Will I be safe traveling to Zamboanga

Probably yes. But it is like you are playing Russian roulette.

How about Mindaneo?

sbleakley21 wrote:

Hi I will be traveling to the region of Zamboanga. I was just wondering if I will be safe as a foriegner☺

Shane

Hi Shane,

Anywhere on Mindanao can be dangerous including Zamboanga. I was unable to access your embassy in Manila for current travel warnings for that region of the country. At the same time I'll include a link to the travel warnings listed and the Manila US embassy. The warnings and advisories are numerous for that area/island.
I've lived here in the islands 14 plus years and would not go to Mindanao for any reason simply for the safety issues. There are endless places in the Philippines to enjoy without risking life and limb. If you are traveling there to meet or be with a gal, then have her meet you and spend time somewhere else. That being said, there are many expats that do travel and even live there. Most never have a problem but if you do, then it's too late.


Good luck and have a safe trip to the Philippines,

Navajo 52

Thanku, I have checked with my embassy and yes I was advised not to travel. I actually was invited to visit my partners family. I have since declined and now I will be alone in Manila for a week. lol

I spent a couple of weeks over Christmas in Zamboanga Sibugay. It was reasonably safe so long as I stayed in the small barangay where my friends lived, the one time I did go into town there was a very scary incident, luckily I had my friend's big sons and son-in-law as an escort. My friend's neighbour, a policeman gave me a good telling off the next morning.
I won't be going there again in a hurry

sbleakley21 wrote:

Thanku, I have checked with my embassy and yes I was advised not to travel. I actually was invited to visit my partners family. I have since declined and now I will be alone in Manila for a week. lol

Glad you were able to visit the embassy for information. Manila has many things to do and it's easy to meet people. Just have to use caution and use "street smarts" the same as in any other big city. Better than Manila though is to go North by bus or rented van to Subic Bay, La Union, or Baguio City. Lots to see and do in those areas and especially Baguio as it high elevation keeps it cool year round..

Yes I was meant to travel up Baguio last time. Looks like I have a week on my own so this might be my chance.

Hello

Respect to all peoples view above . My view is not to undermined anyone here, only my experience.

I also put up the same question and was told " No No its dangerous" mate honestly I've been a few times and it is safe. Just keep your eyes open and stay inside at night. Yes Philippines can be dangerous, but just use your brain.

I live in Alice Springs Australia and its just been named the most dangerous place to visit in the world, becasue of stabbings, load of crap it is.

Mate truly go and just approach it with care. You girl knows what to do !

Regards
Lukas

While the entire island of Mindanao is under a travel warning/advisory, both Zamboanga and Davao are located in the Southern portion where most of the danger is or can be. It should be noted here that Mindanao has a danger level high enough that ANY U.S. government employee must have advance consent to travel anywhere on Mindanao. That in itself should be warning enough.

For those that need further convincing, This Current Article was just published today (April 29, 2017). The Muslim Extremists are not the only concern as others abound. Now in all fairness, the NPA is a bandit group that roams nationwide. Point is here though; Davao has been and continues to be touted as the safest city/place in the Philippines. So along with religious terrorists as well as the Commies raising havoc even in Davao, Mendanao in general is an awfully good place to stay clear of.
We are all free to make decisions but we are not free to escape any possible consequence of those decisions.

(source: Manila Bulletin)

More bombings in Manila. Much more dangerous down South:

http://cnnphilippines.com/metro/2017/05 … anila.html

I have lived in mindanao for 6 years.
My home is in Cagayan de oro.
I have never had any problems and yes i go out at night.
Zamboanga and other parts in the muslim controlled areas are risky ( not from the ordinary people but extremists groups like abu sayaf)
I have travelled all of northern mindanao without incident.Also central mindanao (bukidnon).
Cagayan de oro is safe and try visiting camiguin
island 2 hours ride out from cdo. Nice relaxing holiday.

It is safe in Davao, a lot safer than Chicago, Detroit, or Baltimore

Okieboy wrote:

It is safe in Davao, a lot safer than Chicago, Detroit, or Baltimore

I'll bet that over all it's safer than parts of Los Angeles too. Problem is that in the States you know areas to stay away from and as a rule you would not have organized groups after you.

There was a guy several years ago that had a website called American In Davao. Wonder whatever happened to him after moving back to the States?
As I recall, he was a firefighter from New York that had moved to Davao and then took is Filipina wife to live in Las Vegas NV. That's the last I heard of him. The site is still up but no posts for the last 5 years or so that I could see.


Navajo52

I imagine he is ok a lot of Filipino like the USA they can work and send money to family

I suppose. I do remember he had said when living there that it had become boring in Davao. I would assume that would be in part that Davao is not as big or as busy as places here on Luzon. That plus his younger age. Not much to do I suppose when in your early 40's. Maybe he and his wife will move back over here when in his 60's or so.

I don't live in the city about ,30k from there a lot to do in Davao and around ,a lot if foreigner in Davao I think around 85,000 every thing you need

Like Temploni i have lived in northern Mindanao, Cagayan de Oro better part of 3 years now. Never had a problem.Nice progressive city, friendly people.  Although a few months ago, 5 CDO police officers were arrested thanks to cctv for kidnapping a guy as he came out of  business 2 blocks from where i live. They kidnapped him after they found out he sold a parcel of land for like P 4 million. All 5 cops are in jail and there still looking for the  kidnapped guys missing body. Cops never got there ransom. I would not travel much farther south from CDO because of the Muslim terrorist  issues. To many foreigners have already lost there heads to those murderers.

I am Swiss and worked 3 months in Iligan...just near MARAWE... I traveled all around Mindanao. Cagayan de Oro, Davao, Bislig, Iligan, Bukinidon, Butuan,  It's safe and the Philippines police was everywhere...Live your dreams and face your fears.

Dear Julio,

Bonjour 🌻
May I know, what sort of job or activity did you do in Mindanao?
Australians are strictly advised, not to go to Mindanao.
Enjoy your trip, wherever you are now.

Cheers,
LisdeNice 🌺
***

My wifs brother is a policeman in Olango island and he told me Zamboanga is not SAFE areas, Davao is Safe!!!

It is more safer than most of the metropolitan cities in the USA. it is very beautiful city don't miss to visit and see its beauty.