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Safe in the Philippines? :
Update Wed., Feb 23, 2005.
Statement from United States Ambassador to Manila Francis
Ricciardone, The man who knows with the responsibility of the safety
of every US Citizen here in the Philippines
Recent Safety Information, posted by Livinginthephilippines3 Member
Wed Feb 23, 2005 9:40 am
Although those with many years of experience often assure first-
timers that travel to and in the Philippines is not dangerous, the US
State Department continually re-issues years-old advisories that make
the Philippines seem only slightly less dangerous than Iraq.
Interesting new report here as to what the US Ambassador to the
Philippines, Francis Ricciardone said in the Manila Bulletin
yesterday:
"(Ricciardone) brushed aside the perceived terrorist threats in the
Philippines after the simultaneous terrorist bombings in three cities
in the Philippines last week.
Instead, Ricciardone has urged his father, Francis Sr., to take a tour
of the Philippines, and even invited the Filipino public for a tour of
the US Embassy along Roxas Boulevard in Manila.
"We don't worry about (the security of American forces or of the
Americans visiting this country). We advise Americans it's a fine
place to visit, we take (Philippine National Police chief) Director
General Edgar Aglipay's words to Filipinos as applying to us — know what you're doing, know where you go, pay attention — and it's a fine
place to be if you do that"
It was interesting to learn a month or so ago that more than 75% of
the US citizen embassy staff has applied to extend their overseas
tours in Manila .. guess they aren't so concerned about the danger
either.
As far as street crime is concerned, Cebu City is a lot safer
generally than most places I have lived in the United States. You can
walk the streets at 2 a.m. and have no problems in almost all parts of
the city, whether you are male or female. Note, I said "almost." I
have not seen any vandalism in eleven years here. Graffiti is nowhere
in sight. In every big city there are pickpockets and snatchers.
Beware of them and don't leave your bags unattended in any country,
especially a developing one. Tourist who stand out, are always
targets. The only way to be perfectly safe is, don't travel, stay at
home and keep your doors locked. Even then you may get hit by
lightening.
Quiet Moalboal
Resort-Scuba Diving
South of Cebu City
There are serious storms and other natural disasters in
the north island of Luzon where Manila is.
But in the
central island group, where I live, storms are rare as
are earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. I have never
experienced anything like that, here and don't expect
to.
Safety of Ships
Another important
thing to be concerned about it boat safety on the inter island boats.
The Philippines is an Archipelago, and is serviced by ferries, some
very modern ones, on group called Philippine Super Ferries. They look
like ocean liners, have sleeping accommodations, nice meals, and
private cabins at reasonable prices. Some are called Super Cats, very
fast, just go for a couple of hours to the next island and give you
time to watch a video movie, have a hot dog and cup of coffee from the
snack bar while relaxing in air-conditioning. Some but some
Philippine inter island boats look like they are going down for the
third time. And they may be.
But there are many
ferries that are not well maintained and overcrowded especially during
holiday times, All Saint Day, Christmas, and other holidays not a
popular. Tickets are hard to get at those times. And if
you get one, you may not even have life jacket and be very
uncomfortable and not be safe. But if you pick your time and
your ship using a reputable travel agency and do so in advance, you
should have a comfortable trip.
Personally I do not
like to travel by boat during the rainy season most places from April
to the end of October. Other than rainy season and the windy summer
time, you are pretty save on a inner tube. Air service is
available just about everywhere and any time from island to island.
You may have to take ground transportation for a considerable distance
to get to where you are going. There may be only one airport on the
smaller islands. Some have none at all. Then you must choose
your boat carefully.
There are
isolated spots in the Philippines where there is some danger from
terrorists, but I feel the media exaggerates the threat. Newspapers
are not noted for using "Everything is fine today" as a headline. If a
terrorist group is in the jungle asleep and inactive they show up in
the headlines. The military has strong US support and the US is a
close friend of the Philippines with a long standing relationship. The
police are understaffed they say but there seem to be enough to
protect me since I don't seem to need any protection. There was a recent, "coup attempt," later called a
"rebellion," by members of the armed forces. But it only involved 300
young Philippine Military officers an was quickly quelled by President
Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, hours after it started.
From MSN News Old But Insigthtful:
Now, I know what you're thinking. Are
the Philippines safe for Americans? Indeed, the US State Department
(www.state.gov/travel) does have a "Public Announcement" out for the
Philippines right now. This is far less severe than a "travel
warning"-in fact, there are currently Public Announcements on such
relatively innocuous destinations as Nepal, Laos, Guatemala,
Venezuela, all of East Africa, and-somewhat less reassuring-there's
even a "Worldwide Caution."That's because it's the State Department's job to remind us that
Americans aren't always the most popular folks in the room in some
parts of the world, certainly not now that our armed forces are
battling Muslim extremists and dictators on several fronts.
The Philippines is a nation comprised entirely of islands-more than
7,100 of them-and while the country is largely Christian (the legacy
of centuries under Spanish rule) there is a large Muslim minority in
the nation's southerly island groups, and unfortunately that
community suffers an extremist and terrorist strain. |
MORE PAGES:
How Safe is the Philippines Compared to Other Countries, December 2007 comment
Ah thanks, Phil. I teach Psychology of Criminology here and am always seeking to update my awareness of laws, crimes, and criminal psychology. One primary source for statistics that I have used is Nationmasters.com. Interpol won't give data unless it is an official police request. As a matter of curiousity, maybe you can browse that site and determine whether you think it is a reliable source. If you are able to access Interpol I would be really interested and perhaps you could give me their site.
I did find the US to be 6th in the world (just undr 5 African nations) in assaults. The Philippines is ranked lower than 97th. I found the US to be 24th in murder- after many African and South American countries. The Philippines was 87th. Unsurprisingly, I found the Philippnes to be rankes 24th in corruption- after many South American countries. The rating went to 95 and the US wasn't listed so its lower than 95 other countries.
I know statistics misrepresent facts. But, as a gross comparison, it should give even you an inkling that the Philippines probably isn't the most dangerous spot on earth. And, that was the point of my post. I didn't intend to compare this country with the US, merely to try to reduce unnecessary fear in the hearts of some who are contemplating moving here. Hope this gives you a hearty laugh.
Posted on our forum/list December 7, 2007 by Dr. Mike
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State of the Philippines, Feb 25,
2006
You're right,
Don, I feel positive this will blow over
too. Here in Cebu City the usual
groups of leftist demonstrators had
their mini-rallies at Fuente
Osmena and down Colon Street. More
flags than people. Mayor Osmenasaid that he
doesn't care if they rally because they are
so few and
nobody listens to them anyway.
The TV newscasters are the worst as they try
to make every little incident newsworthy.
All day yesterday they broadcasted the same
video
over and over again where a couple of rock
throwers were whacked a few
times by the police. The footage of bleeding
police officers hit by
rocks and cement blocks were shown only
fleetingly.
I don't think the declaration of a state of
emergency was paranoia.
The administration had already let
this go way too far hoping that the
rhetoric would die down. I don't really have
a right to say who should run the country,
I'm only a guest here. But, the law should
be upheld, and people who openly suggest
that the president should be kicked out
through unconstitutional means, should be
silenced.
Cory should stop having illusions of being
president again...
My humble opinion only,
PeteinCebu
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Thurdays, March 3, 2005 (Sun.Star News)
Tourism Director,
Ace Durano, Washington Post, Security Analysts,
Travel Risk Management:
Is the Philippines Safe?
"The Philippines remains a safe destination for
travel. The Valentine's Day bombing incidents,
while unfortunate are clearly isolated,"
declares Secretary of Tourism Joseph Ace Durano.
"We have always had security arrangements with
the Philippine Navy and the Philippine National
Police (PNP) to ensure the safety of both local
and foreign tourists," he adds.
The Department of Tourism (DOT) stepped up
coordination with the PNP's Bantay Turista
(Protect the Tourists), the Armed Forces of the
Philippines' (AFP) Task Group Stingray, and the
industry stakeholders to make certain that
systems and procedures are in place to ensure
the safety and security of tourists in the
country.
Despite the unfortunate incidents, the DOT
forecasts continued tourism growth from
arrivals. In fact, during the first 10 days of
January, arrivals to the country recorded a 9.97
per cent growth as compared to the same period
last year, per Ninoy Aquino International
Airport arrivals. As figures from other airports
like Laoag, Clark, Palawan, Subic and Cebu come
in, these arrival figures are expected to
increase.
Even the Washington Post, in an article written
by Andrea Sach entitled Philippines: Good to Go,
urges US tourists not to abandon the Philippines
as a tourist destination despite the harsh
global realities of kidnappings and terrorism.
According to the article, US State Department
advisories directing US citizens to exercise
caution, and maintain security awareness while:"
the Philippines were more of a "be careful” than
a "don't go" warning.
The article quoted Rob Maxwell, an Asia regional
analyst for ijet Travel Risk Management, as
saying that the country has secure tourist
zones. "Right now, there's no real reason to
avoid the country altogether. It's just about
being smart about where you're going," he said. |
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An insightful member of our List on 12-17-03 wrote:
You are very accurate about the fact tourist should avoid terrorist
hotspots but just because a tourist decides to spend their vacation
in Mindanao doesn't mean they will be bothered by anyone with ill
intentions. Mindanao has so much beauty and is so much better than Manila they would be a fool to avoid our beautiful island, they could
visit- Surgeon island with its pristine beaches that rival Boracay
and isn't Americanized and over priced like Boracay, Camiguin island
is a beautiful island with a beautiful water fall, Agusan museum
of Filipino history, Masao beach home of first catholic mass held by
Magellan, Zamboanga with its colorful ships and flowers as well as
the known location of the Philippines most beautiful women, lake
Mienat the largest lake in Philippines, superb shopping in Davao and
Cagayan de Oro, etc. this list could go on for days .
I don't think
its fair to tell people to avoid Mindanao as many foreigners
including myself live on this beautiful island and have no problems
from Mindanao Independent Liberation Front, (MILF) and Abu Sayaff or
NPA. also the idea of teaching people that
manila is safer than Mindanao is ludicrous as manila was the site of
many bad occurrences such as the hostile take over of the airport
control tower by a enraged government employee, the uprising of the
military that involved the take over of a hotel, the violent ambush
and murder of the Bureau of Internal Revenue fraud investigator,
multiple NPA killings, and
more kidnappings than the whole of Mindanao. the only difference being
that the kidnappers in manila are Chinese people and not Muslims.
I feel you can visit anyplace in the earth and have no problem as long
as you respect the people and their cultures. most people kidnapped
in Mindanao have been Christian missionaries whom came to Islamic
areas trying to push their religion upon the Muslim natives of
course they would not be treated kindly as they did not respect the
culture of the people. wherever you chose to visit just smile and
show respect if you do that you would be guaranteed to leave with a
friend. you know I don't know why I continue to try to change
opinions of Mindanao as I should say its terrible and a war zone so
I could hoard all the beauty the island offers to myself.
Justin
Before you write off a trip to this land of incredibly friendly
people, beautiful beaches, and a rich Malay/Polynesian/Chinese culture,
remember: there are anti-American terrorist living in most countries of the
world these days, and they can strike anywhere, as Sept 11 showed us.
The State Department's warnings are really more of a
reminder
to try and blend in, avoid being an "obvious American," and steer
clear of large Western targets such as international luxury hotel chains,
shopping
malls, and the like. Hey, if you're here to experience the local
culture and
do so on a budget, your travel plans will keep away from most of those
places anyway. |
Older news, but still worth knowing
Coup plot far from over — GMA
By Marichu Villanueva
The Philippine Star 08/01/2003
President Arroyo and the military high command admitted yesterday
the threat of another mutiny against the government was "far
from over" but that "preemptive measures" were being taken.
The President made the admission as the House of Representatives
defense committee started its probe of the mutiny of 296
soldiers calling themselves the "Magdalo" group, who stormed a
section of Makati City’s commercial and business district last
Sunday.
This developed as the President ordered the budget department
last night to release P100 million for the purchase of soldiers’
boots and other basic equipment. The lack of these items was one
of the complaints of the mutineers. The President said civilian
rules of bidding would be followed in the purchase of the boots.
"There are plotters, operators, financiers and backers, both in
and out of government, who are still (out) in the cold. We will
expose them and bring them to justice," the President said in a
statement.
"It is true that the plot is far from over, but it is being
contained and will soon be completely under control," she said.
"We are engaged in preemptive measures — administratively,
operationally and politically."
But Mrs. Arroyo said the threat "won’t last long" and there was
no need to impose martial law.
"This is not a state for martial law and its repressive
implications," she said, although her security advisers
reiterated the need to maintain the state of rebellion she
declared at the height of the mutiny.
Under a state of rebellion, the President is constitutionally
empowered to suspend the writ of habeas corpus or declare
martial law in the entire or any part of the country for two
months.
Article VII, Section 18 of the Constitution provides that
Congress may revoke or extend such a declaration or suspension
by a joint majority vote.
"The threat is still alive," Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP)
chief of staff Gen. Narciso Abaya told congressmen.
"There are several members who are still at large who we believe
might be part of the coup attempt," Abaya told the House
inquiry.
"We are continuing our investigations to see whether we have
fully accounted for those who are involved," he added. Courts Martial Urged Meanwhile, the Makati Business Club urged the President and the
military high command to immediately constitute a court martial
to try the leaders of the mutiny.
"Despite its unfortunate conclusion, we believe the mutineers
should be court martialled forthwith. We call on the government
and its responsible agencies to also apply the full force of the
law on those civilians who may have instigated or supported the
mutiny," the MBC said in a statement.
Deputy House Speaker Raul Gonzalez agreed that the mutineers’
leaders should soon be charged with violation of Article 63 of
the Articles of War.
"Article 63 metes a stiff punishment for officers who exhibit
disrespect to our democratic institutions and those in the
military chain of command. (The mutiny leaders) should be so
charged," Gonzalez said.
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‘Mutineers Can’t Be New Heroes’
Sen. Ralph Recto said the mutiny leaders cannot claim to be
"new Filipino heroes" if they were paid by politicians to stage
the mutiny.
"If rebel officers indeed received aid and comfort from moneyed
quarters, then they cannot claim to be squeaky clean, having
partook of unexplained wealth to finance their activities. A
cause, no matter how noble, loses its legitimacy if its advocates
enter into immoral compromises," Recto said.
He said the mutineers " may have accommodated a political agenda
in their manifesto in exchange for logistical support extended to
them."
"Thanks to their unidentified rich patrons, they may have
brandished state-of-the-art weaponry but the national demands they
bannered, like the resignation of the President, were slipshod and
sloppy," Recto added.
He urged the mutiny’s financiers to stand up for their principles
instead of hiding behind disgruntled soldiers.
At the same time, Senate President Franklin Drilon urged the
military to bring the leaders of the mutiny to the inquiry the
Senate is starting this morning,
"I would strongly suggest that they honor our invitation so that
we do not have to resort to the more compulsive process of a
subpoena," he said.
Drilon made the remark after Abaya stressed the security risks in
transporting the five rebel leaders to the House and Senate.
But Drilon said he would be open to conducting a hearing in Camp
Aguinaldo if the security reasons Abaya mentioned are valid. —
AFP, AP, Reuters, Jess Diaz, Marvin Sy
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