer to this question. Hopefully, other viewers will benefit as well.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. I am under the impression that many who comment that Mindanao is totally unsafe are people that have never been there. In my 12 visits to Iligan City, Mindanao over the past 10 consecutive years I have never had any problems. A little apprehensive before my first visit but that quickly faded away. I had such a great time I have kept going back year after year since then.

    I have commented many times that if you think Mindanao is not safe, just follow a New York City news website for a few weeks. People get killed in New York City nearly every day for just about every and any reason you can imagine.

    There are many many places in Mindanao that can be considered tourist and visitor friendly and then there are those that are best left to those that live there. Use common sense, learn what you can about a place or area in Mindanao that may interest you and most likely you will have a great time ! I know I have.

    I have shared some of my great times in Iligan City, ” Mindanao ” on this website and many others. No matter what I wanted to see, do or participate in in Iligan City, I have always been able to do. Sometimes arrangements have had to be made in advance but I have always been welcomed and accommodated. True to the saying about the warmth and hospitality of the people of Iligan. I am sure that applies to many other places in Mindanao as well.

    • Hi Bob – Nice to hear from you. I can’t argue with a thing you say. Your commentary is both experience based and sensible.

      Most of the people who chime on about danger in Mindanao have never been here! Yet, many of them tell me that I am wrong about safety issues.. let’s see, they have never been here, I have lived here for nearly 18 years (and visited countless times before that) – yet I am wrong! LOL It is almost comedic!

      Enjoy your next trip to Iligan, Bob!

      • Bob (Both)
        I get a monthly notice from the Embassy in Manila that I soon will be killed, I have noticed during this new administration the doom and gloom has lessened but it is still there. OH…Well!

  3. Hi Bob, regarding the onward ticket situation. I came to the Philippines in Nov 2012, I was not aware of the onward ticket requirement. I flew Phiippines air and they did not say anything when I booked a one way ticket. I was processed thru immigration in Manila no problem and was not asked for an ongoing ticket. I first became aware of the ongoing ticket requirement when chatting to a fellow hotel guest in Cebu. I did intend to stay here indefinetly at that time but 6 months later I returned home to Australia. 18 moths later I returned to the Philippines and I applied to the Philippine embassy in Sydney for a 3 month visa which they would not give me until I got an ongoing ticket out of the Philippines. I guess the immigration officer in Manila on my 1012 arrival was just not doing their job properly. I have now neen here for nearly 3 years and have a Permanent Residence Visa having gone thru the 13A visa course. …..Norm

    • Hi, Norm. Yep! It is a hit and miss thing. Sometimes they ask, sometimes they don’t. You just never know what will happen. But, it is good to be covered, and you can almost always find an ongoing “throw away” ticket for $25 or less, so it is not expensive. I hope you are enjoying your life here!

  4. Hi Bob. I was also thinking about writing a safety article comparing the 2 countries. I guess it’s currently an obvious topic given the Las Vegas shootings. You pretty much covered everything I was thinking so I’ll write about something else. Steve

  5. Big difference between “thinking” you are safe or “feeling” safe. You are lucky you didn’t get extorted when you called the police. The Philippines is a VERY dangerous place.

      • 18 years won’t help you if a dozen corrupt cops surround you and threaten your life while they are extorting you. Since you know how to deal with things, how would you deal with this?

        • You can think what you want, it is of little concern to me. I have many close connections in the local government, and am known in the society where I live. The chances of what you describe are pretty much zero.

          • Good luck with your Government connections. I know somebody who reported a young girl being kidnapped. You can imagine his surprise when the Mayor went in the back room of the police station and got a baseball bat and told the foreigner “I can kill you right now” in front of about a dozen cops. While the foreigner was being threatened by the Mayor the kidnappers came into the police station and told the Mayor “We have a deal”…..Again, good luck with your Government connections and zero chance of having a problem with Government officials. So good luck if you think you can make a phone call to get out of being extorted by corrupt cops. Everybody knows that the only way to be 100% certain that you keep your mouth shut is to kill you. Bottom line is that you have been lucky. ….so far.

  6. Interesting Bob , I think the media drives a lot of fear in their reports , but people still need to be cautious and do what they feel is necessary to keep safe , your right there’s dangers everywhere , but I feel very safe here in Cebu , I think the security takes the necessary steps to keep people safe , you would think the supposed greatest country in the world would the same after this latest mass shooting , they would take better precautions when a guy is allowed to bring a cache of weapons into a major hotel , whats wrong with that picture , in this day and age, hopefully this will promote change but I’m not holding my breath

  7. Didn’t have time to watch the whole video, I am not a video person, but I have ridden my Mountain Bike all over north Negros with no issues, all the way up to Patag and Gawahon. Everyone is friendly. One family in Gawahon even invited me to partake of their picnic lunch. My sister in law had assured me Gawahon was infested with NPA.

  8. I have been traveling Asia, including the PI for sixteen years, and living in Cebu City for four. If you live in the right places, and you are aware or your surroundings, it is generally safe. But let’s not kid anyone, it is not nearly as safe as the USA. Look at the data on homicide; it is all available online. In the provincial areas I always feel safe, but in the big city, less so. The biggest problem in Cebu City is petty theft; it is quite common and has happened to us on multiple occasions-so watch your stuff. That said, my family has also been robbed in Milwaukee and Washington DC. On another safety issue, do not ride a motorcycle in Cebu City, it is dangerous. I am an experienced guy on motor bikes, and own a big bike there. Don’t make the same mistake I did.

    In 2018 my wife and I are returning the to USA. And of all places, our new winter home is Las Vegas. It is not really for safety reasons that we are leaving Cebu City, more for quality of life reasons. I think we may return again for extended vacations, but will choose Bohol/Panglao and Dumaguette; it is quite safe there and quality of life is excellent.

    • Hi John – I wish you good luck with your move. Vegas has taken its hit, so perhaps will be more diligent and safe for some time.

      We have little crime in Davao City, petty or otherwise. I have no issues here.

  9. Sir Robert!
    I started living here in 1993 and like you I have never been bothered by anybody from the Philippines. But being that I have lived in other locations outside of the US and being at sea most of my life. The rules are simple, respect the country you are in and keep your mouth shut about the way it is governed. Some guy from outside the US walk into your local bar in Bugtussle Arkansas and stats bad mouthing your home, a can of whoop-ass has just been opened, so why wouldn’t that happen in someone else’s country? The word is “RESPECT” if you give it you will receive it. On this site and others I have pointed out odd things that have happened, and because I don’t insult the country, the Filipino’s who have a great sense of humor will agree, and point out odd things they have seen in other counties. If you’re not safe here, “It’s your own damn fault!” (Quote by Jimmy Buffett)

    • Paul, you REALLY hit the nail on the head! Your words summed it up! Respect! So many expats I see go out in public and badmouth the Philippines, or do it in public forums online. Of course they are showing disrespect, so what should they expect in return. Alex keeps chiming about “corrupt cops”. So far, I have always been treated with respect by every Philippine Police Officer that I have come in contact with. In fact, many of them go out of their way to make sure I am well treated and taken care of. It all comes down to respect.. which is a two way street!

      • Bob:
        I’m zooming along in Olongapo city and got waved over.by the law He realizes I’m a Kano, and asked if I knew why I was stopped, Yes Officer because I was speeding.. Sir I must give you a ticket, of course you must, but instead of taking my license could I go now and pay the fine and bring you back the receipt? Yes sir, and of course I did. He was polite, I was polite and RESPECT came into play, besides he did me a great favor!. If you have ever tried to find a drivers license once it gets into the system, you’ll understand why I made that request..I have yet to give or be asked for a bribe.

        • Yep! Two way street.

          I did get a ticket one time, and it was totally unjustified. I did not argue though, it cost me only P200, so no big deal. I paid it… no argument, no hassle. No asking for extra money or anything. I went to the TMG office and paid, got my official receipt and was on my way.

  10. Like your video Bob and agree with what you say. Also agree with what Paul said. If you show people respect…you recieve respect. Same as if I walk into a strange bar here in NY and start showing my rear…I may very well get the same kicked. Also I think they’re alot of bad Americans who go to other countries and continuely complain…” In America we do things this way or that way.” That will get tiresome very quickly to even the kindest people. When in Rome…do as the Romans do.

    • So true, William. There are a lot, I mean a LOT of expats who come here and do nothing but complain. It gets tiresome to the local people and even to me! When in Rome… as you say!

  11. Bob you have known me a few years now. I have been in the Philippines off and on for over 20 years and have lived here full time for about 11 years now. I too live on Mindanao Island around Dipolog City area. Even the Filipino’s in Manila advise me not to travel down to Mindanao. They are gravely misinformed. They only hear the bad news and that is what they base their opinion on. Good news does not bring in the bacon so to speak. I too have only had one problem in 20 years and that was with a drunken American. I am a pastor and travel all around the area. Last year I visited 36 Churches. No where is safe if you go to the bad area’s. You are the one that puts yourself in harm’s way by being in the wrong area. Good Video my friend. God Bless

  12. Great perspective Bob. Yes,there are many places within the US that are unsafe. Any large US city, as well as a lot of smaller cities have places within them that the average person will want to avoid.
    I live not too far from Seattle, that once was considered one of the safest cities in the country. I now am very cautious any time I walk the streets there.
    Ironically, one of my Philippine born sisters in law feels that Northern Luzon is unsafe, and is reluctant to visit. She and her husband happen to live in Las Vegas!
    I spent two weeks with them in La Union a few years ago, and he was always complaining that everyone here was just out to take his money. I was embarrassed by his behaviour in public.
    Another sister in law and her husband just finished spending close to two months traveling unaccompanied all over Luzon.
    According to them, they got lost a couple times, but never was in a situation where they felt unsafe.
    I am currently in La Union, and feel welcome every place I go. I am one that believes that I am a visitor here and need to adapt to the local customs , not that they have to adapt to me. I think that goes a long way to feeling welcomed.

    • I most certainly agree with you Jeff. Adapting to the local customs and culture goes a long way toward having a good experience here! People appreciate that, and will go out of their way to look out for you! Unfortunately, many people don’t understand that!

  13. Hi Bob,
    I agree 100% with your perspective. I have lived here in Metro Manila for 8+ years now, and had only 1 incident here, unfortunately it was serious, with my wife being injured. In comparison to the US, the odds of the same thing happening are probably the same if living in a large metro area, with Chicago being on the very high end of the odds scale. The Philippine people for the most part are very accommodating and friendly. Anyone planning on visiting here should just take normal precautions for safety, that would include doing the due diligence on where to stay clear of….there really are not that many places here that you need to be overly concerned with. The biggest difference is, the up tick in mass shooting in the the US are mostly by individuals, where the unrest here is insurgent groups. I must say that the PNP and AFP are doing a very good job of containing the groups.

    My parting statement is this: As ex-pats here, we are guests of the Philippine people and need to conduct ourselves accordingly, that means adapting to Philippine customs and mores, not the other way around. If we are courteous and friendly, it will be reciprocated, if we act like a jacka.., then we deserve whatever comes our way. God bless y’all!

    • Hi Doni. Everything you say makes perfect sense. Also matches up with my experience as well. Some people just don’t believe it, where are unwilling to do so because they feel they have to defend the USA. Keep enjoying your life.

  14. Bob, I agree with and fully support the overall thrust of this video. Several of your “facts”, however, are incorrect. 1. Both total violent crime and murder rates in the US have FALLEN by 50% from the early 1990s to the present, 2016. (See Pew Research and wikipedia.) Murder and gun murder rates in the Philippines are about DOUBLE those in the US. (These stats are from before Duterte’s war on drugs.) (See wikipedia.) 3. Over the 2010 – 2015 period, Davao had the highest number of murders of any chartered city. It was #4 in total “Index Crimes” according to the PNP. But on a per capita basis, Davao was the 6th safest (least index crime) out of the 15 cities listed. 4. You might mention about vehicle safety here. The number of vehicle related deaths PER CAPITA here and in the US are about the same: 10 per 100k (about the same as the Philippine per capita murder rate, but twice the US rate). But deaths per VEHICLE are 11 times higher here than in the US. So if you are in or around vehicles here, be careful, especially on motorcycles.

  15. Bob, I agree with and fully support the overall thrust of this video. Several of your “facts”, however, are incorrect. 1. Both total violent crime and murder rates in the US have FALLEN by 50% from the early 1990s to the present, 2016. (See Pew Research and wikipedia.) Murder and gun murder rates in the Philippines are about DOUBLE those in the US. (These stats are from before Duterte’s war on drugs.) (See wikipedia.) 3. Over the 2010 – 2015 period, Davao had the highest number of murders of any chartered city. It was #4 in total “Index Crimes” according to the PNP. But on a per capita basis, Davao was the 6th safest (least index crime) out of the 15 cities listed. 4. You might mention about vehicle safety here. The number of vehicle related deaths PER CAPITA here and in the US are about the same: 10 per 100k (about the same as the Philippine per capita murder rate, but twice the US rate). But deaths per VEHICLE are 11 times higher here than in the US. So if you are in or around vehicles here, be careful, especially on motorcycles.

    • That’s quite a distinction. All I can say is that in the instances I cited your feelings and your words, are at complete variance with the facts. Why perpetuate misinformation?

    • Depending on where you get your stats and what you want to believe , violent crimes in the US has increased the last few years by 3 to 5 % , which isn’t saying much since violent crimes in the US is already one of the highest in the world per capita , gun violence and mass shootings happen almost everyday in the US , 30,000 people killed by guns 400 mass shootings like the one in Vegas , so font try and tell me violence is down in the US and now you have a President that has divided a nation even further by his lack of leadership , I feel more safe in the Philippines than I would ever feel in the US

      • You had had a president from 2009 through 2016 that finally managed to divide everyone in America by warpspeed & President Trump has been in office only since

        January 20th 2017, so where are you getting this totally fake news from, CNN or PMSNBC?!!!

    • Lorne Rowe The president did not divide the nation, that was already done by individualism. Left against right, has always been… it is just becoming more and more obvious.

  16. I agree with you Bob regarding the safety issue. I have been living in Davao City for a little over a month now, I previously lived in or near Cebu City for over 3 1/2 years. I have never experienced a situation where I felt threatened at any time. Your advice on the throwaway ticket was right on the money. When I went to check in for my flight in Los Angeles the Philippine Airlines agent asked me for my onboard ticket which I provided to them. When I arrived in Manila I had no problem and was not even asked about my onboard ticket. I am Canadian but I grew up in Southern California and lived there most of my life. I know for a fact that life in the United States is not the same as it was even 10 years ago. The country is very divided right now and there seems to be a real possibility of widespread civil unrest in the near future.

  17. Philippines Travel Warning

    The Department of State warns U.S. citizens to avoid all non-essential travel to the city of Marawi, Mindanao and the Sulu Archipelago including the southern Sulu Sea, and to exercise extreme caution when traveling to other regions of Mindanao, due to terrorist threats, insurgent activities, and kidnappings. Similar threats also occurred throughout the Philippines in 2017. This replaces the Travel Warning dated December 20, 2016.

  18. Yes, agree, We live in IliganCity, about 30 miles from the war zone in Marawi. We been here 4 years, and safe. Only driving here is the unsafe part of living in the Philippines. Have to use all my skills to drive here. I am from Alabama, USA. We had to go to Singapore, to reset, after three years, we got the balik balikbayan stamp, plus a throw away for me, did not know, thank you for the information.

    • That is interesting to hear, Tommy. I have many friends who live in Iligan City and have been there many times. I have also been to Marawi many times as well.

      Glad the info about the Balikbayan Visa was helpful to you!