Mindanao Safety

[NoneYa 73]

The latest kidnap victim is this Austrailian. I have had many people tell me that Mindanao is safe but I decided a long time ago that I wouldn't go there. Just too risky. Here is the latest victim pleading for his life. He was kidnapped December 5th

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-01-05/video-released-of-kidnapped-australian/3759164

News article:

http://www.philstar.com/nation/article.aspx?publicationsubcategoryid=67&articleid=764851

[A and T 82]

Same here, i'm never going either. Its just not worth it , maybe they should let foreigners carry guns. Then i might change my mind

[winifredbee 1]

The latest kidnap victim is this Austrailian. I have had many people tell me that Mindanao is safe but I decided a long time ago that I wouldn't go there. Just too risky. Here is the latest victim pleading for his life. He was kidnapped December 5th

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-01-05/video-released-of-kidnapped-australian/3759164

News article:

http://www.philstar.com/nation/article.aspx?publicationsubcategoryid=67&articleid=764851

Wow. This is so sad. I wish this man and his family well. Is this close to the location where the young boy escaped his kidnappers on foot last month?

[Loolie 56]

The latest kidnap victim is this Austrailian. I have had many people tell me that Mindanao is safe but I decided a long time ago that I wouldn't go there. Just too risky. Here is the latest victim pleading for his life. He was kidnapped December 5th

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-01-05/video-released-of-kidnapped-australian/3759164

News article:

http://www.philstar.com/nation/article.aspx?publicationsubcategoryid=67&articleid=764851

feel sorry for the guy. hope he will get out alive. When we went in the philippines nov last year, my family showed me and my husband video of how the rebels cut the head of kidnapped victims... Its scary...didnt continue watching it but hubby did. The victims didnt even have time to shout or say something anymore coz they did it so fast their knife was too sharp. But not all the places in mindanao is dangerous though. I live in davao and its nice and safe there. Actually, safer than manila hehehehe.

[Cazwik 11]

Don't judge all of mindano , not all of it is dangerous. my Fiance is in Davao , and I was scared at first to visit , but it was really safe there. The mayor of that town really looks out for the safety of her people. the people there were to kind , and treated me great , I had alot of fun and I stayed a month with her. Saying all of Mindano is dangerous is like saying all of the Us is safe too, its not , There are places in the US I wouldn't go to , but its not going to keep me from enjoying the great places either.

[NoneYa 73]

The area where he was is very risky. http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&tab=wl The military was fighting rebels there just last month. This guy was asking for it to be there.

As far as saying that Mindanao has safe parts, I agree. Davao is probably very safe. I was scared when I landed in Manila but I will feel much better on my second trip 2 weeks from now.

It's just a matter of I am unfamiliar with Mindanao and although I would love to go, I just decided against it and have no need now since I am engaged to someone in Cebu. Davao would be nice to visit though as other areas are probably safe. I am just a chicken !

[Theresa0828 65]

Don't judge all of mindano , not all of it is dangerous. my Fiance is in Davao , and I was scared at first to visit , but it was really safe there. The mayor of that town really looks out for the safety of her people. the people there were to kind , and treated me great , I had alot of fun and I stayed a month with her. Saying all of Mindano is dangerous is like saying all of the Us is safe too, its not , There are places in the US I wouldn't go to , but its not going to keep me from enjoying the great places either.

I could not agree more, you can map out what are the places not to go... my hometown is Davao and its a beautiful and safe place.

[M & M 0]

I had a great trip to Davao and ready to return!!

[mrsean 4]

everyone knows or should know,stay away from muslim areas and all locals or your family or future family know where and what provinces areas you should not go to, many places are safe in mindanao

[SuperDuper! 230]

Same here, i'm never going either. Its just not worth it , maybe they should let foreigners carry guns. Then i might change my mind

Go ahead, carry a gun big guy. THey will only snatch it out of your hand and use it against you. Don't carry unless you are a master of the weapon.

[Emmysaur 29]

The latest kidnap victim is this Austrailian. I have had many people tell me that Mindanao is safe but I decided a long time ago that I wouldn't go there. Just too risky. Here is the latest victim pleading for his life. He was kidnapped December 5th

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-01-05/video-released-of-kidnapped-australian/3759164

News article:

http://www.philstar.com/nation/article.aspx?publicationsubcategoryid=67&articleid=764851

Mindanao is a huge island, unsafe places to visit are limited to certain areas. There are lots of safe and beautiful places in Mindanao, including my hometown Davao People who haven't been to these beautiful places would normally conclude that the entire Mindanao is unsafe. I blame the media!

[rogail 2]

I agree, there are some places in Mindanao that are not safe, but not the whole island. My wife is from Surigao, and i felt safe every time i went there.

[NoneYa 73]

I agree, there are some places in Mindanao that are not safe, but not the whole island. My wife is from Surigao, and i felt safe every time i went there.

Rogail, if my finace was from that end, I would go too. It's the other end of the island I am having to consider. The Zamboangna end. I am probably too cautious but I'd rather be shot than kidnapped which is what I would do if someone tried to grab me. I would fight like a junk yard chihuahua ! They would never take me alive.

[RonnieKris 26]

My wife is from Ipil and we were there in April of 2011. When you are that far south in Mindanao you will stand out. I am sure that is why the Aussie was targeted. Regardless of your financial status, the rebels think you have money. On our visit the Mayor came to us and told us not to go to the sea for a day at the beach. He said there have been rebels seen near by and he could not guarantee our safety.

We have visited many other places on the island of Mindanao without issue or the feeling of being in danger, however, several rebel groups operate on Mindanao, not only in the southwest region. Remember these things: the rebels are about blood and money. They want both.

[RonnieKris 26]

Same here, i'm never going either. Its just not worth it , maybe they should let foreigners carry guns. Then i might change my mind

I agree,Adam. With the current situation in Mindanao a weapon is only logical. At least you have some means of protection. I have posted that very same statement on other message boards.