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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 Livinginthephilippines3Member

From:"Dale Gribble"
Date: Wed. Feb. 23, 2005, 9:40 am
Subject:Queries about safety

Dave write:

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 daid 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" (full story here)http://www.mb.com.ph

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.

Safe Defends not Only on Where You Are but Who You Are

This question (where to live) arrive often on these lists and
impossible to answer with people, the member(s) doesn't know. Basically, the Philippines is as "safe" as anywhere in the USA, (as is any Country) depending on where one live. I lived outside of a U.S. City with areas this white boy didn't belong PERIOD! But, that didn't mean the whole City fits that picture.

Members on these large membership groups, lives all across this Country, and each one, has found their snitch to hang their hat, based on their wants and desires (life style). What's "safe/desirable" for them, may not be for others? But, they speak higher in regards to where they are at!

I've traveled 3/4 of this Country (mostly by bus/ boat at different times, and I believe I could find a spot (safe/comfortable) in or near any place I've been. Some places I just didn't like, and now knowing some members live there and are happy.

Knowing where and the activities of the rebel armies are, (most people out of the Country, knows they are here) might be a better question to ask.

The NPA (New Peoples Army) is on the Negros Island in the mountains, (as with most Islands), but after a year+ living here, we haven't had any problems. We have driven in the areas, their said to be. My wife has been on the Oriental side for over 6 years with no problems. She was raised in the Cebu mountains until her teens, by a poor corn farmer. Therefore, she knows what goes on in the Cebu mountains.

There are many foreigners living on the Cebu Island and talk highly of what they found (safe/comfortable) over time. Last I heard, there are about 2,500 (retired/visiting) foreigners on the Negros Island at any given time. Those living in or near Manila, also speak highly of their location, even with the Government upheaval, that goes on from time to time.

I'll let others (if they choose) to comment on what Islands or part of an Island, a foreigner doesn't belong and why.

Knowing where you might "not" want to be, and what "others" have to say about their location, might give you an overall view and may narrow your search, based on "your" life style?

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