Travelling to Mindanao Philippines

[mikecoona]

I've just started making some online friends through CB, that I would like to visit later in the year.  Most women I have met are from Mindanao, however I have just seen our government advises not to travel to Mindanao due to terrorism and local conflicts.  The cities I was going to visit were Ozamiz City, Davao City and Diplog City.  My question is, is this area dangerous to travel to, should I heed the governments warning and stop talking to Ladies from these areas as I will not be able to visit them in their home town?  Any suggestions would be appreciated.

[Cbear]

just from what I have heard from girls I have talked to, Davao and Dipalog are safe if you are careful. Many westerners there for the celebrations this past week.

Like anywhere, if you know where to stay away from then do so.

[Ray]

Hi Mike,

Those areas you mentioned are pretty safe. The areas of most concern are near Zamboanga and South-Western Mindanao where there has been some ongoing terrorist/insurgency problems.

Cagayan De Oro is a fairly large and safe city nearby to Dipolog and Ozamiz so you could always have them meet you there or in Cebu City for starters. It’s a good idea to have a knowledgeable escort for your first trip to Mindanao or anywhere else in the Philippines.

Ray

[Dave H]

Most women I have met are from Mindanao, however I have just seen our government advises not to travel to Mindanao due to terrorism and local conflicts.  The cities I was going to visit were Ozamiz City, Davao City and Diplog City. 

Hi Mike,

Welcome to P-L! I have had many people from Manila warn me to avoid Mindanao over the years.  They called it the "wild, wild. west!"  Most of Mindanao is very peacful and beuatiful! Ray, Bear, Stephen, Jimbo, Keith,and I (can't think who else at the moment) have all been to Mindanao over the years. I would stay away Zamboanga and South-Western Mindanao, as Ray mentioned. I should be moving to Mindanao in late March. Here is an interseting link. http://mindanao.com/blog/

Dave

[Howard]

HAMMY!

You remember Keith and not your own baby brutha

Davao is Heaven on Earth!

I just had a friend back from Gen San and he said it was fine, but personally, I don't have a need to go farther south than Panabo City

There's something about those ladies from Mindanao, especially from Davao

Of course, I am bised

Keep The Faith!

H

[Cbear]

my girl isn't from that area but I have to admit from what I have seen the gensan and davao areas have the most beautiful woman in the Philippines.

I think it is because of all the different races that have been there over the last 1000 years. It makes for a nice mix.

[Bear]

I've spent lots of time traveling all over the Davao del Sur area with no problems.  Honey was paranoid (so cute) but I didn't notice anything.

The Bear Family

[evoltnvii]

i have a good friend who just went home to Diplog and she says it is as safe as anywhere else as long as your careful.but thats true of almost anywhere in the world you go though.

[Humabdos]

HAMMY!

You remember Keith and not your own baby brutha

Davao is Heaven on Earth!

I just had a friend back from Gen San and he said it was fine, but personally, I don't have a need to go farther south than Panabo City

There's something about those ladies from Mindanao, especially from Davao

Of course, I am bised

Keep The Faith!

H

I agree I love davao! I would move there tomorrow if I could. Hope to retire there someday.

[Dave H]

HAMMY!

You remember Keith and not your own baby brutha

Davao is Heaven on Earth!

Keep The Faith!

Hey H,

I don't know how I manage to miss threads...I must rely too much on that "Show unread posts since last visit" tab.

You mean 'Keith' from NC?

I was thinking about moving to Davao so I could ride motorcycles with Rodrigo. 

D

[Raquelfebtember]

Been in Mindanao 3 weeks ago.Safe place to travel but please maintain a low profile once your there.I was traveling Davao city to Surigao del sur and got so pissed off I am riding in the bus with an arrogant,proud white american constantly talking on the phone lol.He almost ruin my whole plan.I dress up like the NPA lol and put my nice purse in cheap plastic bag and lagguage in case of robbery they won't take mine lol,never take picture afraid they might think i had nice camera,no jewelry,i leave my wedding ring afraid I might lost my finger in event of robbery and the only thing I carry is a pepper spray in a nice leather case and extra wallet to hand to the robber in event of robbery.I try sitting at the very back of the bus because the kano sit in very front.Back in my mind if we ever did get rob I am sure they will take him and his wife and I won't feel sorry for them.

Davao city is a nice place to visit.I stay in Royal Mandaya Hotel nice place to stay,have good buffet restuarant and affordable.
popular fruits in Davao.Smell like hell taste like hell lol well people often say smell like hell taste like heaven.


my little island in surigao

[Ray]

Wow Raquel, you really have this traveling thing down to a science. Good for you and great tips for others to follow.

I wonder if that little island is for sale. Looks like just enough room for a small nipa hut and enough coconuts for a little tuba now and then... 

And I see you found a pearl. I think your husband found one too... 

Ray

[Fosgate5]

Resurecting an old thread. Looks like the advisory is extended. Just got off the chat with the woman from zamboanga sibugay region of Mindanao but is living in Manila. I brought to her attention the following travel advisory. She totally agreed with it. Says definitely terrorists in those areas and best not to go to those areas period. Stated it's not what you can see it is what you don't see. The rebel terrorists you have to worry about typically blend in as they use people around them as shields or they are hiding in the jungle armed to the gills. If you see something wrong it is probably too late. I can say as an American soldier who lived in Germany for two years even I could spot American Civilians walking around. How much do you think white or black Americans stand out in the Philippines? Even if your hispanic or other ethnic back grounds but dress like an American and have your hair cut and groomed or glasses like and American..yup, looks like a duck, walks like a duck, talks like a duck...


I have traveled to foreign countries on numerous occasions and some were not on the top of the list for any tourism. What I have learned from personal experience is this.
1. Don't look like an easy target in public




http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/alertswarnings/philippines-travel-warning.html



[/color]The Department of State warns U.S. citizens of the risks of travel to the Philippines, in particular to the Sulu Archipelago, the island of Mindanao, and the southern Sulu Sea area. [/font][/color]This Travel Warning replaces the Travel Warning dated May 19, 2014, and reflects continuing threats in those areas due to terrorist and insurgent activities.
[/color]U.S. citizens should continue to defer non-essential travel to the Sulu Archipelago, due to the high threat of kidnapping of international travelers and violence linked to insurgency and terrorism there.
[/color]Based on a history of kidnappings and attempted kidnappings of foreigners in the Eastern Sabah province of Malaysia and in the southern Sulu Sea area by terrorist or insurgent groups based in the Sulu Archipelago, U.S. citizens should continue to exercise extreme caution if considering travel in the southern Sulu Sea region from the southern tip of Palawan, along the coast of Sabah, Malaysia and the islands of the Sulu Archipelago, up to Zamboanga City, Mindanao.
[/color]U.S. citizens should continue to exercise extreme caution if traveling to the main island of Mindanao in the southern Philippines.  Separatist and terrorist groups across Mindanao continued their violent activities, conducting bombings and kidnappings, attacking civilians and political leaders, and battling Philippine security forces.  In particular, the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) remain active in the Cotabato City area, and in the Maguindanao, North Cotabato, and Sultan Kudarat provinces, where the government maintains a state of emergency and a greater police presence. 
[/color]The Embassy has imposed a strict restriction on all but the most essential travel to Mindanao and the Sulu archipelago, and Embassy employees must receive special authorization from Embassy security officials to travel to any location in Mindanao and the Sulu archipelago, including urban centers.
[/color]We strongly recommend that U.S. citizens traveling to or residing in the Philippines enroll in the Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).  STEP enrollment gives you the latest security updates, and makes it easier for the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate to contact you in an emergency.  If you don’t have Internet access, enroll directly with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.[/font][/size]
[/color]Regularly monitor the State Department's website, where you can find current Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and the Worldwide Caution.  Read theCountry Specific Information for the Philippines.  For additional information, refer to the Traveler's Checklist on the State Department’s website.[/font][/size]
[/color]Contact the U.S. embassy or consulate for up-to-date information on travel restrictions.  You can also call 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries.  These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).  Follow us on Twitter and Facebook to have travel information at your fingertips.[/font][/size]
[/color]The U.S. Embassy is located at: 1201 Roxas Boulevard, Manila, Philippines, tel. 63-2-301-2000.  The American Citizens Services (ACS) section's fax number is 63-2-301-2017, and you may reach the ACS Section by email atACSinfoManila@state.gov.  The ACS Section's website includes consular information and the most recent messages to the U.S. citizen community in the Philippines. [/font][/size]

[robert angel]

It's well known that the ARMM area ( Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao) is no place for non Muslims--or US Citizens period, to visit. It's just taken for granted--very well known. Also south of there--places like Tawi Tawi and Jolo Island--you'd have to be a suicidal oriented US Citizen to visit there. Other places on Mindanao--too numerous to list, are actually far safer than most US cities. Davao City, where we have a home, is actually safer than the rather prosperous Georgia USA city where we live.

You get out into the countryside a few hours from Davao City and you find out what's going on from people you know, aside from US Govt and corporate sources before you go. First time I went to Mindanao, not only did I read the US State Dept advisories, which at that time were largely based on outdated information and even if you added up the murder, violent crime and petty crime/thievery rate, were lower than many USA cities--but I had access to General Motors top security analysts, who prepared me a thick report, covering every area I going to or even said I was considering going to.

In both cases, the reports were way over the top, exaggerating risks. Now look up top again--there are places I wouldn't dare ever, ever go to there--Cotabato and many more--even though some of those areas have sizable Christian populations. As said--you'd have to border on suicidal to go certain places--the religion, the law--even the language is often different. Even the Christians who live there, live in fear and their family members outside of those areas do not go to visit them. You want to read about the worst--and that's native against native--read about the Maguindanao massacre.

But don't be fooled into thinking that as a whole Mindanao is unsafe. There's a lot of US and European nationals living there--many owning homes and businesses, who'd quickly disagree.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Autonomous_Region_in_Muslim_Mindanao

[robert angel]

It's generally good form when visiting anywhere or when meeting people you don't know, to not talk politics. Or religion. Same thing over there. That said, I've had people I was familiar with in the Philippines complain that their political system is terribly corrupt and how money buys influence and just about everything else there. Oh--and about 5% of the people--almost all tightly interconnected w/ each other have 90% of all the money. Meanwhile, millions subsist on less than a dollar a day. Just one reason why extended families often live together there.

They sometimes insinuate that the USA, the land of freedom and democracy, doesn't have such problems. They hear that people in the USA can get free or heavily subsidized public housing, that many don't work, that they sometimes have air conditioning, cable TV, get fat from free govt food stamps--that some even have cars. And that they still feel their country mistreats them!

I probably shouldn't have said a thing and what I did say was short. I explained to a select few I know--who brought the subject up, that in the USA, we have similar problems, but that in a way, unlike over there, buying political influence is legal--that people and corporations legally can contribute large amounts of money to politicians/political parties, which can fuel huge media campaigns, which in turn often influence the elections. Doesn't mean it's morally right. I explained that to a lesser extent, there is increasingly also income disparity here.  Paid advertising does work--Americans eat up those TV commercials of politicians with the big hair and a keyboard piano's worth of bright white teeth, all played along with catchy music and flags a flying.

I don't explain that these big donors can get things like ambassadorships to foreign nation appointments and appts to other offices, the ability to sway legislation in favor of their financial and other interests or even to get to spend the night in the White House's Lincoln Bedroom--that'd take too long. But I have sometimes told people I know that sometimes they're just not aware that things aren't always what they think in terms of politics and money in the good ole USA. Basically I say 'We have our problems too--we're not perfect either".

While I feel it's bad form to bad mouth your family or country to strangers, I also think that ignorance is not bliss.

On a side note, I think when traveling in general--and absolutely for sure in incredibly dense Manila, wearing fancy jewelry, carrying expensive cameras and dressing 'to the nines' is just asking for trouble. As was said eons ago:  "When in Rome, do as the Romans do"

[Fosgate5]

Wow, I thought I lost that post. Was in the middle of typing and whoosh. Gone, thought Oh well, not taking the time to put that all together again, I'll just finish.




We all want to look good and personable in front of the woman but save that in area of safety like a resort etc. But when walking two and from places not in a controlled area.


1. First don't look like an easy target-
Don't wander around gawking at things making yourself look like a obvious tourist. Use your peripheral vison at all times to mantian situation awareness to see who is around you and might be watching you.


Frown like someone just pissed you off, clenched fists, lips pursed. It is preferred to see your eyes but if you wear sunglasses choose ones that do not restrict your peripheral vision or the ability for others to see your bowline. Also do not wear Ray Ban, Oakley or other designer glasses. 


Do not wear nice new pressed clothes. Try wearing clothes that ExPatriots might be wearing and let them look distressed a little. NO LOGO's, Leave the Abercrombie, Polo and Nike logo apparel at home (Shoes included)


Leave your Passport, other ID and Cards locked up at a hotel. If commuting from Airport etc take a cab and keep those items hidden on your person. Buy a couple cheap wallets and put a small amount of money in it as a decoy. Let pickpockets and thieves go for the obvious. There are concealment pouches that attach to your belt much like an inside the wasteline belt that can be used to hold your real money. DO NOT use a fanny pack as they are easy for someone to come up and cut the belt right off your waste and you can be badly cut in the process. Simple cargo shorts can also hold your cash but make sure you have velcro sealed pockets (audible alert), keep your decoy wallet in your back pocket and watch out for kids.


Luggage: As much as I love Pelican cases they are a sure sign of something valuable. Your better off with a no name brand case and scuff it up a bit to make it look well used. (also remove your airline tags). Whatever you use make it low visible earth tone and do not take your hand off your bag of valuables ever. Maybe even make a quick little lanyard to sling over your hand if someone does try to grab it. Avoid having to use camera bags, computer bags etc. Your better off keeping them in a padded sleeve or light case and strap them down in a suitcase. Backpacks: again, nothing new or that stands out, make it look well used if you have to take one. But again a Backpack is on your person but it is also attached to your most vulnerable area you cannot see or defend if you are approached. 


Watch the tone and volume of your voice as not to draw attention to you. Try not to laugh etc. Any place you sit try to sit with your back to a wall. I prefer the back of a restaurant or vehicle so I can see what is coming at me and I can give everyone the look like I'm angry about something.


If you do get into a physical altercation its your choice but be warned. Even though I have a concealed weapon permit and carry in the US. Foreign countries generally do not let you carry a concealed weapon. And while you may be able to purchase a stun gun, mace,  brass knuckles etc in some you need to be aware of the situation. First if you get attacked there is highly likely that there are others and they do not always make themselves known as to their presence. I don't care if your an MMA fighter, dump your decoy wallet and run. The only people I would agree to stand and fight would have to be well versed in martial art that deals with multiple attackers such as Krav Maga, Aiekito or Kali (Philippino knife and stick fighting). Also if you do whip some ass, you are in a foreign country and bound by its laws. If this happens, leave the area as quick as possible and do not report or tell anyone what happened. Get to where you are staying and clean yourself up and change your clothes and depending on the size of the town you might even want to go somewhere else quickly and quietly.


Remember your a guest in a country and act as such. I don't even complain about my food to avoid a scene. Just pay and move on unless no one is around. However, when in markets restaurants I'm friendly and smile to staff and show my appreciation and thanks as they can also be your guardian and inquire where your going and tell you areas to avoid etc.


More on Philippino martial arts.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sx63kygF1cs&index=1&list=PLse_Q8KwMv_isVeeVToitSoSL2lZZfsCj
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0b2s8XrRfGM


For those that don't think an assailant carrying those little 3 inch knives is very threatening.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ArV-idpSRf8

[creeper1]

Here is the British government's take on things

https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/philippines

They have a map on there. They say basically warn against all travel to western Mindanao. The rest of Mindanao is warned against all but essential travel.

If you have a cute girl waiting for you I classify that as essential travel 

[alejandro]

Been to Davao many times, you will have no problem. Stay away from the bars or Downtown, take the ferry and stay as Samal Island, you will have a great time. I have a house in a sub division in Davao, lot's of expats and OWS families, clean water no worries.