A little more than a week ago, there was a very surprising outcome to several old kidnapping cases in the United States. Three young women escaped after being kidnapped about a decade each. One of the victims had been held for 11 years, one for 10 years and the third victim had been held for 9 years. I am sure that most readers have heard about this incident. After being held for so many years, one of the young women was able to escape and notify police, thus saving all three kidnap victims. If you don’t know about this case, you can read more about it here.
As this case has been covered by the media, I heard a statistic used on several different news stations. They said (paraphrasing):
Child kidnappings in the United States are very rare. In 2012, according to FBI statistics, only 411 children were kidnapped by strangers in the USA.
Uh, what? Only 411 children were kidnapped. To me that is a huge number! And, it is thousands of children who get kidnapped by non-stranger, family members. Usually this is in a case where parents are going through a difficult divorce or something of that nature. But, 411 children kidnapped by strangers in one year.
Many of you who read this site either are foreigners living in the Philippines, or are considering making such a move to the Philippines. I would bet that 90% of you who are living here or thinking of doing so have heard from friends and family that you are crazy to move to the Philippines because it is so dangerous!
I remember when I moved to the Philippines, hundreds of people told me I was crazy, even stupid to move to the Philippines. They warned me that I would either be killed or kidnapped here. I was asked how I could subject my children to such danger. I was told that I was not a fit parent, because I had no concern for my kids. Even after 13 years of living here, I still hear this sort of thing from time to time. I’ve been living here for 13 years now, and have never really had any kind of incident that would cause me to be scared of living here.
When I heard the TV coverage of this US kidnapping case, frankly it shocked me that more than 400 kids in the USA were kidnapped by strangers in 2012. I honestly did not think that would be the case. I didn’t think it would be anywhere near that number.
I decided to do a bit of research. I found statistics about Philippine kidnappings on a US State Department Website. It is a website operated by the State Department for the purposes of Diplomatic security. According to this site, in 2011 there were 24 kidnapping incidents in the Philippines. In 2010 there were 41 cases. So, at worst case, the number of kidnappings in the Philippines were only 10% of USA kidnappings of children. The population of the Philippines is about 1/3 of the US population, so on a per capita basis, kidnapping in the USA is more than 3 times more rampant than in the Philippines. And, I am really figuring this in a way that is in the favor of the US, because the 41 (2010) kidnapping cases are all kidnapping cases (adult and children) and the USA figures are only for children.
That’s an eye opener, don’t you think?
So, is the Philippines dangerous?
I have never felt that it was very dangerous during my years of living here. Yes, some types of events are dangerous here, such as elections. But, if you are a wise person and you use proper caution, you avoid getting involved in things like elections or other events that have more danger than normal. Overall, I feel that it is at least as safe being here as it is to live in the States. But, still, almost every day of the week, week in and week out, I get e-mails from people who write and ask me how much danger it would be for them to take a trip here.
Frankly, there are some places in the Philippines that are dangerous. If you are going to Sulu or Basilan, you are putting yourself in unwarranted danger. If you are going to Davao or Cebu, Cagayan de Oro or Baguio, you are probably at least as safe as you are in your home town.
Are you going to get kidnapped if you visit the Philippines, or choose to live here? Well, you might. But, then again you might also get kidnapped in Cleveland, or in Houston or Des Moines. Truth is, if you look at the statistics, you might be shielding yourself from being kidnapped by coming to the Philippines. FBI statistics show that you are more likely to be kidnapped in the USA.
I live 45 mins south of Cleveland , so what happen to those young ladies is very close to home .
Hi Craig – I didn’t realize you lived in the area. It was quite a shocking event!
I am surprised that the number is so low in the US. There is a fair amount of hysteria here over child kidnappings and 400 for 300 million people doesn’t seem bad. But yes it’s better in PI yet everyone asks me about kidnappings there.
Hi Dave – I don’t know, that 411 sounds like a lot of kidnappings to me, especially considering that the number only includes children, and only those taken by strangers. I prefer to see a number closer to ZERO! ha ha
The thing to keep in mind, as Bob mentioned above, is that there is a big difference between kidnappings by strangers and kidnappings by family members and other people known to the person being kidnapped. That number is noticeably higher.
Exactly, Tom, it shoots up into the thousands of kidnappings if you could family kidnappings.
Good one bob so true.What better proof.Compare the numbers.
Thanks, Tim. I agree, the numbers prove the case.
interesting…. seems being a foreigner there might factor in a little, just for standing out so much and being somebody that somebody might want to kidnap for money or whatever reason. But Ive spent over a year in Mindanao traveling around various places and never worried about being kidnapped really. Of course I was avoiding sulu and other hot spots just out of common sense. I certainly understand you for defending your choice to be there, I love it there!
If you are walking down the street at 3 am with 400 dollars in your pocket in the bad part of town , your not safe in any city ( sad to say ) don`t be stupid , be safe !
Bob; it is pretty hard to do most things without being seen in this country unless you go out into very remote area. Even then, some people will see you going out there.Another thing is that the local squatters could be living any where and they are always curious at what you are doing. In the U.S.; you could murder someone and bury him without anyone knowing or looking as there are so many vast unpopulated areas.
Hi Jonathan – I would somewhat agree with you. I say somewhat agree because, for example, the neighborhood where I live is pretty quiet and private (it is NOT a gated community either), and you are not under the microscope all of the time. But, after thinking about your comment, I would agree that “being more visible” in the Philippines probably offers some protection from these kinds of crimes. Then again, as with some of the kidnappings in the Philippines in the past, the kidnappers don’t care if they are seen. For example, when the Burnhams were kidnapped in Palawan back in 2000, the kidnappers came right to the resort in plain view. They took hostages, loaded them on the boat and left. Dozens of people saw it, but that did not offer protection to the kidnap victims.
Thanks for stopping by with your comment, Jonathan.
Hi Jason – Actually, I would argue that you are safer if you are a foreigner! 😉 The statistics are that only 1 or 2 foreigners are kidnapped any given year in the Philippines.
It would be interesting to see what role those 1 or 2 played in the kidnapping. I am sure that some happen solely because they are foreigners, but I wonder about people who flash money around (as I have seen in a number of different countries in Asia and Africa).
That’s true, Tom. You know.. back about 10 years ago there was one case where an American was kidnapped, and it turned out that he had traveled here specifically to meet with the people who kidnapped him (they were a known kidnap group too), and his plan was to sell them weapons! Amazing, huh?
You got that right, Craig!
Nice these statistics are just getting better hahaha… Just glad Im not a child in the US anymore!
Hi Bob – Simple well presented article. I had heaps of people make comments about the danger here before I travelled as well. Example – don’t you know there are sick people in other countries that will hurt your children. Most parts of the Philippines in my mind would be way safer than many parts of America. I know you are American so no disrespect intended. Most of the crime and shootings in the Philippines appears to be criminal(meaning criminals at odds with one another or the police) and political/power related, or alot of petty crime appers to be for survival and not to inflict harm. So the real or actual danger to foriegners and thier families is quite low. I guess if you involve your self in politics, drugs, people that are invloved in criminal networks, travelling to zones that are known for abductions or grossly disrespecting locals so they want to hurt you, then you might get in trouble. These are specific choices that need to be made to position yourself for harm.
Hi Brenton – Thanks for stopping by and leaving your comment.
I wonder what kidnapping statistics are like in Australia, where you are from? I did not look at that.
You are right, those who fall victim to crime here often bring it on themselves by getting involved in the unsavory side of life in the Philippines.
Hi Bob – I don’t know the statistics in Australia. I will research, find out and let you know.
Thanks, Brenton.
Hi Bob – I searched about 45 minutes last night finding varying facts. Some showed a bit lower, some a bit higher. It appears to be similar to America though. I was unable to find accurate up to date facts. Cheers.
Thanks for the effort.
I’m waiting for the first comment about how statistics in the Philippines are wrong, most crimes unreported, ad nauseum.
The vast majority of kidnappings here are of Tsinoy business people for ransom, and these crimes are normally well-planned in advance (They are not usually crimes of opportunity that are thwarted by being visible to neighbors and so on). Kidnappers want people who seem to have money to pay ransom, in most cases other than political kidnappings, and most retirees living here on small pensions and walking around in socks with flip flops ain’t a good target. A Tsinoy business owner worth millions? Different story.
I always gotta laugh at some of the expats who re-post every news article anytime a foreigner is killed… The vast majority of foreigners who get into trouble here and become victims usually do so through their own actions. Seems there is always a woman or alcohol or both involved. The media gives much of this image. In the late ’80s, in Miami, there were a couple of German tourists killed in a rental car leaving the airport. Tons of media, and tourism suffered for years, especially from Europe. Was Miami any more safe or dangerous, in reality, the next day? No. Millions of tourists visited and nothing happened.
Point is, by being aware of your surroundings and not putting yourself in risky situations, the odds overwhelmingly are that for the average tourist or resident here, you will live your life in peace. Could something happen? Always. But the likelihood is against it.
Hi John – You sure hit the nail on the head with your comment.
You are 100% correct that Chinese businessmen are the most likely target – or their children too. They have the big money in many cases. I hear a lot of foreigners talking about being targets because they “stick out” or they feel they have the big money. Most of these people I hear from don’t have big money. I mean, they would be hard pressed to put their hands on the kind of money that these kidnappers are looking for. It’s a dillusion.
Something could happen… anywhere in the world. Nothing special about the Philippines when it comes to crime.
Good post Bob, i hear the same things, when i decided to move here.
I feel safe here, no problems at all.
I come from Denmark, wich is considered as one of the most safe and peacefull countries in the world, but there’s dangerous places in all contries, even in “nice” little Denmark.
Avoid a few places and there’s no reason to feel scared, unsafe or threatened at all, here in Philippines.
Good to see some statistics, it hopefully makes it more clear for those who think Philippines is a place where you will be killed or kidnapped at once you arrive.
I have travelled in many countries and Philipppines is one of the best, when it comes to feeling welcome and feel safe.
So come to Philippines, vacation, permanent stay, no matter what, it’s fine and safe to be here, as long as you use your common sense.
As the slogan says: Philippines is more fun
Hi Axel – Thanks for sharing your experiences in the Philippines. It sounds like you are enjoying life to the max!
The Philippines is indeed more fun… and less crime! 🙂
I hear you on that, Jason. The kids these days don’t get the kind of upbringing we got when we were kids. I remember being able to roam around the neighborhood at will. I just had to be home for lunch and dinner, as long as I did that, all was OK.
So very true, Bob. The things that I was allowed to do as a child are regularly things that I did not let my own children do.
Heck, when we went on vacation as a kid, we had to search for the house key because we never locked the door. That was in the 1960s-1970s in Southern California. Very different now.
The times sure have changed, Tom.
Interesting numbers, Bob. I have been wondering about the proportion of other violent crimes, robbery, murder, etc. between the USA and the Philippines.
Since I was retired due to disability from law enforcement for the State in 2005, it seems that we have had a rapid increase in random senseless violence to the extent that many of our larger cities and even rural areas are feeling more like 3rd world countries than the country I grew up in.
Thank you
Great article as usual.
In the past, I looked into murder rates, LeRoy, and the numbers were very close to the same (per capita, percentage basis) between the Philippines and the USA.
I love the article. I am glad you feel safe and love my country. I always hear people ask my husband if it is safe to go to Philippines. When I met my now husband he was always with somebody and they always give him a ride wherever he goes. When he came back to be with me I had him experience public rides I let him walk around the neighborhood and meet people and befriend some I told him he will be more safe exposed.
Hi Jinkee – Glad you enjoyed the article. I feel very safe living here, and always have. I have even visited some reputed dangerous places like Marawi, Tawi Tawi, Basilan and Maguindanao, and never felt threatened there either.
yes it is safer here ,than it is in the states.
I feel like it is too, Bryon!
just be careful with your kids, there are some kidnappers who are after for the organs of the children and sell it in the blackmarket.
Mike,
That is very interesting, my wife will not let us bring our baby now because to many people found out we were coming in August. She said it happened very close to her brothers house. It’s crazy to think
Hi Mike – I think it is prudent to be careful with your kids no matter where you live in the world. I will admit that here in Davao City, I give my kids more freedom than I probably would in the States. My kids are free to go places by themselves and such, as long as we know where they are.
I don’t really believe in these stories about organ harvesting. Perhaps they exist, but I think they are very rare.
Bob,
Stay out of shady places, and you will be fine…. I think you get a better chance of having someone ask you for money on a daily basis than ever being taken hostage or murdered….
Oh, don’t worry, Dirk. After living here as long as I have, I have:
1. Come to know what places are relatively safe, and what places are not.
2. Gotten over any worries or fears of living here.
You are right, there are people who ask me for money (not daily, but on a semi-regular basis), but that doesn’t bother me so much. I can ignore them, or I can help if I feel that is warranted.
Bob,
While I do not have a dog in this fight, I think it is important to compare apples to apples. I agree that the 411 children kidnapped in the US by strangers is a “big” number, even one is too large. That being said, you are comparing children being kidnapped in the US for (most likely) sexual exploitation, to US citizens being kidnapped in the PH for purpose of extortion. With all due respect, you are comparing apples to oranges. To compare like numbers, you would need to compare the number of PH children kidnapped by PH citizens, to US children kidnapped by US citizens for sexual exploitation. I agree, in the USA, we have perverts and pedophiles that are scum of the earth. In the PH we have people who make a living by kidnap for ransom. Both are bad, but you should not rank one against the other. Just saying, the raw numbers should not be compared against each other, because the reason for the crime is different. Hope my response makes some sort of sense. By the way, I agree, the Philippines is safer if you mind your own business and behave yourself. Five months and counting, I will be living in the Philippines. I have a brother-in-law in Davao. When I visit him, I hope to buy you lunch!
Hi Mike – No, I am not comparing children being kidnapped in the USA to US Citizens being kidnapped in the Philippines. I am comparing all child stranger kidnappings in the US to ALL kidnappings in the Philippines. That is a pretty fair comparison, and actually gives a bit of favor to the USA.
You say:
I am comparing all kidnappings in one country to all kidnappings in another country. I never said that the 41 kidnappings in the Philippines were only foreigners. Never said that at all. Not sure where you got that idea from.
My bad, what I meant to say is that the number you quoted is “KDR”, kidnapped for ransom. That number should be compared to “KDR” in the USA. You compared it to kidnapped children. Again, my comment is only to clarify on a “like” basis. I really do not have any idea what the KDR is in the USA is. In any case, the offer stands, I would like to buy you lunch. I love your website, and the info it provides.
Hi Mike – I can see your point now. I did not note the classification “KFR” on the website. I think that nearly all kidnappings here are “for ransom” so I don’t think that it will change the comparison too much, but I concede that it could. Lunch? I’m up for that! Give me a shout!
hello
No subways there, at least not in Mindanao so you don’t have to worry about being mugged, stabbed or shot to death on the Subway. When the subject of The Philippines being dangerous comes up in a discussion, especially in a discussion with Filipinos I suggest they monitor a New York City news website for a few weeks. Just about every day someone is getting killed for any number of reasons.
I have often wondered if there is that much less major crime in The Philippines, it gives the press less things to senesationalize. When something does happen it is like a field day for the media so they ” hype ” it to the hilt.
Hi Bob – You may be right about the Press sensationalizing. Another thing… I personally feel that Filipinos overseas are one of the worst enemies of the Philippines in this regard. So many Filipinos constantly talk how dangerous it is here. I can’t understand why they talk that way, really. Especially many overseas Filipinos talk about how dangerous Mindanao is. When you ask them, they will tell you that they have never been to Mindanao, though. Makes you wonder how they know that it is dangerous!
So true Bob, as you know i’m in Dubai and whenever i meet fellow filipinos from other parts of the Philippines and knows that i came from Mindanao, the usual comment is “magulo doon!” (roughly translates as “troublesome place”), i only bit my lip and then i say i’m from Davao, they make this turnaround immediately like saying “balita maganda daw doon at safe na safe ka kahit ilabas mo celfon mo hindi ma i-snatch” (roughly translated:”heard it’s a nice place and very safe you can even use your cellphone out in the open without worrying of getting snatched”). I really wonder where they think Davao is located….
That’s true, Rey. Here in Davao you can put your cellphone on the restaurant table, or use it to text on the jeepney. No worries about getting it stolen! 😆
Hi loreta.
Another great article Bob, gives many of us ammunition (statistics) for when family and friends say ridiculous things about safety in the Philippines. An interesting site to look at regarding unsafe cities based on homicide rates against population, 50 most dangerous cities in the world.
http://www.businessinsider.com/most-dangerous-cities-in-the-world-2012-10?op=1
Cheers, Steve
Hi Steve – Thanks, I’m glad you enjoyed the article and found it informative. I tried to look at the site that you linked to, but I am unable to open it. Not sure why.
America is a nation of immigrants from different ethnic and cultural backgrounds, speaking different languages, worshiping different gods, and even attending different churches within the same faith. Immigrants built the foundation of this country. To this day, many of them are considered influential figures in American government and society. While true that the diversity of American society may be one of its greatest strengths, I believe it could also be one of its weaknesses. The profusion of less educated, less skilled immigrants who belong in the lower economic scale are more prone to commit a crime than those belonging in the upper strata. With that said, compared to a homogeneous society like China, Japan, and Korea, the United States ranks first among the top ten countries in the world with the highest reported crime rates. Food for thought.
Good observations, John, thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Bob, google “worlds unsafest cities” it will be one of the first few to come up. cheers
Interesting that out of 50 cities on the list, all but 4 are in North or South America! Not a single city in East Asia is on the list either. The only city that is technically in Asia is in Iraq. Fascinating!
Yes Bob true but if you search a few other sites there are different stats, based on different criteria I presume. I thought it interesting though as you did that Asia only got one mention and that is a very long way from here. keep up the good work, cheers, Steve
That’s true, there are lots of these kinds of lists out there. Like you said, probably based on different statistics and analysis.
Take care, Steve.
thanks Bob for speaking good about my country . Yes I admit there are also bad times but where is there none?
That is very true, Ma.
There is a danger of being kidnapped for ransom, especially if you have money, in the Philippines if you draw too much attention to yourself; but there’s a bigger danger of being randomly shot by some psycho, if you don’t have any money, in the United States.
I am sorry, Julius, but the statistics don’t bear that out.
Just personal observation, Bob.
The whole story of Gracie and Martin Burnham was in the news when I was preparing to move to the Philippines over ten years ago. Martin was killed and Gracie freed just a few weeks before I arrived. But I was moving to a completely different Island (Luzon), so I wasn’t too worried.
There are dangerous places here just like the States (albeit for different reasons), but I wouldn’t consider this a dangerous country to live in overall.
Hi Kevin – That was Gracia Burnham. Yes, I was already living here when it happened. I did not know the Burnhams, but we do have mutual friends. It was a very sad story, indeed. But, bad things can and do happen anywhere in the world, as you say there are dangerous places in the Philippines and in the States.
Good Article Bob, as always.
However, as far as the perception of how dangerous it is in the Philippines I actually want people to be afraid. Only because I would hate to see so many foreigners moving to the Philippines en mass. I feel that it would take away the very essence of the place and the magic it holds. So for those who have the opinion of it being so dangerous I say to encourage the illusion and allow them to influence those who whould beleive it. As for us and others like us who have been there and know from first hand experience, we need not rely on those peoples opinions. Lets keep the Philippines magical for us and other like us. I guess what I am saying is let them beleive what they will and let us not try to convince them otherwise, then the Philippines will be just as great for those of us who choose to live there tomorrow as it is today.
Hi Chris – In my opinion, it is not fair to the Philippines or to the Philippine people to “want people to be afraid” of the place. Increased tourism could bring a windfall to Filipinos and put some extra food on the table. Hoping to subject the people here to continued hunger and poverty in order for us to be more comfortable is not fair. What do you think?
I think that if a windfall of people go there then only very few will benefit and the general population will continue to be poor. Not much will change in that regard, those who now control the money will continue to control it. It may inprove some filipinos lives but relatively it will not have much impact on the common man. Just look at the high tourist areas there now, yes it has helped many Filipinos, but mostly the ones who were already “above average” to begin with and they are the ones who still profit for the most part. The vast majority in these areas arre still in poverty and not only exploited by the “money makers” but also buit the fleeting visitors. All in all, those who know and love the Philippines will move there and these are the ones who will surely make a positive difference, and they are also the ones who need not be convinced about wether or not the place is safe, they already know the facts and happily make it their home. That is what I think, just my opinon.
It does seem a paradox to observe depressed communities that usually surround opulent resort hotels in developing countries. I have observed this myself in our vacations in the Caribbean and Mexico. In the Dominican Republic the majority of resort owners – in Punta Cana alone, there are 192 resorts – are from Europe, notably from Spain. The town of Higuey in Punta Cana is THAT depressed. The reason for this glaring injustice is because the wealthy European owners do not give back to the community as they should. They take the money earned from tourists and run.
Still, I have to take exception to the idea of promoting the erroneous belief of a dangerous Philippines in order to keep potential visitors and would-be retirees away so that a few can enjoy the “magic” of the country all by themselves.
An influx of tourism will create jobs. People working at hotels, taxi drivers, guides and such. It will benefit people who need work. I am not saying it will end poverty, but it will help.
Way to put this in perspective! Jeepers, there are areas of Milwaukee I would not go into! I feel very safe in the RP, with the exception of some areas of Manila.
Thanks for sharing your perspective on this, John.
Hello Bob. I would agree that the odds of being kidnapped in the RP are fairly low. As mentioned about the Chinese business men, the proffesional kidnappers carefully choose their victims and plan the crime. I think that because of past problems with the NPA in the north, and ongoing tensions in the south, most westerners are worried about political kidnapping. But, from what I’ve read, that is becoming somewhat rare. As in any place, one should practice situational awareness, know the bad places, and you will avoid most crime.
Someday I’ll have to tell you of my request to go for a hike in the mountains back in the ’80’s when the NPA was still active in Marlyn’s home area.
Take care,
Pete
Hi Pete – Truth is, the kidnappings down south are not political kidnappings. The Abu Sayyaf is political in name only. In every case of ASG kidnapping, it has been about ransom, about money. No political demands have ever been made by the ASG.
Bob, while Abu Sayyaf is political in name only as you said, literally it means, “the father of Sayyaf”, is it not? Among Arab in-laws, I am always called by my first name, John. However, on rare occasions and in a more formal setting, I am referred to as, “Abu Tarik”, the father of Tarik, the name of my eldest son.
Yes, you are correct on that, John, “Abu” means the “father of.” In the case of Abu Sayyaf, it literally is translated to “Father of the Sword” or “Father of the swordsmith.”
Thanks for that clarification Bob. In that case, my guess would be that it is a “business” to finance military and political goals. But I haven’t really read up on the situation down south.
Take care,
Pete
Truth is, they are just bad guys who want money. Nothing at all political about them. The Muslim group with more of a political plant is the MILF.
“Someday I’ll have to tell you of my request to go for a hike in the mountains back in the ’80′s when the NPA was still active in Marlyn’s home area.” – Pete
Pete, back in the 80s or 90s, there was this renegade Army colonel who roamed Cagayan Valley in an Army tank. A graduate of the Philippine Military Academy, he would later lead an unsuccessful coup attempt against Corazon Aquino. A picture of him sitting atop an Army tank on the front cover of Time magazine a quarter of a century ago is still etched in my mind, Between his defection from the Army and his suspension from office as the civilian governor of the province of Cagayan because of his participation in the failed coup, he made a lot of enemies, not only the Philippine Army and the Cory administration, but the NPA as well. Back in those days, I was actually rooting for him from 8,000 miles away to be captured by either the Philippine Army or the NPA. The NPA got to him first. They executed him on the street in broad daylight.
i think the difference is. When your in the Philippines you stand out. You can be a target. One thing you can not deny is that when walking the street everyone thinks you have money.
Hi Stanley – We stand out, but I don’t believe we really stand out as a kidnap target. The amount of money that an average American tourist (or other country) has is minuscule to a kidnap group.
Bob,
The bottom line is nobody is immune from crime no matter where you live. If you have money, don’t flaunt it. Live like the average foreigner and most cases you should be fine.
Very true, Papa Duck.
Hey Bob,
As you know, a few weeks ago I was there in the Philippines. One evening while traveling in the back of a tricycle from Kibawe to Don Carlos (Bukidnon) with my wife and her mom and sister a motor cycle was following quite close behind. This is a bad area I was told, and I better get my knife out and ready. They had me worried. The motorcycle finallay passed us. When we got back to Don Carlos, I asked if alot of people get hurt, or hyjacked on that stretch of road. “Oh yes its very dangerous” my mother-in law said (translated of course). I asked when was the last time somebody got hurt. It was during a festival in 2009, that somebody was actually robbed and killed. Hardly a high crime area. I would feel more threatened walking the streets of Detroit at night.
While I was there, I always had somebody with me because My wifes family considered me a target of crime. I felt trapped.
Hi Hudson. I have been in that situation where my wife and her family thought that I needed a full time escort. I told them that I was a big boy already and I would decide things like that on my own. Ha ha… never had another problem.
My family in the States have heard such things also from the Filipinos they have contact with. Worrying about being mugged or kidnapped? I was only mugged and robbed once in my life and it was on a military base in the United States.
Ha ha.. so typical, Dan.
My wife Meriam was told to be careful with me outside the house because I would be kidnapped. They told her some young chick would grab me because I was so cute. Hahahaha… 😀
Some kidnappings are better than others, Gary! 😯
Hi Bob,
We vacationed this year in Zamboanga City, my wife’s family lives in a small village in the province. I was nervous in downtown Zamboanga City in part because you know what people said: “don’t go there, you’ll be kidnapped or worse.” in the village staying with my in-laws I had such a memorable time, I forgot completely that I was in a dangerous place. We took the bus from Zamboanga to Cagayan De Oro to catch up with more family, I was a little nervous again, but people were only polite and nice to me and my wife, everywhere. So my point is, I am happy to read this story, your 100 % correct of course. The reason I was nervous was just perception, can’t wait to get back to that village near Zamboanga City!
Hi Lee – Glad you had a good time! The Zambo peninsula is indeed a bit more dangerous, there are kidnappings that occur there, but it is still such a tiny percentage.