Philippines Expat Forum

chance2014
Joined 2014
Posts: 343

7 years ago

safe?

7 years ago

There has been a hell of a lot of talk here about the safety in Philippines. One guy insists there are armed rebels surrounding davou none of us can prove him wrong. Most of us who have decided to live here are of the older generation and just want a quiet peaceful life and I believe if you treat the locals with respect,smile and greet them when you see them they will return the respect and greetings. I personally call security guards sir and thank them after they have felt the back of my t shirt. I have seen one American go ballistic he objected to being touched by a security guard he couldn't understand why he was being gently frisked, it caused him to be led away by 4 guards I don't know what happened after that. But if he had just accepted this what they do here he would have had a nice day. I have read on here about foreigners getting very angry with their neighbour because their dog barked all the time he threatened to kill the dog. He said after that the dog was quiet hmmmm so the dog heard what he said and kept quiet? Philippines is dirty, noisy and polluted. Some people here don't care about their environment the same as most of us in the west do. But start an argument get into a fist fight, you might win that battle but now you might have a deadly war against you. There are a lot of unregistered guns here. Drive by shootings are the most common way. But keep respectful, be polite, don't be boastful, be friendly and you will more than likely be OK. There are no go areas for foreigners especially in mindanaou, that I can't see getting much safer in the near future. I would tell everyone to be careful here be aware of who is around you, don't carry lots of cash or your bank cards. Just take enough cash for today. Philippines is not overly dangerous but its not totally safe. You will see on posts here people saying they visit here fairly regularly but never felt unsafe even late at night walking home. They were not in the wrong place at the wrong time, they got away with it. Have you ever told a heavy smoker its dangerous and they turn round and say my grandfather smoked 60 a day and lived till he was 90 same as philippines just because you got away with it doesn't mean its safe.
As for all the rebels kidnapping it obviously does happen, but to think that these rebels will profile their pray every time is just being stupid you wander into there territory and there is a chance you will be taken maybe you will get away with it many times but just that once on that day your taken, again wrong place wrong time. I read on one post here a guy came across a bunch of rebels who waved and greeted him admittedly it was a long time ago. Is he saying don't worry rebels won't hurt you they are nice people, hmmmmmm. If you want a simple farm life living off the land etc if you choose an area where their are rebels there is a good chance they will be knocking at your door asking for produce and live stock, now refuse them see what happens.
You just can't compare your safety here to your home town USA UK anywhere. Philippines does not have an efficient police force, in the provinces you can go missing and absolutely nothing is done about it. But again treat the farmers with respect and friendliness I am sure it will be returned.
Well that's my rambling done. Just be careful control your temper in fact leave you bad temper in a drawer at home. Be aware of who is around you don't carry money only what you need for that trip just be careful

Allianz Care

Flexible solutions allow you to tailor your cover to meet your needs and budget. Use Promocode: LIFE10 and get 10% off your international health insurance for life!
Get Quote

Allianz Care

Flexible solutions allow you to tailor your cover to meet your needs and budget. Use Promocode: LIFE10 and get 10% off your international health insurance for life!
Get Quote

Living in Philippines Guide

The Philippines attracts the interest of expats from all over the world - truly has a lot to offer for a variety of different people. However, it's also important to understand the pitfalls that can be avoided with appropriate homework and preparation.

Philippines Forum
Join our Philippines forum to meet other expats and talk about living in Philippines.

Contribute
Help other expats and newcomers by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Philippines.

Best Places to Live in Philippines

If you're thinking about living in Philippines, here are the 15 Best Places to Live in Philippines in 2023.

Healthcare in Philippines

Expats in the Philippines have a lot to say about the quality of medical care, hospitals, prescription medicine availability and health insurance in the Philippines.

Cost of Living in Philippines

Expats offer insight into the cost of living in Philippines.

Moving to Philippines Guide

Expats moving to the Philippines join others that have moved there for work or a lower cost of living during retirement. It's critical to understand what the realities of living there are, but those that successfully make the adjustment believe it is a good place to live.

Real Estate in Philippines

Real estate listings in popular cities and towns in Philippines.

Pros & Cons of Living in Philippines

Take off your rose-colored glasses and learn what expats have to say about the biggest challenges and the greatest rewards of living in Philippines.

Retiring in Philippines

Advice for people retiring in Philippines.

10 Tips for Living in Philippines

If you've recently arrived in Philippines, here are 10 tips for digital nomads living in Philippines.

Additional Information:

Visit our Philippines Index for a Full List

Allianz Care

Flexible solutions allow you to tailor your cover to meet your needs and budget. Use Promocode: LIFE10 and get 10% off your international health insurance for life!
Get Quote

Allianz Care

Flexible solutions allow you to tailor your cover to meet your needs and budget. Use Promocode: LIFE10 and get 10% off your international health insurance for life!
Get Quote

Contribute
Help others in Philippines by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Philippines.