Best Posts in Thread: Where can we travel to?

Yes, a year ago my wife was doing well selling her baked-products in the markets in the mountains above Guihulngan, but then there just came too many NPA guys with shady attitudes hanging around, seemed too dangerous for her, so she quit -- and a few weeks later there were bloody firefights with Army units in the same places. And I think it's well-known here that just above the popular and very safe Ocean 24 pools in NW Valencia, there is a police checkpoint on that road, and non-Filipinos are strongly recommended to not venture beyond that point, for the same reasons....

 

I have researched second residencies and passports for over 6 years and, without being there to appraise it, the information is that the dangerous areas are limited (even Medellin in Colombia is now deemed safe and, apparently, a very nice place) - anyone going to any country should be aware in advance of the no-go-keep-your-head-on areas. There are many areas in this country where people, especially foreigners, would be very wise to avoid (even within Negros) and I think we all know where they are.

 

Been up there often as well, and went further through the mountains until I reach Pamplona occasionally. Never had any issues. I also don't think that's actually a police checkpoint but private security related to the power plant? Got stopped there exactly once asking where I'm going, but let through to Chosen's cafe without further discussion.

Generally I believe NPA is not out to catch foreigners for ransom and/or religious reasons (correct me if I'm wrong but I never heard of any case where that happens). Their beef is with the government, the one risk I see is to get caught in the crossfire when they have an encounter with police or army.

 

Whilst travelling anywhere of unknown status, it would be wise to consult reliable online sources (often issued by governments such as the US or UK).

I would be extremely careful in most of Mindanao - online sources state a risk of kidnapping in:

• Sarangani Province
• North Cotabato Province
• South Cotabato Province
• General Santos City
• Sultan Kudarat Province
• Lanao del Sur Province
• Lanao del Norte Province
• Iligan City
• Pangutaran Island

Additionally, several foreigners have been captured in Zamboanga City, Pagadian City, Patikul and Jolo in recent years - some beheaded.

Many of these areas are also, naturally, associated with terrorism and military action. Online sources also say "Over the past few years, terrorist acts, involving explosive devices in North Cotabato Province, Basilan, Isabela City, Jolo, Cotabato City, Makati and the Zamboanga airport, have resulted in 41 deaths, and severe injury to well over 100 more. Most of the bombings took place on public transportation, and in crowded locations including restaurants and cathedrals."

I would also be wary of places I read about in Negros which, whilst not the most dangerous in the country, have NPA activity. That includes the Manjuyod/ Guihulngan areas (which I am probably more afraid of spelling and pronouncing). Not travelling alone and keeping to major towns and cities is obviously safer than lone treks into remote areas, wherever a person travels.

 

There was an incident a while ago of road-making equipment (I think) being set on fire in Siaton by NPA sympathisers (I think). So people living in or near the City or other cities and towns can feel reasonably safe but have to be aware that surrounding areas are more risky. People are as safe as they can make themselves safe.

Pleased your wife got out in time.

 

I get emails from expat.com and cannot follow the links either - so I just went to www.expat.com and searched 'border reopenings'