Whenever you start talking about the Philippines, inevitably the talk will turn to “how dangerous it is” to come here. Frankly, I don’t believe it to be very dangerous at all. In fact, I feel it is safer here in Davao City than it is in many major US Cities, so honestly, I don’t get too worried about safety in terms of living here, or traveling around the Philippines. Most parts of the Philippines, especially in developed aread, I would not consider dangerous at all. I have personally traveled in many areas that people consider quite dangerous, and even those did not seem outside the norm for me.
However, there is always talk about extreme danger here. People think that if you travel here you have a good chance of getting kidnapped or worse. This simply is not my experience at all. I’ve lived here for almost 8 1/2 years now, and so far I never have been in a situation that I sensed to be dangerous, never felt that I was in danger of being kidnapped or harmed in any way.
When I moved to the Philippines, my Mom back in the States was in constant fear for my life, and the lives of our children, and Feyma, of course. Any time that the Philippines showed up on the news, we would get a call to see if we were still safe and alive. Frankly, it got kind of old. Of course, I understand that people will worry about those whom they love, but such worry should be reserved for more “reasonable” situations. That’s just my opinion.
Throughout the Philippines, there are groups that could pose you some danger, and this week, I will write a series of articles about each of these groups. Some will call these groups terrorist groups, others will say that they are freedom fighters. Mostly, I find that these people are not out to get foreigners, if they did that it would bring them a lot more trouble compared to what they already have. Of course, if a foreigner is uninformed about where they are traveling and ventures into territory held by these groups, it could lead to some problems for them, and thus it’s best to be educated and to avoid areas that could present a problem.
So, this week, we will look at these groups:
- New People’s Army (NPA). The NPA is the militant wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines. They have been active for decades in the Philippines
- Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF). The MNLF signed a peace agreement with the Government back in 1996, and is not really a threat these days, although from time to time there will be a flare up.
- Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). Until the last few weeks, the MILF and the Government of the Philippines were on the verge of forging peace, but at this time that seems to have slipped through the fingers of those involved.
- Abu Sayyaf Group. This al-Qaeda linked group is very small, yet very dangerous. You don’t want to meet up with these guys!
So, we will look at each of these groups in depth as the week goes by.
Stay tuned!
Bob, I am looking forward for your blogs on NPA's etc.. The other day, I read an advisory or travel warning for Northern Davao. I just ignored it. since I have no plans to travel to Davao. The travel warning was published by Lonely Planet but not by Travel Adviser. Is the situation in Northern Davao that serious to warrant a travel advisory.
Hi Bob, my inlaws says that it isn't safe to have a farm or house to far from neighbors on Samar because of bandits being able to sneek in and take out the family and nobody would know. How do people feel about it there?
Hi David B Katague – These kind of travel advisories are constantly happening for areas all over Mindanao. There are really no problems in the Davao area to speak of. When you say "Northern Davao" I assume you mean Davao del Norte Province?
Hi John – I would tend to disagree, unless you go too rural. Most people here tend to overplay dangers.
Hi Bob , for me , mostly visited iligan city , first time [ more than 20 years ago ] my wife,s aunt was Barangay Captain .
When i wanted to visit Marawi , she told me , i can not go allone ,
but the police captain and 2 officers go with us . I did not go !
And every time i was in iligan , i want ed to go , but not my wife.
Then i read your blogs , tell my wife , etc ,
So last year , our holidays [ 5 weeks ] there , but still she was afraid to go , as her whole family.
But when we go to Bucana beach [ family beach ] near iligan ,
there where more than 100 children and attenders ,
when i asked the owner [ friend of me ] he told they where
schoolclasses from Marawi , and as allways i spoke with them .
Nice and friendly children and teachers .
But untill now i did not see Marawi , what is not so far from illigan.
One day i will go there , i know that for sure.
Gr. Anton
Hi Anton – I highly recommend a visit to Marawi. It is a beautiful city, and very different from what you see in other parts of the Philippines, with all the Muslim architecture and such. Actually, when you leave Lanao del Norte, and enter Lanao del Sur you get the feeling that you are in a different country… the scenery changes instantly, and quite dramatically too. Marawi is not as dangerous as you are lead to believe. You need to be cautious in going there, but it should not be considered a "no-go" zone, in my opinion.
When you are here, let me know. I'd consider making another trip to Marawi to accompany you. I love the place.
The area south of Marawi, on the lake is also a beautiful area, although more dangerous. I'd recommend getting a trip to Marawi under your belt before venturing further south for the first time!
We are going to be the owners of some land out in Indangan… hope that's not too rural lol. Had to go through the Army checkpoint to get out there.
Hi BrSpiritus – Congrats on that, Louis! I like that area. It's rural, but not too rural, still fairly close to town.
I have to agree with Bob as I do not know anyone from my group of friends in Davao that has ever head any problems in the City or whilst travelling, we hear many reports of the problems in Mindanao but it has NOT overspilled into the City.
Hi john – I really have never heard of any safety issues in Davao City in the last 2 decades. Back in the 80's Davao was not a safe place to be, but after Mayor Duterte started making a mark on the City, it is considered one of the safest parts of the Philippines now.
Bob: It's funny how a reputation can scare people away… The perception is stronger than the reality. My mother is coming for our wedding, and that was one of her concerns. In GenSan, I never once felt even remotely unsafe… In fact, if anything, I felt safer there than here in Manila. Is safety an issue here? I think Manila is just like most other large cities… be aware of your surroundings and don't go looking for trouble. Most of the crime problems here are also property related, rather than physical. Not meaning to understate the need to be alert, but to put things in perspective.
Regarding your article on the NPA… E-mail me off the board and I can give you a personal experience with them just last week.
Hi John Miele – I totally agree that the scare if totally based on reputation. This dog has a lot of bark, not that much bite. For me, though… I get dozens of e-mails every week asking me if it is safe to go here, to go there, etc.
HI Bob! Even Filipinos living in Luzon or Visayas think that all of Mindanao is at war. (we had cancellations of judges for the tuna fest last two weeks). It's sad!
Hi Cathy – Yep! Very true. Every time I go to Manila or Cebu, people tell me how dangerous Davao is! I just laugh it off….
Hi Bob,
I have been to Tagum City, Davao Del Norte twice and my only problem has been that taxi and tricycle drivers either don't understand what I am saying or they don't know the address i want to go to. I have been warned about the NPA a few times but i have not seen any. Also all the older drunk Filipinos want me to drink some coconut wine with them. Oh life is dangerous here. watch out for someone calling you Joe, they might want to buy you a drink. Of course I know there are dangers, but there are places I won't go after dark back home in Georgia. I f you live your life fearful of everything you will not have a very good life. Actually i feel safer in the Philippines than in my own town in the US. Hmmm maybe it's all the smiles! Oh and everyone calling me sir. reminds me of the south 20 years ago. thank you Bob for you reassured me prior to my first trip here.
Hi Bob,
I would appreciate it if you have some statistics to compare with. I have some statistics for 2007 that I'd like share.
– San Francisco, California had 98 murders – population 750,000
– Oakland, California had 118 murders – population 400,000
– San Jose, California had 36 murders – population 950,000
If you have some for Manila, Quezon City, Cebu, or Davao then we have some numbers we can compare with. I don't know how forthcoming the authorities there are in terms of publishing a reliable statistics such as what I provided above.
Hi Bob
When I tell people that I will move to the Philippines they will always say how dangerous it is there. I happen to live in one of the most dangerous cities in the U.S. We have had 96 murders so far this year for a population of 400,000. We have had many take over robberies in the past few weeks and since I work in a pawnshop, it has me very concerned.
During my time in the Philippines so far (a total of 6 months) I have never been worried or felt concerned about my safety, actually I feel safer in the Philippines then in my own city. All you have to watch is The Wire (takes place in Baltimore) which has an even higher murder rate then my city to get an idea of how dangerous some cities in America are.
I felt safer riding a Jeepney in Iligan City than riding a New York City subway ! I always wonder why so many people that had never been there told me not to go there because they claimed it was an unsafe place. Anyplace can be unsafe if you make it that way. Naturally I researched Iligan long before I went as I had never been to the Philippines before. The more I learned the more I wanted to go there and it ended up being the best vacation I ever had !
Hi Richard D – I agree with everything you said. There are dangers everywhere you go in the world, nothing really out of the ordinary here in the Philippines!
Hi Aldel – I don't really have any statistics in front of me. Davao has around 2 million in population now, and I would be very surprised if there were 100 murders in Davao City in a year.
Hi Neil – I'm like you, I don't worry much about safety. About the only time it comes to mind for me is if I am planning a trip into an area that is not as safe.
Hi Bob New York – Glad that you had a such a great, and safe, experience in Iligan!
@Neil – I grew up in Baltimore, Federal Hill area from 1975-1979, then just outside the city line in Catonsville from 1979-2007. Nice town but the downtown area gives me the heebie jeebies even in the daytime. Had to wait for a bus at 2am on the corner of Paca and Saratoga streets one time with all the drug dealers and hookers. Go Ravens!
This is a copy/paste, from Davao official vebsite.
5. MOST PEACEFUL CITY IN SOUTHEAST ASIA
Davao is one of the most peaceful cities in Asia with a monthly crime rate of 0.8 cases per 10,000 persons per month. Its Davao Police Office is a consistent top pick for the Country’s Best Police Office Award. The City has also established the 911 central communications and emergency response center in 2002 to lessen crime incidences as well as preserve lives and properties.
I do not know how updated it is.
Link :http://www.davaocity.gov.ph/welcome-to-davao.htm
how about last summer in 2007 in zaboanga de sur they cut the peoples heads off kidnapped the italian priest ,the philippine army got ambushed by the terrorists(freedom fighters) . my wifes mother is from there (mindinao) and she told me its not the safest place to be and shes from there!i remember everyday on the news everyday while i was in cebu for a month there was another mishap or killing or kidnapping in mindinao!
Bob, the travel warning is North Cotabato not Davao del Norte. Thanks also for reminding me that Davao is out of the typhoon belt. I should know that fact since my sister-in law who lives there now never complains of typhoons. She also told me that the climate in Davao is better for growing crops and fruit trees compared to Marinduque, since even during the dry season, it still rains almost daily at night only. Next year, my wife and I plan to visit her, so maybe I will also visit you and Feyma. Davao sounds wonderful and an excellent place to live and visit.
Hi Bob,
When I was in Indonesian Borneo (Kalimantan) I really felt I have to be carefull , very polite and watch my back, especially in the villages. I never felt that way in the Philippines. I have a question; Is all Mindanao outside the Typhoon belt (for example Butuan) or only southern Mindanao.
Hi Preben – In my opinion, that info is highly accurate.
Hi mike – In my article I specifically said no additional "foreigners" had been killed. And, none were. Yes, the Italian Priest was kidnapped (Father Bossi), but was released safely. Regardign the Marines who were killed (not Army) – that happened in Sulu, and I specifically advise against travel to Sulu.
Hi David B Katague – Ah, I was mistaken, I thought you said North Davao. Sorry about that.
In Davao, it rarely rains during the day. Almost every time it rains is at night! Isn't that an amazing fact?
You are welcome to visit anytime!
Hi Markus – The extreme North of Mindanao can be hit by typhoons from time to time. Surigao gets a number of typhoons. I don't know for sure about Butuan, but I would suspect that they get hit from time to time too.
Hi Bob
I'll be looking for every episode of your upcoming series. Thanks for the info.
Hi Dan Mihaliak – I've got them all written and ready to go public! One each day this week, so stay tuned! 😆
Hello Bob, It's Alan (we're moving to the Philippines).
When I speak to my Brother in Law (a Brit) and his Partner (Philippine) they always say that Mindanao is very dangerous (they live in Manila).
Yet an (internet) friend I have who lives in Cebu highly recommends Davao, He told me that the Mayor of Davao is a Major hard ass and does not tolerate trouble in his city.
With his words and your regular articles I have decided to add Davao to the list of places to consider as our new home.
But, could you please tell me, will we feel that we are trapped in the city or will we be able to travel safely to the beach and the countryside without looking over our shoulder all the time.
I am not talking about just myself, will my Wife or 17 year old daughter (both English) be safe if they travel alone?
Hi Alan (Ace)- Davao is widely considered to be the safest city in the Philippines these days, and I believe that it is.
Will you feel safe to travel Mindanao with your family? I'll let actions speak instead of words:
When I moved to Mindanao, some 8 1/2 years ago, I moved here with my wife and three sons. My kids were, at that time, 8 years old, 3 years old, and one month old. My kids are now 17, 11 and 8. We have traveled all over Mindanao, and never felt in danger. YMMV.
Hi don – overall, I think that the Philippines is quite safe. Incidents like you describe are unfortunate, but could happen anywhere, of course.
Hi Bob.
just a quick question. Iam goin to meet a very good freind of mine in calybayog city. Do i need to take any precations with my safety there? For some reason all i have heard and read is to be very carfull there. What are the dangers for me and will I be ok going there and then on to boracay with my freind?
Hi blair – You should take safety precautions anywhere you go in the world. Always be ready for anything that may be bad. That is everywhere in the world. The locations you mention should present no unusual danger, though.
Hi again bob and ty for your reply. I just got all my meds to go on my vacation and also some injections. (fun stuff). My concerns are with the street thugs and more so the muslim type terrorist networks there in samar and manila. With your experience on a scale from 1-10 , one being no danger. How would you rate my overall safety travelling to the above described places. including Boracay?
Hi blair – in the areas that you mention, I would say the danger level on a scale of 1-10 is 1 or 2. Stop worrying and enjoy your trip.