Philippines Expat Forum

Safest Places to Live in the Philippines (2017)

6/27/2017 10:46 EST

Many people have been e-mailing us to ask about the safest (and best) places to retire in the Philippines. If you were to recommend cities and towns to a friend moving to the Philippines later this year or in 2018, where would you suggest? What are the best places that are not near regions where travel is not currently recommended. Thank you very much. If you would like to include information about the cities and towns, that would be greatly appreciated. If we get enough feedback, we'll pull it together into an article for our newsletter. Thanks, in advance, for your help!

groucho

6/27/2017 11:36 EST

Marikina Heights in Marikina city, or Bacolod City - anywhere you live in the Philippines depends on the neighborhood. Choose carefully .......

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groucho

6/27/2017 14:04 EST

Also, large numbers of American Expats are located in the areas of the former US bases such as Subic Bay in Zambales and Clark Field in Angles.

scottinparanaque

6/27/2017 18:00 EST

This is so income dependent. If safety is your primary concern and you have the money a place like Ayala Alabang or Green Hills would be the place. Just look for a subdivision with lots of Mercedes and BMW's in the driveways. IMHO safety comes down to two major factors. One is location naturally, Don't choose an area where people lie cheek and jowl in extreme poverty. (Tondo comes to mind) The second is personal behavior. If you Hang out in sketchy areas and flash your money around your asking for trouble.

I personally do not live in a sub division, but in an older, working class area. We built our house in view of protection against the casual thieves and break ins and have had no problems in almost 5 years here.

Bottom line, don't retire in an active war zone and don't act like an idiot a person can live a safely here as anyplace else in the world.

charkee

6/27/2017 19:47 EST

We have friends in La Joya subdivision in Santa Rosa City. They are able to leave their bicycles unlocked in their open garage and never had a problem. It's not so safe where we live, No violence, but we are one block off the main drag and beggars and mental cases come by going through our trash. They even stole our trash can.

So it depends not only from town to town but subdivisions also vary greatly. Generally the subdivisions where the professionals live are safe.

UltraFJ40

6/27/2017 23:12 EST

Silang, Cavite. A little cooler and relatively close to most amenities. A few of my friends live there and are very comfortable being there.

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draks

6/28/2017 02:17 EST

Last week an American guy was shot dead in his house by guys who were doing some renovations, that was in a sub division in Silang. Nowhere in the Philippines is very safe, guns are cheap and plentiful and they will use them if they feel that way inclined. Keep a low profile, be respectful, don't boast of what you have got, don't go shooting your mouth off about noise of dogs or roosters. Be friendly respectful and stay sober. Don't go chasing girls especially if you k is they have a bf or husband.
But nowhere is totally safe here.

GoldWarrior

6/28/2017 02:43 EST

draks ~ You are right. Nowhere is safe in the Philippines because there is such a low regard for human lives here. I know a guy who was shot in the back by an off duty cop over a 50 peso dispute.

redlandchuck

6/28/2017 02:49 EST

First of all before deciding where to live in the Philippines you should take the following in consideration.

1. Do I want to experience the
Philippine culture and enjoy
Philippine life? Or do I just want to
bring the USA here?:
2. Am I usually worried about safety
where I cant enjoy myself without
undue worry.
3. Do I want to live by or near the sea
or the mountains?
4. Do I want to live here but feel Im
still in the US
5. Lastly what is my monthly
budget.

I myself live in Cagayan de Oro City Which is in Northern Mindinao. I have been here six years and have never experienced or witness violence.

I elected to live in a Philippine working class neighborhood and dont socialize with other foreigners all the time like most here do.

My Budget is 1000 USD a month which gets me a apt. with cable internet hot water and everything else I need to live comfortably.
I have an older used car and a motorcycle to get around. and even tho lots traffic is easy and no problem to get all around.

The city is super safe, friendly, has everything ( malls, fast food, etc) and in a period of exceptional growth but is not well know to most outside of Mindinao.

All in all I highly recommend living here.

draks

6/28/2017 04:28 EST

Not good idea to move to Mindanao right now, some of the Maute group leaders escaped from Malawi plus many others I suspect. Mindanao is at the moment like a bomb ready to explode, this is not the last you will hear of Maute, ASG and Isis, they will strike again that's for sure. But Du30 has to extend martial law time frame.
Terrible mess.
I know individuals will tell you they feel totally safe, which is great, but be in the wrong place at the wrong time.

groucho

6/28/2017 07:54 EST

The Philippines: home to expats, transplants, and refugees.

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GoldWarrior

6/28/2017 07:57 EST

Oh boy you are going to get reamed by the overly sensitive ones groucho. ....haha

groucho

6/28/2017 09:02 EST

GoldWarrior - I have trusted Filipino friends in Guam, and when I meet with them, they tell me everything that is wrong with their country.
There is that potential of "these" expats going back to the Philippines. But sadly there are no opportunities, no incentive for them to return. Successive governments have, in fact, been training them to export them rather than welcome them back home

surfingcebu

6/28/2017 11:32 EST

draks - is there not easier targets around the world now to create havoc ? the Philippines now seems like a harder target than say , Belgium or Malaysia or India . just wondering your thoughts here .

forestdave96

6/28/2017 16:06 EST

Metro Manila is the safest because its the capital, so all the amenities are there.

Baabaa

6/28/2017 17:12 EST

There's more shootings per capita in Australia. Enough with the scaremongering.

Baabaa

6/28/2017 17:16 EST

Redlandchuck, thanks for that great post. It sums up the way I think also. Hey be careful you don't get labeled here as someone who "lives in bubble" LOL

groucho

6/28/2017 18:23 EST

You may be going out on a limb here with the word "safest" when referring to Manila.

GoldWarrior

6/28/2017 19:22 EST

groucho ~ I agree 100%. The incentive is for them to stay overseas as OFW's and their families who remain in the Philippines become dependent upon the OFW money, so it actually discourages Filipinos from seeking gainful employment. Why work when you can count on OFW money coming in every month?

charkee

6/28/2017 20:59 EST

I lived in Honduras 3 years, that place has 20 times the murder rate than the Philippines and that is not an exaggeration. It was so bad that police would openly execute gang members in the streets. They were even executing glue sniffing street kids. I saw a group of 10 year old street boys fight with broken bottles over a half eaten hamburger from a trash can. Yet there was no international outcry, no human rights people crying foul. No senators running the The Hague crying to get rid of the president. As long as the coke trade is not interrupted everything is fine.

surfingcebu

6/28/2017 22:14 EST

Charkee , Yes Honduras is a complete write off . Been there. What on earth prompted you to live in a out of control war/narco- state ...that time has forgot !? . I unfortunately had to spend 4 weeks on business there. I slept with a 9mm and 2 clips by my side at night there. Thats WITH 2 armed details at the front door of the hotel and the front door of my room! Unreal . Lucky to survive the four weeks !

surfingcebu

6/28/2017 22:17 EST

redland , watch it ... you live in a bubble and your a dog lover ! tisk tisk , two strikes you out ! :-)

Robertdav298

6/29/2017 00:33 EST

I live on Mactan Island in a gated subdivision and have been here since 2104, I am retired USAF. My advice to someone considering to move here would depend on the following 1) your income 2) your health 3) married or single 4) planning to visit or stay.
As far as safe places there are no places that are "safe" but there are places to avoid i.e MANILA and MINDANAO......the trick is to blend in, don't flash cash around be invisible trust no one.
Its no different than living in Detroit, Chicago, LA,, SC, SF, Seattle or New York City

Robertdav298

6/29/2017 00:35 EST

sorry 2014

charkee

6/29/2017 03:27 EST

Surfinginscebu, Nobody told me Honduras was unsafe. I didn't know any better. I had a contract volunteering for an NGO. One day I'm in California and the the next day I'm in the wild, wild west full of drunken indians hacking at each other with machetes. I adapted, kept my head down, yet paid attention what was around. I stayed away from the bars and whores. Most people left me alone, it was malaria, typhoid, dysentery, an endless chain of food poisoning that almost did me in.

When I arrived in the Philippines I was amazed how clean it was and how little crime there is. hehehehe.

You gotta see the worst of the worst to appreciate something that is not so bad.

But I think the traffic in the Phils is the worst of the worst.

charkee

6/29/2017 03:52 EST

LRod50, AIDS in Honduras is comparable to sub-saharan Africa. It's reduced average life expectancy from 69 to 47. In Tegucigalpa whore houses have been tested with 90% HIV infection rates. It's just not worth it for an hour's romp in the hay. I'm not sure if I knew more people that were murdered or died from AIDS.. Culturally the women are loose and aggressive. A day didn't go by without me being whistled at or invited for some "fun". A friend went for some "fun" and he met the biggest Honduran with a baseball bat, who politely took all of his money, his watch, new shirt and shoes too.

The Philippines is a paradise in comparison.

draks

6/29/2017 05:56 EST

Honduras sounds horendous.
In January this year there were 800 new cases of HIV and AIDS diagnosed in Cebu alone. How many are walking around undiagnosed? That's just in Cebu, that won't be the only place in the Philippines.

ACEPoolPlayer

6/29/2017 08:06 EST

Robertdav298,
Manila is not as bad as many people make it seem. I lived / or worked in Manila for 25 years. I was never held up and was never in real danger. You must understand how the people think and the do's and don'ts of living in the Philippines. All this time I used jeepnies, rode a motorcycle and drove a car (all at various times). I grew up in the Catskill mountains (quiet, peaceful, no pollution or traffic). I learned to adjust. I agree the traffic is terrible (it can't be worse than Tagaytay on weekends). You have to learn where and when you can travel. Pollution is terrible (air and water). I lived in a relatively clean subdivision, played tennis several times a week, played golf occasionally and lived in air conditioning most of the time. Every place has it's advantages. Would I live in downtown Manila (Escolta), no but there are many places within Metro Manila that are livable and relatively safe. It does take getting use to. I didn't say it's my ideal place to live but it's not as bad as most expats moving to the Philippines thinks it is. Ask all the expats who are working for Multinational companies or Embassies. Of course it cost a lot more to live in Metro Manila but I wouldn't say it's more dangerous than many other parts of the country. You can blend in in Manila. Other areas you stick out like a sore thumb.

donjepson

6/29/2017 17:03 EST

Ace, thanks for a positive post on Manila. I have lived in Las Pinas since I came here 31/2 yrs ago and my experiences have been the same. Do I want to stay here permanently, no, but am taking a lot of time deciding where. Been to Bagio, Cebu, Taygaytay, Mindoro, and more. But living here so far is just fine. Haven't lived here as long as most so it is why I am taking this much time. PS have a wonderful wife have been with the whole time.

GoldWarrior

6/30/2017 05:07 EST

Be careful :

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/909962/palace-warns-public-on-possible-npa-attacks

GoldWarrior

6/30/2017 17:46 EST

groucho ~ I had my life threatened while being extorted by corrupt cops in Marikina.

groucho

6/30/2017 18:29 EST

Sorry to hear ....... I have never permanently in the Phils', but have visited, and traveled dozens of times for weeks on end. Almost entirely in N. Luzon. My wife is from Pampanga, ( I won't say exactly where, just leave it at that) and we've lived in Guam for many years. Some of our visits to Marikina City to see her family were without incident such as extortion or harassment. I liked the area and felt safe. We try to use common sense and follow a few simple guidelines. I think you were unlucky to come across a bad apple. How many pesos did you fork over?

draks

6/30/2017 18:39 EST

If you lived here and watched the news day in day out, you would understand that the Philippines is fairly dangerous to live, nearly every day there are shootings. A whole family massive red just the other day, why? Because the guy was high and drunk, killed women and children. An American near here was shot in the face by workmen renovating his house. Plus all the carnapping, snatchers,pickpockets etc.
If you live here for many years and are never exposed to any dangers at all you are very lucky.

GoldWarrior

6/30/2017 18:43 EST

The amount of money wasn't important, getting out alive was. They did it like a military operation with the neighborhood filled with about a dozen cops who watched and followed every move we made. Got lucky and escaped.

draks

6/30/2017 18:44 EST

That should have read massacred bloody spell checker that's senile

groucho

6/30/2017 19:39 EST

My wife's cousin told me that the Philippine Immigration Office asks Balikbayans to show their old Philippine passport to avail the privilege of returning to the motherland in their recognition of their contribution to the economy of the country through the foreign exchange inflow and revenue that that send. He just laughs at them.

standupguy

7/1/2017 00:10 EST

Prudential Village, Toril, Davao City where we live is the safest place we have ever been. Being only the second Westerner ever to live there. All my neighbors and the whole community keeps track of me. Only one incident of vandalism in years.

adminee

7/13/2017 13:18 EST

A big thank you to everyone who contributed to this post. I'm pulling it together into an article to highlight in Expat Exchange's newsletter. Does anyone have photos of the cities listed below that they could email to me? Our stock photo service has very limited pics of places other than Manila.

La Union, General Trias Cavite, Santa Rosa City, Lipa, Tagatay and Prudential Village.

If you are okay with having us publish them on Expat Exchange, please email your photo/s to They don't need to be cropped, because we crop them into specific sizes. Thanks for your help!

forestdave96

7/14/2017 18:29 EST

Bonifacio Global City in Metro Manila is the safest, cleanest to live. You can rent high rise condos for $500/mo. ,400+sq.ft , furnished/semi. Best hospital is there, upscale condos, malls and surrounding. Pet friendly too.

retired305

7/17/2017 20:32 EST

Working for the embassy I agree big time about this area in 4 recent years I had no issues at all.

GoldWarrior

7/20/2017 21:20 EST

Not one of the safest places to live :

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/915702/woman-85-stabbed-dead-in-qc-home

Spruik

7/21/2017 02:19 EST

"Verano started working for Fernandez on July 13 after he was hired through Delta Employment Agency."

Who can you trust...

PS: I wish people who make comments, write them in English.

GoldWarrior

7/21/2017 03:49 EST

Spruik ~ My thoughts exactly. You pay more through agencies because they do NBI, etc. background checks. This is one of many reasons why I never advise newbies that it is safe here, because it is not. Now I'll get all the comments that this can happen anywhere. Things like this NEVER happened where I came from.

GaryD

7/21/2017 03:54 EST

The mother of my wifes cousin was believed to be murdered in her house outside Dumiguete about a year or so ago, they think they know who done it but it hasn't been pursued. If the family has no money the prepetrator gets away scot free.

GoldWarrior

7/21/2017 04:01 EST

GaryD ~ Yes, so true and I have been called a BS'er for pointing this out before.

standupguy

7/21/2017 07:11 EST

A cousin of my wife shot dead a rival. He disappeared to Toka, way out the back roads off Islam., a small rice growing hamlet. After 2 years he returned to Babisa, near Toril. His parents gave a small sum of money to the victims family & that was the end of it. No police.

standupguy

7/21/2017 07:16 EST

IPhone typo: Isulan not Islam.

ACEPoolPlayer

7/21/2017 08:49 EST

Yes, I confirm it's a standard policy in the Philippines that if you need the police to do anything out of the ordinary (their daily routine) you must give them extra money because they are not funded for gas and overtime. Maybe if they were paid a decent salary there wouldn't be as much corruption and you may get better qualified police officers. Just a thought.... So if a crime is committed and you want them to go out of their way and work a little more, you definitely have to give them extra money for gas, etc..... That's just the way it is.

charkee

7/21/2017 09:28 EST

It's the same way in Latin America. The police need lunch and travel money, plus some extra for incentives to do their job.

My brother in law was murdered in a robbery (Latin America), I paid about $400 for an investigation which didn't go very far. But one by one the culprits were found dismembered. One was found tied to the railroad tracks after the train went by. 8 were killed, the leader escaped to the US and is probably mowing somebody's grandma's lawn.

I hope my other brother in laws were not behind this, but....... nobody is talking.

GoldWarrior

7/21/2017 16:42 EST

charkee ~ 8 killed.... Sounds like the "investigation" went pretty far to me ;-)

Spruik

7/21/2017 19:37 EST

That's $50 per person.

Pretty cheap and it includes the investigation...

charkee

7/21/2017 19:44 EST

Who ever did the investigating wasn't the police. The police came up with a blank. But somehow somebody discovered who they were because the perps were coming apart here and there for about the next 6 months. The shooting occurred in a public place and there had to be many witnesses.

GoldWarrior

7/21/2017 19:47 EST

Like here life is cheap.

GaryD

7/22/2017 02:30 EST

I see a business opportunity, just need a small motorcycle

GoldWarrior

7/22/2017 03:33 EST

GaryD ~ Huge demand but doesn't pay very well.... Too much competition.

bang4dabuck

7/22/2017 03:50 EST

Guy just shot here yesterday sitting outside drinking a coffee with his girl in almost broad daylight. 3 guys on a motorbike. They got 500 php for their effort. He's a Scott and they say critical condition. Bulacao, Cebu about a 5 minute ride from my house at a small mall I go to almost every day. Just pulled up in front of his table and there goes that. SCARY !!!

GoldWarrior

7/22/2017 05:28 EST

bang4dabuck ~ Any idea why they killed him?

bang4dabuck

7/22/2017 06:22 EST

I don't think he's dead. Sounded like a rob the white guy situation, random.

surfingcebu

7/22/2017 10:57 EST

bangforthebuck- any Idea what this was about. Money lending? Something must be up? this does not seem Radom.

bang4dabuck

7/22/2017 14:05 EST

My gf asked one of the guards who works the other door at South Centre Mall and she said it wasn't at the cafe but on the steps at the main entrance. She also described him as Indian looking. They now are saying 2AM in the morning and that area is a little rough. I'll ask her the time tomorrow.

http://www.philstar.com:8080/cebu-news/2017/07/23/1720604/scottish-national-shot-and-robbed-talisay

bang4dabuck

7/22/2017 14:11 EST

I don't think he's Indian

https://philippineslifestyle.com/blog/2017/07/22/robbers-make-off-with-just-500-pesos-after-shooting-scottish-man/

surfingcebu

7/22/2017 14:36 EST

the last name f the victim does not sound Scottish origen to me , however, he could be 1st, 2nd , 3rd generation Scott origen ...Hmmmm , maybe not though... When I first heard of this thing I though money loaning . I could be wrong. I hope the victim recovers well.

Snowy29

7/22/2017 23:19 EST

If he's from Glasgow and a name like he has I can put money on it he's from the Southside of Glasgow. It's an area where most of the Asians in Glasgow live. If you want to hear an Indian with a Scottish accent that's the place to go.

bang4dabuck

7/23/2017 06:07 EST

Yeah I'm thinking some Shabu users saw him sitting in an area kind of dead at 2AM outside na convenience store MINI STOP. 1 of those articles stated he was with 3 other Scottish friends so not sure why they picked him ??? 500php. An American I know here, ex military advises to have a throw wallet. Throw it and run keep maybe 1,000 in it.

standupguy

7/23/2017 06:22 EST

The advice I was given was to have a wallet no ID only a $100 USD if you get caught in a police shake-down.

surfingcebu

7/23/2017 09:36 EST

I still think it was targeted . his Last name being South Asia (most likely ) I have never met too many in the Philippines that has not been in the loan shark business or outright , non authorized Banking. Early in my career while in the Philippines I met a South Asian fellow that wanted my deposits and guaranteed me a 18% return very year - He was operating a "Blue Suit" bank - and operating high risk loans out of it , complete with "motorcycle men" . So, when I here the south asian name, and look back on the thousands that I saw ..... it spells target to me ! they posed no risk to Canadians per se, other than one particular cell operating in Manila , which I shut down promptly - However, dodgy people, that you don't want to get mixed up with, as a depositor or taking a loan or otherwise !

surfingcebu

7/23/2017 09:51 EST

sorry I was going to mention . yes the throw away wallet is good, the blank wallet with no ID is good, and the 1000Php in a baggy with a few blank keys and fake personal effects, Fake address , Embassy Official card or the like (no ID ), Fake diplomatic passport from a European country ( if you want to get real fancy !! )- so you can hand them over in time of need - is a good idea too . In Latin America I used to put my real money in my sock , while fake wallet in my pocket routine. No one really bothered me , As I wore my badge on my hip and had my 9 mm usually on my hip or under my left armpit . I was waaaay to much trouble , when I was working - However I did not look for trouble either . I wanted to collect a pension one day.. It was my off /pleasure time I was most concerned about- as the 'good guys' knew I would take time off at a semi-secure resort , or somewhere at some time and would not have cover, backup nor weapon. . Interesting life. Semi -retirement suits me better though. :) .

cwo4usn

7/23/2017 10:28 EST

City of San Fernando, Pampanga

cwo4usn

7/23/2017 10:28 EST

City of San Fernando, Pampanga

bang4dabuck

7/25/2017 04:35 EST

My friend read that he tried to resist. For 500php ???

raygeode

7/25/2017 05:20 EST

CWO4uSN ----- Almost got lost in the noise. -----------San Fernando, Pampanga. Thanks for the update.

Snowy29

7/27/2017 00:05 EST

I'd be giving the areas around about Cebu a miss in the future I think. https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/philippines

MCYRCPA

7/27/2017 22:56 EST

Any place is safe for Americans in the Philippines. The only unsafe place is where you get involved in Philippine politics or shoot your mouth off about how rich you are.
Low profile equals low risk. High profile and living fancy increases your risk.

seernai

7/27/2017 23:57 EST

So how come that Scots guy got shot in Cebu just sitting outside a bar talking to his Fiancé and his best man minding his own business and was robbed with just £10 in his wallet , bottom line if your in the wrong Time and place your gonna be a target for someone

draks

7/28/2017 00:23 EST

Thats why I say Philippines is not a safe place to live in, it's not normally over dangerous for foreigners but it's far from safe. We don't really know why this guy was targeted, also another foreigner was shot dead at 6 am two guys on a bike, why? We don't know. Upset someone here, road rage, angry out burst can get you killed. Most of us just W our head down, and are ok, but still no garauntee.
And what's going on now with Muslim rebels associating themselves with Isis makes Philippines very dangerous, the British government have warned out going to Mindanaou and some islands there is intel that the rebels plan to attack Davou, Manila, and southern Cebu.
You cannot ignore these threats these people don't play nice. They will target and kidnap foreigners without a doubt. I would not recommend anyone to come to Philippines right now, if they do avoid Mindanaou and more remote areas because of NPA stepping up attacks. People have said that historically NPA don't harm foreigners but I would not garauntee they will not kidnap a foreigner. Not a good time for Philippines unfortunately.

GoldWarrior

7/28/2017 02:26 EST

draks ~ All good advice and comments, except for the NPA, who DO kidnap foreigners for ransom.

GoldWarrior

7/28/2017 02:53 EST

Oh don't talk about politics or brag about having money and you will be safe here......wow, I feel so much safer Now!

GoldWarrior

7/28/2017 02:55 EST

Yep, a lot of wrong times and places here seernai.

draks

7/28/2017 03:21 EST

I know they do. A few years ago a brit was kidnapped at Davou airport as he got in his taxi, by two NPA, they forced the the taxi to drive into the mountains. They slit the driver's throat in front of the Brit, they wanted a big ransom but the Brit was not from a wealthy family so they kept lowering their demands, he was moved from camp to camp blindfolded so he had no idea where he was. They held him for just under two years, and threatened to slit his throat many times. He befriended a young woman who bought him his food. Bit by bit he got to know her story she had a child that was with her mother, who she really missed. Finally he convinced her to help him escape and lead him down the mountain, which she eventually did. She and her whole family were moved and housed in a safe area, and the man was sent back to UK. Long story but it was a true story. Wrong place wrong time white man alone, must be rich American get him. That's it.

Spruik

7/28/2017 04:10 EST

We all should know well that not flaunting your money or keeping silent about it, is no defense.

No matter what, we are all assumed to be wealthy. Period.

GoldWarrior

7/28/2017 04:45 EST

Spruik ~ You are exactly correct. When corrupt cops extorted me they said I was lying as they were following me to Western Union to get money to save my life. Can you even imagine somebody saying they don't believe you and they know you have money when you are going to Western Union to get money? The people who say that it is safe here are clueless, and the ones who say go to the police for help are even more clueless. You don't need to do anything wrong to find yourself in a deadly situation here, other than being a target because you are a foreigner.

GoldWarrior

7/28/2017 04:56 EST

draks ~Very similar to what happened to my friend. They held him for 16 months, then let him go because they couldn't afford to feed him anymore.

Spruik

7/28/2017 05:15 EST

Draks, your friend is very lucky, Others in the same situation had their head cut off.

GoldWarrior

7/28/2017 05:23 EST

My friend was lucky too. The NPA took him to a mountain top after 16 months, pointed to lights below, told him it was a town, gave him 100 pesos and let him go. So, other than 16 months in captivity, some here can say.....see it is safe here.

ACEPoolPlayer

7/28/2017 08:20 EST

MCYRCPA,
You are correct if you keep your mouth shut, don't show off your chances of getting in any kind of trouble are reduced by 100 fold.

draks

7/28/2017 08:31 EST

Was not my friend they made a TV programme about it

draks

7/28/2017 10:13 EST

Was not my friend they made a TV programme about it

GaryD

7/28/2017 10:15 EST

I guess he then got hit up for 16 months of overstaying fines and blacklisted.

polevalter

7/28/2017 12:55 EST

I will arrive in manila in September, I will be living in the Muslim section of Caloocan city, Philippines, to live with my Filipino fiancée. am I safe there?

draks

7/28/2017 16:38 EST

No your bloody not that is an awful place. That is regularly on the news,drug killings murders. Horrible. Now someone will say they live there and feel very safe haha. There might be some better areas but I would not live there my self Dagatan area is particularly bad. Its a very busy part of Metro Manila it's overcrowded to say the least, 4th largest city in Philippines. Don't go out after dark, be very aware who is around you if you are out.
Don't carry cash, dress down not up. I would not go out alone. Go live somewhere else in the Philippines anywhere but there.
Do not be talked into buying a property, there or anywhere else in the Philippines until you have lived here at least two years, be very aware of family wanting loans, or business investment. You are looked on as a rich foreigner who has a bottomless pit full of money. I was in Baclaren sitting on a wall waiting for my wife. A policeman came up to asked why I was there then told me to sit with him as it was unsafe, and also not to trust the Muslims there, this was during the day in Baclaren which is like a very big street market.

Spruik

7/28/2017 18:40 EST

Try Biliran.... very safe there... NOT?

Murdered New Zealand man “involved in legal dispute”

http://philippineslifestyle.com/blog/2017/07/28/murdered-new-zealand-man-involved-in-legal-dispute/

The New Zealander gunned down in Naval, Biliran, this week was involved in a legal dispute in the months leading up to his murder.

Simon Rawlinson had been urged by concerned friends to leave the Philippines as he tussled with local authorities over access rights to his waterfront home on Maripipi Island.

Commenting on our previous report on the killing, a PLN reader called Celia said: “My partner and I were friends of Simon and are devastated by this murder. Simon has been challenged a lot recently and I believe this may be a result of the legal aspects he has been fighting against.”

Other sources told the Waikato Times that a group of locals were planning to declare the retired ship builder and fisherman a “persona non grata” and have him kicked out of the country.

ALSO READ: New Zealander is third foreigner shot dead on Biliran Island in recent times
The 63-year-old was gunned down by motorcyclists riding in tandem early on Wednesday morning after visiting a market.

The alleged lookout Manuelito Estreller and the suspected gunman Antonio Robaro, a local farmer, have both been arrested, while the search continues for the motorcycle driver.

Suspected gunman Antonio Robaro in Naval jail. Picture via the Biliran Island Facebook page
Speaking to the Waikako times, one friend of Mr Rawlinson, who asked not to be named, said: “I told him numerous times that he was a stranger in a strange land and to get out of the Philippines, but he would not listen.”

In April, Mr Rawlinson sent an email to friends saying he was embroiled in a long-running dispute with the Barangay Captain and council over a pathway to his home.

ALSO READ: New Zealander is third foreigner shot dead on Biliran Island in recent times
Mr Rawlinson had been due to return to New Zealand next week, but had delayed his return because of cold weather, which he told friends aggravated his arthritis.

It was this ailment that spurred him to leave his hometown of Hamilton in New Zealand for warmer climes about six or seven years ago.

As we have previously reported, the killing is the third shooting of a foreigner by gunmen riding in tandem on the Eastern Visayan island in recent times.

In June last year we reported how 74-year-old Henk Nuits, a Dutch businessman, was shot dead by a pillion rider. His 11-year-old son, Jake Henry, was shot in the chest but survived.

Then, in March this year, former US Marine Harvey Abrams was also shot by motorcycle-riding assassins.

ALSO READ: New Zealander is third foreigner shot dead on Biliran Island in recent times
In both these previous killings the victims were driving their own vehicles when targeted, while Mr Rawlinson was on foot.

Biliran is one of the smallest provinces of the Philippines, with a population of about 170,000.

GoldWarrior

7/28/2017 18:49 EST

Spruik ~ Thanks for posting this. I was not aware of this. Of course 99% of these things go unreported, so this is only the tip of the iceberg.

seernai

7/28/2017 19:10 EST

It's a step in the right direction Goldwarrior obviously it's not the full answer here as you can get attacked here just because you are a foreigner in the wrong place bearing in mind some foreigners are their own worst enemy by picking on Filipinos in a bar next thing the whole bar is on his ass

seernai

7/28/2017 19:22 EST

This morning I had a word about this to some expats for 15 years they told me it was years ago when NPA kidnapped any expats at least around here they told me it's the Abu Sayuuf group which is the main danger to expats,

Spruik

7/28/2017 19:26 EST

When I was a regular visitor to the Philippines, it was bloody obvious how some foreigners could not behave themselves. Both in dress style and manners. Not to mention their lack of hygiene,

Of course, they set an example for the other decent people.

That has a bad effect on the percepton of foreigners by which we are all judged.

Also the fact that many (if not most) of these guys dive into girlie bars on arrival.

An old mate of mine went the same way. Instead of making an effort to seek a normal relationship with a normal woman, he choses the easy way. After a couple of years of dating the same bargirl (thinking she became his girlfriend) he now whinges about her not being faithful after spending many thousands on her.

Nothing to do with safety directly, but if we're not liked by the locals we run a higher risk of being targeted.

END OF RANT
Coffee time.

GoldWarrior

7/28/2017 19:50 EST

seernai ~ I agree that the ASG are probably scarier especially with ISIS here, but I would also be very careful about the NPA.

LarryKar

7/29/2017 00:15 EST

GW we live in far northeast Luzon. From time to time neighbors say the NPA is around. My gal remembers them being around in the 70's and 80's quite a bit. They would come to her folks door wanting coffee or rice. Always tells me if they ever show up at our door to let her do all the talking and I am to remain in my chair and not get up. She is well aware I am absolutely worthless unless I am alive each month on the fourth so I trust her advice. ;)

GoldWarrior

7/29/2017 00:56 EST

LarryKar ~ I'm surprised she didn't tell you to stay out of sight. Even the sight of a good KFR opportunity is tempting to them.

surfingcebu

7/29/2017 01:52 EST

LarryKar- ya , you were not out of sight . Maybe you have an Insurance policy she wants to cash in ??? :) ...joking

seernai

7/29/2017 02:39 EST

Never reveal online when you get paid you don't know who is looking at your info

GoldWarrior

7/29/2017 03:09 EST

Always tell Filipinas that you have no life insurance policy and no assets or money to inherit and that you are worth more alive than dead.....as opposed to being worth more dead than alive ;-)

GoldWarrior

7/29/2017 03:11 EST

Always use a VPN so it doesn't matter what you say online.

polevalter

7/29/2017 12:40 EST

who are you to judge somebody dressed morals or whatever

Spruik

7/29/2017 20:35 EST

HOLY CRAP...

http://philippineslifestyle.com/blog/2017/07/29/priest-pulls-gun-on-cops-when-caught-with-girl-13-at-motel/

A Catholic priest pulled a gun on police after being discovered at a Motel with a 13-year-old girl.

Monseigneur Arnel Fuentes Lagarejos, aged 55, was caught during a crackdown on children being pimped via social media in Marikina City yesterday (Friday, July 28).

Officers said they were “shocked” to discover a priest involved in the crime.

The priest’s superior today issued a statement, urging parishioners to “pray that the truth may come out”.

Antipolo Bishop, Francisco de Leon, wrote: “The Diocese of Antipolo is looking into the matter involving the arrest of Monseigneur Arnel Fuentes Lagarejos as allegedly identified as a suspect in an entrapment operation in Marikina City.

“Thus, we assure the public that we respect the necessary procedures as provided by law in order to further investigate the matter.

“Let us refrain from issuing unnecessary comments that might worsen the situation.

“Instead we appeal for all the faithful to pray that the truth may come out.”

GoldWarrior

7/29/2017 20:44 EST

I guess the priests are as corrupt as the cops are in Marikina and Antipolo.

GoldWarrior

7/29/2017 20:44 EST

I guess the priests are as corrupt as the cops are in Marikina and Antipolo.

GoldWarrior

7/29/2017 20:44 EST

I guess the priests are as corrupt as the cops are in Marikina and Antipolo.

charkee

7/29/2017 21:02 EST

Religion is one of those subjects best not spoken about in the Philippines. My wife tells me of public Sunday debates between ministers that often end up in fist fights. Her family would attend not for the debates, but to watch the fights.

My wife was entrapped by a friend of her's into one of these debates. She found herself facing off with 6 ministers of the Iglesia ni Cristo and a large church with standing room only.

My wife was valedictorian of her university and never missed a question on an exam starting in grade school. She publicly soiled all 6 of these men and the crowd was getting rowdy yelling "fight, fight!"

After leaving these ministers speechless, she left through the chanting crowd and never again spoke with her "friend".

BTW it was an American Baptist minister that ran her grade school and he copped a feel on most all the girls, including my wife.

Robertdav298

7/29/2017 22:18 EST

Draks are you not from AUSTRALIA?

Do you think your country is safe? Point is nowhere in the world is safe from evil.

Robertdav298

7/29/2017 23:04 EST

you guys are ridiculous, you spout off about killings here in the Phils, don.t you read the news? Tell me where it is safe in the world? I knew a woman who bought a $5 pizza came out to get in her car and she was shot and robbed of the pizza. My advice is to be thourough, do your homework before you publish something on this website.

Robertdav298

7/29/2017 23:04 EST

surfingcebu

7/29/2017 23:10 EST

there is huge money to be made in luring the Catholic Church into wrong. Seems like everything is a business now a day . OK, lets follow the money now .... sad state of affairs though .

GoldWarrior

7/29/2017 23:12 EST

Oh great.....I feel SO much better now knowing that somebody got killed for a $5.00 pizza. Thanks for letting me know. If it was a $1.00 pizza I would be really worried. I will get my pizza delivered from now on so I will be safe.

surfingcebu

7/29/2017 23:15 EST

I know here in Vancouver , I street person was shot a few days ago while he was looking for bottle in a guys garbage . The 9mm hollow point blew the Guy head off !. Mind you he was probably on drugs and dint feel it a bit . But ya , Crime and violence is everywhere - Lest cast our eyes upon the Utopia we call Europe - OUCH!!! big time violence and crime now ! Basically a war zone of racial discontent and religious fighting . Europe is bad these days boys !!

Robertdav298

7/29/2017 23:17 EST

Ace I know you are a new yorker, so in your opinion which is safer, new york city or manila?

GoldWarrior

7/29/2017 23:18 EST

Europe is bad because of liberal immigration policies.

Robertdav298

7/29/2017 23:25 EST

are you muslim? is she muslim? If the answer is no.......then you should figure it out by yourself!

GoldWarrior

7/29/2017 23:26 EST

New York or Manila.....Hmmmm Which one has the Filipino and which one has the foreigner?

draks

7/30/2017 02:58 EST

Robertday I am not an Aussie, I don't know where you got that idea, all I can think is either you don't live here, or you don't watch the news. The guy who was shot on Biliran island is the third to be killed on that island alone. A whole family raped and murdered a few weeks ago and now the perpetrators are being bumped off as well. A guy shot not too far away from here was shot just last week, I could go on, watch the news people Dover killed in fairly large numbers here that's for sure. Some are drug pushers or users, a young beauty queen raped and murdered last week then her murderer is also killed, trying to grab a gun I think they said he sit himself in the head. Watch the news here

GoldWarrior

7/30/2017 03:59 EST

draks ~ The know it alls that keep saying how safe it is here are too busy watching cartoons to have time to watch the local news. The sad part is that what you are pointing out is the tip of the iceberg because most crimes don't get reported for several reasons, bad publicity for tourism, fear of retribution, too much crime to report even if there was a 24/7/365 crime news station, etc. Now the attacks will start, why am I here? I'm scare mongering, etc. I'm here because I provide protective services because there is so much crime and telling the truth and pointing out the harsh Realities is not scare mongering. Like you said, watch the local news, be careful, and hope you are never in the wrong place at the wrong time.

GoldWarrior

7/30/2017 03:59 EST

GoldWarrior

7/30/2017 03:59 EST

seernai

7/30/2017 06:20 EST

Ok how about this a Filipino guy was shot dead either yesterday or today for helping a woman who was being robbed, The attacker ran home and came back with a gun and shot the Filipino in the head killing him instantly, this was in Cebu

standupguy

7/30/2017 07:05 EST

Shootings require guns. Thanks to the NRA the US owns more guns than all the rest of the world combined. Consider Canada which has very tight gun controls. Still people get sho, but not anyway near the same numbers as the US or RP. Take for example Switzerland. Gun represent status. Swiss are fanatics about owning cool automatic rifles and hand guns. But try to buy ammo. Almost impossible and you have to return and account for every casing fired. Gun control in the US or RP LOL! Then there is the media hype and electronic games industry. I grew up before TV. The radio program "the Shadow" was the scariest thing besides the movie King Kong. This obsession with gun violence has been nurtured for generations. How wonderful the founding fathers must feel about that. Gun violence is the new Kellogg's Corn Flakes. No surprise. Who teaches non-violence. The American Froends Society or Quaker Church, originally fro 18th century U.K. The fact is that under 35 feet, knife takes gun.

GoldWarrior

7/30/2017 07:13 EST

Met a guy who saw a young girl being kidnapped. He went to the police station to report it and the Mayor showed up with a baseball bat and told him I can kill you right now. The kidnappers showed up and told the mayor we have a deal so why are you talking to this guy? Yeah, it's SO safe in the Philippines.

ACEPoolPlayer

7/30/2017 08:09 EST

Robertdav298,
I lived, studied, worked in Metro Manila for 25 years. I rode jeepnies, trikes, drove a motorcycle and my car. I was never held up or had a real problem. I live 2 hours north of NYC. I never feel comfortable walking the streets unless it's in the middle of Manhattan during the day. There is danger everywhere in the world. It's all about learning what to do and what not to do in order to keep yourself out of danger (at least give yourself better odds of keeping out of danger). Knowing the area where you are and understanding the culture is very important.

draks

7/30/2017 09:06 EST

I am in an expat group in Facebook, a guy posted a question about going to live in Davou, I said at this moment I would not advise it because of the ongoing problems he accepted what I said but my god, another guy who lives just outside Davou started, that I am talking bs he has lived there 6 months and has never felt unsafe etc etc I didn't bother answering.he obviously doesn't want to accept any dangers. Is it just me who thinks this problem is far from over and these guys mean business or am I totally wrong and Davou will always be a safe haven.

GoldWarrior

7/30/2017 15:46 EST

draks ~ You are right but some people simply refuse to listen to reason and good advice. All you can do is warn them. If they ignore you and become another victim in a body bag at least you tried.

mootpoint20

7/30/2017 18:19 EST

Whew! Listening to you and Draks is like listening to Vincent Price, and Boris Karloff; all wrapped up in a tortilla..

retired305

7/31/2017 00:40 EST

Hijacking the thread for a quick question. I've lived in Phil before and still remember the issues but for vacation purposes ONLY. Is green belt area/taguig for a two days/borocay three days then exploring Iloilo 5 days for a first time trip then returning okay for a ten day vacation total time on ground safe as can be in regards to the madness in southern tip? Okay im done thanks pats!!!!!

TeeJay4103

7/31/2017 05:31 EST

City mayor, his wife, brother, sister and 11 others killed in police raid in Ozamiz City

http://philippineslifestyle.com/blog/2017/07/30/city-mayor-his-wife-brother-sister-and-11-others-killed-in-police-raid/

Safety seems to be in part your perception of it. How safe did this family feel?

draks

7/31/2017 06:29 EST

The most dangerous countries in 2017
No 1 Syria
12 Pakistan which surprised me
26 Philippines
27 India
50th USA
These car official figures not mine.
Obviously this is taken as a country as awhile some areas are more dangerous than others.
The safest was Iceland closely followed by Japan and a but further up was UK. Safer than USA but not as safe as Japan.
So 26th is not a disaster,and obviously there are safe areas here and not so safe. But it is still not good USA at 50th didn't surprise me. Canada is well down the list.
I am not just gloom and doom I see and hear what is going on here. I don't live in fear but I am more aware of who is around me here than I was in UK.
I have met some of the nicest kindest generous people here, but I have also met some truly evil
people, men and women, I am not just going by hearsay I have met and had dealings with these people. Nasty is not bad enough to describe them.

GoldWarrior

7/31/2017 06:55 EST

Reported crimes. Most are not reported or published here. I'm a little surprised that the UK did as well as it did with these figures. Looks worse from what the news reports.

standupguy

7/31/2017 07:10 EST

All connected to the DeLima drug dealing according to my Asawa

surfingcebu

7/31/2017 09:38 EST

draks - great post . I know in Canada's case and in the USA when a sheriff election is going on - many crimes don't get reported - SOOOOO many . this is to provide bonuses to the public servants (Canada) and re-election (USA) and other motives. Remember - " statistics don't lie- they are just used by fibbers for there own pain and point of views " - thats what a stats prof told our threaten once - and he was a stats prof phd.

surfingcebu

7/31/2017 09:41 EST

draks - do you have the actual list ? heheheh I would like to view . Where did Mexico come in ? Honduras ?? when I slept with my 9mm down there despite having guards follow me 7/24 . publish the list mate ?

standupguy

7/31/2017 09:51 EST

Having worked for INAC (Canadian Federal Government) for 17 years and whistle blew on their multi-million shorting of funding to "Indian Bands", Indigenous Peoples, over ten years completely disregarding the Financial Administration Act while the brass got goffers to do their work so they could go shopping in downtown Vancouver and spend time passing por_ographic pictures on internal email. Also, the government of BC was cheating them in the 10s of millions over a decade and did nothing though I gave them all the data. I was harassed for working hard making my coworkers look bad. So I quit, but not before dropping a bomb. Then they tried to deprive me of my pension. Canada may not have a lot of murders, but some of them are corrupt as the Liberal government of the RP.

GoldWarrior

7/31/2017 09:55 EST

Reports that say that something hasn't happened are always interesting to me, because as we know, there are known knowns; there are things we know we know. We also know there are known unknowns; that is to say we know there are some things we do not know. But there are also unknown unknowns- the ones we don't know we don't know.
Donald Rumsfeld

surfingcebu

7/31/2017 09:59 EST

standby guy- nice work . Yep Canada has gone really downhill for corruption . some departments are 100% Korean now ! what the heck happened ?? in other departments if you don't come from Quebec your hooped !

GoldWarrior

7/31/2017 10:14 EST

"Outside of the killings, DC has one of the lowest crime rates in the country." Marion Barry

GoldWarrior

7/31/2017 10:22 EST

Hmmmm sounds familiar :

The overall index crime rate went down but the murder rate soared during the first 5 months of the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte, according to latest figures from the Philippine National Police (PNP).

draks

7/31/2017 13:04 EST

Just googled most dangerous countries in the world some lists differ but not too much

draks

7/31/2017 13:28 EST

Honduras came in at 58 UK at 122
I checked other sites but they only had top ten or top 50. Some did differ but not by much. As I said before this taken as the whole country and there will be very dangerous parts and some very safe parts. Just seems maybe there are more dangerous areas in Philippines

ACEPoolPlayer

7/31/2017 13:33 EST

TeeJay,
As you know they were the strong opposition of the current president. It was normal ordinary people killed.

GoldWarrior

7/31/2017 16:02 EST

So you have ISIS headquarters Syria at #1, and Philippines and India at 26 and 27. I seem to recall a lot of mass gangbang rapes in India a few months ago. ISIS is moving in to the Philippines so I would expect the Philippines to climb up the list with 20+ organized terrorist groups here, and now ISIS. I'm surprised that the Honduras came in at #58 from what has been posted here. The UK seems to be climbing up the list with their liberal immigration policies. What does your list say about Belgium and Germany?

1 Syria
12 Pakistan
26 Philippines
27 India
50th USA
58 Honduras
122 UK

seernai

7/31/2017 17:02 EST

The uk has firmly slammed the door shut on mass immigration so the uk is no longer the soft touch it once was, man you can't take your philipppine wife into the Uk unless your income is at least £18-600a year

GoldWarrior

7/31/2017 18:24 EST

Good for the UK. Smart. Belgium, Germany, and the US need to do the same thing. Oh, with ISIS banding together with 20+ other terrorist groups, I guess the Philippines also needs to do the same thing.

surfingcebu

8/1/2017 00:08 EST

seernai , Yes I have heard the UK is looking into immigration a wee bit differently these days. Im sorry to say thought, this is akin to shutting the barn door , far after the house have left . It would take several generations to normalize risks in the UK ....if at all . I have many learned intel-security people who would agree , and few who would disagree with the aforementioned. Sad what has happened there - they got suckered with the extreme left academic elite , and there marketing of a "European Utopia !". little hope for the UK sadly .

GoldWarrior

8/1/2017 01:48 EST

From the UK....Islamists have already infiltrated our armed forces. The same holds true in the Philippines, the US, etc.

mootpoint20

8/1/2017 09:36 EST

Always remember when you read the 'voodoo' commentaries, "Misery loves company!"

GoldWarrior

8/4/2017 20:14 EST

The tip of the iceberg :

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/920474/philippine-news-updates-counter-intelligence-task-force-rogue-cops-pnp

Spruik

8/4/2017 21:22 EST

I used to know a cop personally in Sydney, he explained to me that 'Cops & Robbers' is a game.

You choose which one you want to play.

Same mindset.

GoldWarrior

8/4/2017 21:26 EST

Here it's oftentimes cops ARE robbers.

bang4dabuck

8/5/2017 03:17 EST

GW what's your definition of an ISLAMIST ? How many would it take to be considered an infiltration ? LOL

GoldWarrior

8/5/2017 04:31 EST

Don't know bang4dabuck, I just copied and pasted that from the Internet ;-)

GoldWarrior

8/12/2017 20:51 EST

Not one of the safest places. Dozens of hostages that nobody is talking about :

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/922350/abu-sayyaf-hostage-taking-kidnap-for-ransom

tonyboffa

8/12/2017 22:09 EST

Which city on mactan island Robertdav298 ? Lapu Lapu or Cordoba? How's the wifi speed? ( I need it for work)

Thks

Robertdav298

8/12/2017 23:27 EST

Tony I live in CORDOVA and have PLDT for internet and it works just fine.

Robertdav298

8/12/2017 23:27 EST

Tony I live in CORDOVA and have PLDT for internet and it works just fine.

tonyboffa

8/12/2017 23:58 EST

This Is great news thankyou....as my Filipino wife recommended we check it out... Cordova that is.... great news about Internet too. Are there any apartments for rent in your complex? Would you mind sending me a link or the name of the complex to

seernai

8/13/2017 04:12 EST

The reality is most expats do not experience violence nor have they been attacked as for Davao being a safe Haven I have been here 2..5 years and yes there have been crimes committed things like burglaries, it depends where you go as most of the Subdivisions have security mind you I don't trust them as far as I could throw them. The biggest problem we have here in our Subdivision is speeding motorcycles with 3 or more passengers including very small children there are many accidents involving them , and as for personal safety when out in the city ? I am always aware of what is going on I never sit outside a restaurant and keep away from windows , if go to the local expats meeting I use a trike driver I know and never use the same route twice we teach newbies this and yo be aware of who is near when they use an ATM for example also not to wander around after dark on lonely roads in case of ambush so no nobody here are watching cartoons but the local 5 pm Davao news ,

GoldWarrior

8/13/2017 04:25 EST

Never sit outside a restaurant and keep away from windows, use a trike driver you know and never use the same route twice, and beware of being ambushed. Hmmmm.....Sounds like a pretty safe place to me.

Spruik

8/13/2017 04:49 EST

I burst out laughing... LOL

Sorry, I know it's a serious matter.

seernai

8/13/2017 05:33 EST

i did exactly the same thing in the uk and that place was more dangerous than Davao I'm serious you think Davao is Dangerous try going to certain areas of Llanelli South Wales after dark

seernai

8/13/2017 05:48 EST

Go to Marawi Spruik then see if you laugh, we have been specify instructions by our local security forces for our own safety if you find that amusing well that is your problem I am responsible for my own personal safety here and will do whatever it takes to minimize any perceived danger there is here

charkee

8/13/2017 05:56 EST

I stay away from the windows and storefronts to avoid the beggars. I just hate it when they come in while we are eating and sticking they dirty hands in our face asking for money. They don't want food, they want money.

seernai

8/13/2017 06:07 EST

At last someone who takes this seriously

Spruik

8/13/2017 06:31 EST

No offense meant, guys. At the time of reading I was seeing it from another angle.

Sounds like Philippines is not more fun so much anymore.

surfingcebu

8/13/2017 10:11 EST

I will agree with something said here , some parts of the London and Liverpool are VERY dangerous, especially at night . I was surprised when I was there 8 years ago.Mostly immigrants from Africa was the big worry to me when I was there . True some areas of the PH are the same . this is the world we live in I guess now

ACEPoolPlayer

8/13/2017 17:44 EST

In reference to sitting near a window in a restaurant.... One of the gimmicks (tricks) is for someone to fall down or cause a disturbance near the window. When this happens everyone stands up to look, the partner in crime grabs purse/bag or anything valuable that's near the dinning table inside the restaurant.

GoldWarrior

8/13/2017 20:16 EST

Pretty sure not sitting near a window was referring to avoiding gunfire. Using distractions is common everywhere, while walking, on jeepneys, in stores, etc.

ACEPoolPlayer

8/14/2017 08:18 EST

There is not going to be any gunfire in a restaurant so sitting inside by a window is not to avoid gunfire. Maybe you are trying to convince everyone to wear bullet proof vests. Are you selling them also.... I was referring to something that happened at a 5 star restaurant.

nicolanewman

8/17/2017 23:16 EST

I would agree that nowhere is safe here in the Philippines and probably, it's the same like in many other countries. I have been living in the Philippines in the last 27 years and I haven't witnessed any crime or like extreme violence. Any city would probably have a squatter area and drug infested areas. There will be definitely a risk. But it's not as bad like you see from the news, Foreigners are much respected here and are treated really well.

wmg2

8/20/2017 19:38 EST

The below website notes crime ranking for the Philippines relative to other countries in its socioeconomic class. This should help those wondering what the crime rate in the Philippines is like. Bottom line, not a good as what you might want, but it all depends in what locale you live in and the neighborhood. As Ace Player and others say, use common sense and be aware of your surrounding and take precautions. Keep your head on a swivel. Stuff happens just like everywhere in this world. Desperate people will do desperate things.

http://www.socialprogressindex.com/?tab=2&code=PHL

Mauijim

8/29/2017 21:58 EST

Killers for hire in Silang Cavite is plenty, be very careful.

Spokaneoc

9/6/2017 21:11 EST

I am traveling to Mabalacat in Dec 2017. I am looking for expats there for contacts.

sparrow64

5/5/2018 03:08 EST

As most people have said no place is really safe in the Philippines or anywhere to mention it.Personally Davao City is the only place I have felt safe walking at night & is actually listed among the top 10 safest citys in the world.Use common sense,don't piss anyone off,keep a low profile & be polite & don't flash cash or talk yourself up & there is no real reason to make any enemys.99% of foriegners are killed for a reason,Remove any reason & things will be fine.Im back in Australia & everyday u watch the news there's a new murder in different citys.THERE IS NO PEFRECT WORLD.

surfingcebu

5/5/2018 11:59 EST

sparrow - Duma, Valencia , Becong are perfectly good and safe too . Just dont go out of your way to piss people off and your fine - wonderful life .

surfingcebu

5/6/2018 13:59 EST

Sparrow - Being Australian , do you think the Gov't there needs to do what the New Zealand government , Swiss, Belgian,Philipines and many many other countries have done , with regard to buying land in the country ?In Canada its still an open door for Mostly Chinese , Taiwanese, Koreans and Iranians to. wash money through residential housing here . VERY dirty money !!! Its driven up the ave house in the Vancouver area to about 1.7 Million dollars . Good luck to the next generation Canadian Kid, EH ! ?? screwed !
Our Prime Minister , often referred to as "Mr. Dress up" for his propensity to cross dressing in different cultural clothes with he travels , is a 'trust fund kid' . He has not work really all his life - then 'poof!!!' he is now PM . The nest generation of kids will really pay for this leftist guy being in power . He is inviting MORE refugees to come to Canada as well speak , with an real unemployment rate 10%+. sad . No wonder many guys want the hell out ! :) -

JusumgerlIno

5/6/2018 18:55 EST

I can't believe I made it through 180+ comments. I deserve a f'king medal! I carried a gun, the first time I was there. Lucky I didn't shoot myself or anyone else. Those were the days when grenades were tossed into churches & many shot off their guns on New Years. The roosters woke you up at 4-5am & the gunship hovering over the houses was the snooze alarm going off, a few hours later.

None of us were mistaken for rich, because we lived with our in-laws, or in similar circumstances. Worst theft Of personal items was my RayBans($300us).

Not to say that all was well, that everybody loved us, that there weren't security concerns. Being stupid, I never thought to say that the reason I didn't go to church was due to security concerns, but, next time...

To answer the OP; anywhere there are a lot of foreigners is equally dangerous & safe - more to attract attention, more to scam you, more to watch your back. Mindanao has the "thug issue" which result, for a few, in kidnappings. Major cities elsewhere have the "no conscience, 2-bit" criminals who prey on many, yet, there is no guarantee of having your head lopped off. Everywhere have Filipinos/as who like you, tolerate you, and hate you, just because you are not Filipino. Mind you, they rip-off other Filipinos if they can get away with it. There are, as well, foreigners who are 2-bit criminals, in The RP. Same other places that have gang-garbage and/or poorly paid law enforcement.

What "seernai" says about not sharing too much online is great advice, which I and others seem all too eager to forget. I liked the old "warden" system that my country had and, presumably, other nations still have. As well, the Tourist Police program, in Thailand, has, I believe, some value, although, it seems to collect the odd foreigner "Super-Cop".

I highly recommend not choosing any one place. Settle somewhere for home-base, but, go on tour & consider lots of places, before aking do" with where you settle more permanently.

standupguy

5/7/2018 01:27 EST

surfingcebu - You forgot Justin is pushing through legalization and distribution of pot across Canada in July if you go by what he says. The Senate has to step aside. The Liquor Control Board will be selling "recreational pot". Admit it, Living there, you miss Hockey, eh!

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Living in Philippines Guide

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