The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCDO) has issued travel advisories for various areas of the Philippines, including the Sulu Archipelago, including the southern Sulu Sea, due to high threats of crime, terrorism, civil unrest, and kidnapping. These areas are particularly dangerous due to the presence of pirates in the Sulu Sea.
Meanwhile, the Philippines’ other regions, such as Cagayan de Oro and Camiguin, Dinagat, and Siargao Islands, are also advised against travel due to the risk of terrorism, kidnapping, high levels of crime, and violent clashes between military and insurgent groups. Most major cities are safe, but country areas in the south are risky and may not receive assistance from the embassy.
The US State Department’s advice on Mindanao is level three, meaning “reconsider travel”. However, Davao City is considered a very safe province in the Philippines, with minimal issues with violence, theft, and drug peddlers.
In terms of safety, most people live in Davao City and Compostela Valley, but some have ventured south of the city for snorkeling. The lowering of Travel Advisory Levels in four areas of Mindanao, including Davao City, Davao del Norte Province, Siargao Island, and the southern part of the island, has been a significant change in the region’s situation.
📹 IS MINDANAO SAFE? Living in Philippines
Is Mindanao Philippines safe for Tourists or Expats? This is my experience and opinion on safety in the Southern Philippines as a …
What are the current restrictions for travel to the Philippines?
The COVID-19 pandemic has prompted a new quarantine system in the Philippines. Travelers aged 15 and above must have received the second dose of the 2-dose series or a single dose of the vaccine more than 14 days before their departure. If they are unvaccinated or partially vaccinated, they must undergo a remotely supervised/laboratory-based Rapid Antigen Test 24 hours before their departure from their country of origin or first port of embarkation.
If they fail to present a negative pre-departure testing, they must undergo a laboratory-based Antigen Test upon arrival at the airport. Minors below 15 years of age who are not vaccinated must follow the quarantine protocols of their parents or accompanying adults. Any inbound traveler who tests positive for COVID-19 through a rapid antigen test will be subjected to the latest prevailing quarantine and isolation protocols of the Department of Health.
Is Davao safe in 2024?
Davao City Police Office (DCPO) reported a 28. 47 drop in index crimes from January to May 2024, indicating progress in crime reduction. The agency attributes this decrease to persistent law enforcement efforts and decreased violations of special laws, despite concerns about crimes like rape, theft, and murder.
Why Mindanao is a good tourist destination?
Mindanao is a region known for its natural beauty, diverse cultures, and adventure opportunities. It features iconic sites like Mount Apo and pristine beaches in Siargao, as well as a melting pot of traditions and dances. The culinary scene offers delicious dishes like “Sinuglaw” and “Tiyula Itum”, while thrill-seekers can enjoy river rafting and diving in Tubbataha Reefs. If you’re planning a holiday trip to Mindanao, join us to discover the best tourist spot recommendations and fun activities.
What is the latest travel advisory in the Philippines?
The Philippines is under increased caution due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, and kidnapping. The Sulu Archipelago, including the southern Sulu Sea, is particularly vulnerable. Marawi City in Mindanao is also at risk due to terrorism and civil unrest. Other areas in Mindanao are also at risk.
What threat level is the Philippines?
The Philippines is undergoing Level 2 of increased caution due to increased risks of crime, terrorism, civil unrest, and kidnapping. The U. S. Embassy Manila and U. S. Consular Agency in Cebu City are providing emergency assistance. For the most current visa information, visit the Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines in Washington, D. C. The U. S. Embassy in Manila and the Consular Agency in Cebu City are also available for assistance.
What to avoid when traveling to the Philippines?
Street crime and robbery are prevalent in large cities, especially in Manila. It is crucial to be vigilant when using public transport and avoid displaying cash or jewelry. Armed hold-ups on jeepneys and buses can result in fatalities. When traveling by taxi, use reputable companies and arrange for airport or hotel transfers. Personal identification is required if requested by the police, and a photocopy of the photo page containing personal details should be carried. Laws and cultural differences also play a role in these situations.
Why is there so much trouble in Mindanao?
The insurgency in Mindanao dates back to the 1500s when Spanish arrived in the Moro heartland. The Moro people have a history of resistance against foreign rule for over 400 years. Peace agreements were declared between the government and the MILF/MNLF. Hostilities with the MNLF and MILF ended in 2017, and Operation Enduring Freedom ended in 2017. The Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) was established in 2019 to govern the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region until 2025. The Philippines is supported by the United States, Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Russia, and other countries.
What area in Mindanao is safe?
Mindanao’s capital, Davao, is considered one of the safest cities in the Philippines, with a low crime rate due to its extensive police and military presence. Siargao, a tropical island in the northeast, is known for its diving and surfing opportunities and is isolated from civil unrest in western Mindanao. The Sulu Sea, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a piracy hotspot, with Tubbataha Reef, a UNESCO World Heritage site, being the center of the sea.
Despite being patrolled by the Philippines navy, pirates still run amok in this large sea, targeting dozens of tourist boats, cargo ships, and fishing trawlers each year. Many of these pirates are linked to violent Islamic extremists, the Abu Sayyaf Group.
What is the safest city in the Philippines?
Davao, Bohol, Baguio, Dumaguete, Iloilo, Makati City, and La Union are some of the safest cities in the Philippines. Davao offers adventure and beautiful views, while Bohol is perfect for those with an adventurous spirit. Other popular destinations include Baguio, Dumaguete, Iloilo, Makati City, and La Union. Davao Crocodile Park offers up-close experiences with tigers and crocodiles, making it a great destination for those seeking adventure and beauty.
Is Davao City safe for tourists?
Davao, a popular tourist destination in the Philippines, is rated as one of the safest and most enjoyable places to visit. Its crime index is just below 28, and its safety index is 72. 29, according to tourists. Bohol, another popular destination, is also a great choice for adventurous travelers.
Is Mindanao, Philippines safe for tourists?
Western Mindanao provinces are advised to avoid all travel due to the risk of terrorism, kidnapping, high crime rates, and violent clashes between security forces and rebel groups. The provinces include Basilan, Cotabato, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, Misamis Occidental, Sarangani, South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, and Zamboanga Sibugay. Central and Eastern Mindanao provinces should also be avoided due to the risk of kidnapping and high crime rates.
📹 Is it Safe to Travel or Retire in Davao City or Mindanao Island, Philippines?
Expats say yes. Governments say no when asked if Mindanao is safe for travel.
I live in Mindanao for past 8 months, Butuan City, and as an American I feel very safe. In fact, I have traveled by bus and car throughout Mindinao, visting Davao, Surigao City, General Santos, CDO, and not once did I feel threatened. I have not traveled West of CDO but plan to. As with anywhere, you do need to be mindful.
In December 2022 I took the ferry from Dumaguete to Dipolog City. Then travel by bus to Maranding in Lanao Del Norte. Stayed in the province by Maranding for Christmas past the new year, ten days total. Then travel by bus from Maranding to CDO to get on a ferry. I traveled all ten days around Maranding. I felt very safe there, and plan to go back.
a new subscriber I am not bad mouthing the other expat youtubers but finally we have one who is attentive to details and cover subjects to help foreigners’ life easier in the Mindanao. I have traveled to CDO and found the people even friendlier than Cebu or Dumaguete. I have been going to the Philippines when the first Marcos was president now his son Marcos president. Your knowledge of these subjects is very good and detailed Keep up the great topics you’re a big plus fellow subscriber Salamat PO
Felt very safe in Davao.But go to somewhere like Panabo,..a short distance from Davao I felt extremely unsafe.My gut was screaming .Even on the way there,an old guy was trying to pick my pockets ..totally brazen about it…almost comical.I got out of Dodge and back to Davao fairly quickly. ..listen to your gut,I def did.
What determines the safety of the place is the economic investment. boom. Davao City is soaring and no smart investor would would waste their money when the place is not safe. Look at the statistics and it will give you an idea the enormity of the investment pouring in most places in Mindanao especially Davao City.
I have heard from a popular American male Philippines vlogger (that I used to watch) say that Davao City ended up being a nice place he lived for a time (recently). He bounces around the Philippines. He was initially weary, but ended up liking it. He totally was against going to western southwestern part of island, especially Zamboanga.
Davao City is the safest city I have ever lived in, I have only lived here a little over 3 years after living in Bohol & Cebu, I can tell you from someone who lived in Columbus, Ohio for 64 years that it is a whole hell a lot safer than Columbus. Gee my wife who is a Filipina isn’t scared to go to the market at 4 AM every day. Maybe she is just tougher than American men. We have one of the largest Police forces & Military presences in the PH.
IMHO, after living and traveling thruout Mindanao for 7 years, I can only wholeheartedly disagree with what most of what I just heard. If still so dangerous, why has 1. Marshall law lifted on Mindanao over a year ago. 2 most military check points have either been removed or operated by 1-2 guards on their cell phones oblivious to traffic. Major checkpoints E and W of CdO as well as CdO to Marawi have been completely removed long ago. The terrorist groups on Mindanao and even Bohol have learned, kidnap a tourist, they get no money and the Army shows up. Strongarm a local business man, they get a few pesos and a couple Brgy police show up. So most activity now is between rebel attacks on police and strong arming locals. Best source and proof of safety on Mindanao is vlogger Kyle Jennerman, “Becoming Filipino” who has scootered 100’s of thousands of kms covering every square inch, including sll the mentioned level 4 red zone/level 4 areas for the last 7-8 years.
Another excellent analysis Paul. Here in Canada, Mindanao is hot button since the abduction and subsequent beheading of Canadians Robert Hall and John Ridsdel by a militant group in 2015/2016. Both men were staying at an island resort just outside Davao City. Regardless, whether one thinks that Mindanao is safe or not, I don’t think anybody would like to end their life that way.
Davao is the safest big city in the Philippines. Not only is the crime low, you don’t get Typhoons. But everywhere in the Philippines is dangerous for natural disasters. Crime shouldn’t be your top concern. I have never heard of a westerner being killed in Davao, but have heard of them getting robbed and killed in other places in the Philippines. I’m not saying this hasn’t happened, but I have never heard of it. I spent 2 months in Davao and I’m going back, it is extremely safe. General Santos is safe as well.
Most volgers will say anything !!! Remember they are selling clicks for payments on their Youtube website … When you travel around the Philippines use your common sense … The problem is most ex-pats aren’t using the head on their shoulders !!! I enjoy this New website and your view, it’s new and refreshing … Hopefully you don’t fall into the usual Youtube click bait…Because as you grow the clicks pay more .. 95 percent of volgers here are only concerned with the money they make off those websites, lets just be honest .. Hopefully you don’t fall into the Youtube trap … Time will tell —-
Excellent vlog here. You actually somewhat changed my thoughts&mind on safety in Davao&Mindanao. Davao city is safe for foreigners regarding violent crimes. However, recently, there seem to be more tension and even conflicts between the government force and the different muslin rebellion factions in western part of Mindanao. Political stability could be an issue in the near future. Should I raise my alertness and adjust long term plan? I have been in Davao city for almost 3 years and plan to settle here for long term. I am actually worried and will pay more attention.
My Filipina is from Mutia Mindanao outside Dipolog. I lived there for awhile before Negros and I had absolutely no problems. The people there were very friendly and nice. Now as far as going more south no even Filipinos from northern Mindanao will not go south. I only can speak of the surrounding area of Dipolog but I would live there again. A lot of The Philippines fruits and vegetables come from Mindanao living there food cost is lower and you get everything fresh fresh
Mabuhay, boss. Took your advice and checked out scuba chefs site… cutest little girl made me wonder how much private school costs. I imagine it varies, but I’m starting to think I’d better stay single in BGC on $3600. It’s enough for 1, but probably not a family. Btw don’t answer so I have to keep perusal the next and the next exciting episode to find out!😜 (Edit) oh crap, that was Gia in the Philippines who recommended scuba chef. Cool guy if you ever see him at a YouTube conference. Sorry for my mistake!
Do you know any service that helps people get settled in a long-term visit to the Valencia area? Hoping to get over there if my property sells. But I don’t know anyone there. It would be great if a local could show me around. ( like where to rent vs not rent where to buy food/water and where not to etc…)
Hello Paul, great info, in the 20+ yrs I have been travelling to the Philippines Canada and the US have always said the same thing dont go unless you really need to, I have been to a lot of Mindanao I found Davao city just fine I was in Zamboanga with friends and they were very careful where they took me you do need to use caution, that was about 10 years ago, would I go now ?I I would not go just for the sake of travelling too many other place in the Philippines to go to where you dont have to worry. Thanks Paul.
Hello from Urdaneta City, Pangasinan Province, Island of Luzon. It’s a peaceful place. I call it the land were nothing bad happens.. knock on wood.. been here 6 years. I carry my Philippines ARC and driver’s license on a lanyard around my neck. And, a little pocket change purse. With just what money I think I’m going to need for the day. This is the strategy being the victim of pickpocketing twice here. Both times in busy crowded places. By groups of people who were well organized. Actual pickpocket gangs. The second time was captured by CCTV cameras. Reported to the police. But, was later determined these people are in-and-out in one day. And, were working from outside the local area. A lot of people fell victim that day. I’ve worked and traveled all over the world. Never encountered pickpocket gangs. Crazy stuff.
My first meeting with Bing, from Tagum City, was in Cebu in 2010. Upon arrival in Mindanao I paid $50.00 per day for armed protection 24 hours a day. I have been back many times since then and have never had issues anywhere from Davao to Tagum and beyond. Since Mindanao was placed into marshall law after an ISIS cell took over parts of Marawi I feel safer than ever. Check points are everywhere! Crime exists in every part of the Philippines and the rest of the world. What doesn’t exist in all parts of the Philippines is the most eminent threat, that being radical terrorism. The reasons for the warnings boil down to that issue. The NPA has issues with the government, not tourists. The rest of the radical groups want ransoms. I stay away from beaches in Mindanao and definitely do not travel south or southwest of Davao city. I’m always with a Filipino, as well. That’s my approach to traveling in Mindanao.
for me its all risk vs reward. there are so many islands in the philippines to explore…its just not worth the risk. i was gonna go to davao but after thinking about it went with another island. religous fanatics of any religion are not worth dealing with. if I was an american tourist I WOULD NOT carry ID. i would tell everyone I was canadian and say ey alot..😂as the canadians seem to be a bit less hated then the US by extremists. though even that may not save you.
The ex presidents name is Duterte—–kinda sad you chose to make a article on something you know very little about. Canadian Kyle Jennerman of Becoming Filipino Youtube Vlog has gone to great lengths to show how safe the majority of Mindanao is and he lives there and travels the majority of the island by bike and you take a big swipe at that. Maybe your answer to all of those questions should have been—I dont know.