This travel warning has been there for at least 11 years (it was on the State Departments list of "stay away" areas when I first came to the Philippines in 2005). I'd bet they have been advising people not to travel to the Sulu region for much longer than that. Nothing new IMO.
Latest advisory fron the uk and arrived today by mail! I dont think we need worry about our security for now but just take care,Negros is on the list now! We just need to stay away from the bull sh*t politics. On Monday, May 9, the Philippines will hold national and local elections to fill thousands of government seats from president down to local councilors. The presidential election is shaping up to be a hotly contested race, and while there is the possibility of increased tensions, PSA has not received any credible or specific information that acts of terrorism or violent street protests are planned. Apart from isolated incidents, PSA assess as minimal the risk to personal safety or business continuity due to election-related violence within Metro Manila. While scuffles or attacks may occur in some of the more densely populated barangays (neighborhoods), PSA expects the impact on business operations in the capital to be confined to traffic disruptions and delays near rally sites and polling stations. So far the government has not declared Election Day a national holiday, however it is likely that as in previous years, such an announcement will be made at the eleventh hour. In the event that Malacañang does not declare May 9 a holiday, clients should expect increased disruptions and delays at transport hubs and along major thoroughfares. Elections in the Philippines present a logistical challenge to implement and secure. About 54 million Filipinos are expected to vote at 38,000 polling centers in 81 provinces nationwide. Some 97,000 electronic voting machines will be delivered, installed, and overseen by thousands of election monitors and technicians. Government security forces will be deployed across the country to safeguard election venues. Though authorities have implemented a number of security measures, in the Philippines violence and elections go hand in hand. Violence tends to increase as Election Day nears and may continue in the days and weeks thereafter. Most election-related violence occurs in the provinces and remote parts of the country in the form of targeted assassinations, skirmishes between rival political clans, and voter intimidation and harassment. The Philippine National Police has so far identified nine provinces as “election watch list areas” (EWAs) where intense political rivalries increase the risk of violence. Based on past election data, PSA has identified 14 other areas as potential hotspots. In particular PSA expects to see an increase in election-related violence across Mindanao, where 80 percent of the nation’s private armed groups (PAGs) are located. Clients should consider deferring non-essential travel to these areas for the immediate election period (see map below). PSA concurs with the advisory issued on April 1 by the United States Embassy, Manila to avoid large rallies and demonstrations in the lead-up to the May 9 elections. Clients are advised to avoid all campaign rallies, especially those held in the final days before the election – when crowds swell to watch candidates make their last ditch appeals – and emotions tend to run highest. While officials at the Commission on Elections (Comelec) claim that election results will be available within 48 hours of Election Day, it is more likely that tabulation of the votes will take several days or longer – given the tight and contentious presidential race. Traditionally, elections in the Philippines are characterized by allegations of misconduct and fraud – it is standard practice for the losers to accuse the winners of cheating. This should be anticipated and may include protracted challenges in court, but such challenges do not automatically trigger social unrest. The Philippine National Police and Armed Forces of the Philippines are expected to be on ‘red alert’ – the highest level of alert in which 100 percent of security forces are supposed to be on duty and available for emergency deployment. Expect more checkpoints and increased police presence on Election Day in the vicinity of voting precincts, hotly contested areas, and government installations. Official Comelec checkpoints are marked by signboards and staffed by uniformed police officers to help motorists identify impostors. Philippine authorities implemented a nationwide ban on bearing and transporting firearms in public places during the election period, from January 10 through June 8. Violating the ban can result in up to six years in jail, with foreigners subject to deportation on top of the prison sentence. Filipinos are prohibited from consuming, buying, selling or transporting alcohol anywhere within the country on May 8 and May 9. Foreigners are exempted from the ban if they drink in accredited hotels and other tourist-oriented establishments that obtained authorization from Comelec. As a safety precaution on Election Day, clients should avoid public schools as well as village, city, and municipal halls, which are normally converted into local polling centers. At this time Comelec has not determined whether some of the larger shopping malls will serve as polling places. So far the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority has not announced any Election Day traffic rerouting schemes in the capital region. However some areas of Metro Manila are likely to see an increase in congestion and security personnel. The Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) will serve as the national canvassing center for tabulating precinct results nationwide. Travel near the venue could be delayed due to heavy security presence at the site. The largest numbers of voters are expected at the following polling centers in Metro Manila: CAA Elementary School in Las Piñas City President Corazon Aquino Elementary School in Quezon City Commonwealth Elementary School, also in Quezon City Nagpayong Elementary School in Pasig Tenement Elementary School in Taguig Makati High School in Makati Jose Rizal Elementary School in Pasay Andres Bonifacio Integrated School in Mandaluyong Rosauro Almario Elementary School in Manila City The largest polling centers in Metro Manila are featured in the map below, however clients should bear in mind that every barangay will have at least one polling center and traffic congestion in those areas will largely depend on voter turnout.
Was what you posted the actual warning from the UK? I don't see anything that is specific to Dumaguete/Negros.
This one mentions Negros which was yesterday! Latest update: Safety and Security (political situation) – national elections will be held on 9 May 2016; the campaign period has traditionally led to a spike in political violence; Terrorism section (Kidnapping) - groups have the capability to target locations frequented by tourists in southern Palawan, southern Negros and Siquijor; Health section - there have been elevated levels of dengue cases in 2016; you should take appropriate precautions to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes
Ah, that probably has to do with the kidnapping threat a while back ago. While difficult (and probably unlikely) for terrorist/kidnapping groups, it probably is within their capabilities to come up and snatch a few tourists in southern Negros. I'd think that as long as there are easier targets in the Zamboanga area they chances of them coming up here are pretty slim.
I'm not going to name my location or what business I am up to in Siquijor. But there is a rumour going around that the incumbent administration will punish those who do not vote for them by refusing business permits or stalls in municipality owned buildings. It got the wife worried until she saw the name of the lawyer I keep on retainer lol. It's a filthy business this so called democratic election in this country. Anyway, nowt's happened yet, so no worries. Cheers, C
Well then, vote him out. If he isn't in office he shouldn't be in the position to deny licenses. Problem solved.
I wish it was that simple mate. First I ain't filipino, second, the locals sell their votes for a crate of San Mig every election, and third (though I don't understand this, or how it is done), the winners can identify who voted for them or not and distribute the beans accordingly. Witness the revenge of one party that is elected on the previous. Talk about new brooms with staff; the old out and unemployed, the new ('our mates') in from street sweeper to Municipal Archetect. It's rum old affair and no matter how there may be laws against it, that you can complain to the Civil Service Commission etc, it still takes years to get justice (if at all). The bottom line is that you have to have the kwarta and nous to make a difference - that or be super highly connected. As I say to the Missus, "let's divest our risky investment strategy at the mercy of local oligarchies and eff off to the South Pole. No filipinos there." C
