Hi All,

My brother, who was stationed (USN) in the
Philippines, is considering a trip back there this March. He'll be accompanied by
his Philippino wife.

I'm really worried about them traveling there because of the horrible things you'll
hear on the news about terrorists training over there.

Has anyway got any opinions about this?

Thanks, Kathleen

Lets set the record straight here. The reports refer to the southern islands- Mindano (spelling?) where there have been rebel issues for years. Manila and the surrounding areas are safe and no more dangerous than other parts of SEAsia. We were in Manila last year and are going back again this year. Of course you need to be on guard for the usual issues (pick pockets, petty thefts etc). Your wife will know which areas to avoid. Thne Philippines is largely ignored on this forum, but that is a shame since here are many things to do and see in Manila and day trips around the area. Check out my trip report from March of last year. It will give you many ideas of what to do. The tourism infrastructure is not as developed as BKK or Hong Kong, Sing etc.

Kathleen,
I was there in nov/dec 2005 and I would not worry in the least about safety. We were 2 females from Ireland and we had a great time and did not feel at all unsafe. We travelled around independently quite a bit and loved it.

Mary

You will also find the people as warm and friendly as any you will find in SEAsia and everyone speaks english.
If your brother goes please post a trip report here as the Philippines does not get a lot of exposure on this forum.
Note that we leave for Manila on Feb 20 and return March 7th. If he gets a chance have him visit Baguio the vacation capital and about 4-6 hours from Manila in the mountains- much cooler than Manila. We will be spending about 3 days in Baguio.

i lived in manila for 6 years. i travelled there from the middle east for about 6 years before then. i think the possibility of criminality is higher than most asian countries (possible exception is indonesia). but if you dont trapse around local neighborhoods (tondo!) dont carry large amounts of $$$ and dont flash jewelry and keep alert you should be fine. mindanao is entirely different, but there should be no reason you should go there. but with a filipina spouse (as i have) it makes a big difference.

I’ve returned from the phils after spending all of dec 05 there. I’ve been spending one month out of my year, every year for the last 7 years, in the Republica ng Pilipinas. And of all the times I’ve been back to the Philippines, I have never felt I was in any danger from terrorism. Even in 2002 when there were bombings in Manila’s LRT and buses, I did not hesitate when asked if I was going back that year. In that case, the Abu Sayef was terrorizing the Filipino citizens of Manila and the Philippine Government, not foreigners or tourism. And the Abu Sayef has been effectively been reduced as a threat in the last few years by the Philippine Government. I fear more driving on the Southern California Freeways after a light rain, than I do the threat of terrorism in the Phils. As mentioned previously, I would be more worried about petty theft than terrorism. But even that threat of common crime, it’s the same as with any big city. I mean, use common sense and you will be fine. Would you wear expensive jewelry or carry you life savings while walking in the poorest neighborhoods at night in the U.S.? I would think not. I think the only issue for your bro, is knowledge of the area. He could unknowingly wander in these so-called undesirable areas. But with a Filipina wife, and I would think with the help of her relatives, he should be safe. No one knows the good and the bad of a country better than the people who live there.

Thanks to everyone for their input.

Now I'll feel alot better about them being over there.

Oh & to BillT, I'' ask my brother to post a trip report once he's back home.

Thanks again to everyone.

Terrorism is not really the issue, but crime is. I have been all over the world and the Philippines (Manila) is the only place I have ever been where I didn't feel completely safe. And trust me when I say that I give off essentially no victim signals and, physically, do not make a logical target.

That said, as in most places if you play it smart you'll be fine.

Shade

It is really exaggerated on what people read of terrorism in the country. Mindanao has had insurgency problems since I can remember. They haven't really spilled over to the other sites esp the tourist areas or the capital city. There are no daily riots or bombings as most news suggest.

Of course, there are precautions every seasoned traveler should know. Like they say, avoid flashy jewelry. Bring less cash, blah blah blah... Every city around the world have their share of petty crime and the Phils is no exception. But it shouldn't stop you from travelling. Most locals are very friendly and can speak decent English.