Safety in Davao area?

Question

I'm travelling to a rural area north of Davao on family business with my Filipina fiancee. I have to go, there is no choice.

What I want to know is how to stay safe. What should I avoid? What should I do? The Muslim extremists in the area worry me slightly.

Thanks.

[I did ask this question previously but didn't get any sensible answers]

Wow, so many great answers! Thanks.

I'm a (very) white British man, blonde hair, and stick out in a crowd of Filipinos. We went to her brother's place in central Negros Occ and I was the only white person there! All very friendly but that isn't a known troublespot anyway.

I don't want to be too specific about where we're going, but it's about 2 hours north of Davao by bus, maybe slightly less by taxi. The UK Foreign Office recommend against travelling to the Davao region, plus some of the areas further south.

Thanks again. I feel embarrassed at choosing a best answer as they're all great so maybe I'll leave it to the vote.

Answer 1

Hello! You are most welcome in North Davao. Just wondering which part of North Davao you are going to but I can tell you there is nothing to be scared. The thing you are hearing in the stories are just a bit exaggerated. The Muslim extremists that scare you are really not that scary. They won't do anything as long as you won't do something offensive against them.Usually foreigners along that area are pretty safe.

What should you do and what to avoid? Try not to go to any place alone, you need to have a Filipino along with you when going out. Stay home late at night as much as possible, there is nothing much interesting place to go there at night anyway. Be nice to people you meet - just be simple and never show off, deal good with anyone you meet but better not to start conversation with any stranger you encounter unless being asked. Never argue with anyone as it might be taken seriously and you might get avenged. Most important thing I will emphasize is not to show any valuables when you are in the public - someone may think you are a "big catch" and you will get plotted. Be careful with your belongings as you can not trust everybody and try not to be "overly" nice with anyone as you might get cheated. However I advise you to learn how to get along well with close contacts and try to win their "sympathy", as this will help a lot in giving a good reputation on you which eventually will lead to your enjoyable and harmonious stay. Just be friendly and everyone will welcome you Good luck!♥

.

Answer 2

The Sun Star has had a British Reporter in Davao for many years, and he certainly hasn't had any trouble.

My friend in England travels with his Filipina wife, to the parents farm six hours North of Davao.
He travels there frequently no problem.

Don't discuss politics, and don't flash your money. The Filipinos are lovely, warm friendly people, hospitable and always happy, but obviously there are a few naughty people out there. It's way safer than UK anyway.

Enjoy your trip.

Answer 3

This is a little dependent on precisely where "north of Davao" you're going. And what your ethnicity is - I'm assuming you're a white or black American.

I'm an American living in Davao City. My wife has family in Panabo and we travel there frequently and we travel through Tagum and Compostella Valley fairly often.

First off, there are no Muslim extremists "north of Davao" to my knowledge.

If anything, there are NPA elements - and not prevalently present within the cities like Panabo and Tagum. The NPA is more active in areas of Compostella Valley, it seems to me, but even then, I don't perceive that Americans are particular targets of those elements.

Don't sue me but I personally wouldn't have too much concern.

I wouldn't raise my profile my notifying the local authorities, however. They are sometimes collaboratively involved in kidnappings - my perception only.

Answer 4

Okay Geoff, I may be late here but I am here in Digos City southwest of Davao. North of Davao could be in Panabo City, Tagum City, or Compostela Valley. Anyway, don't worry, you'll find you're not the only foreigner in the area. There are no muslim extremists to worry about. They are far down south from us. We love peace here with our muslim brothers. When you go out, go with the family circles. They will be your protectors. Just avoid showing you have so much money. They would think you buy her. Show them it is because of love that you came for For as long as you show that you care for her, you have no problem.

Answer 5

Welcome to Davao City, Philippines!!!!! Hmmm.....??? Have you and your fiancee talked about what's troubling and worrying you? If she is from that place, she should have by now reassured you that it is safe there even if you are the whitest or the blackest person in town! I think you are speaking of Davao Del Norte, or North of Davao. My friend, you need not worry at all! Davao Del Norte has its share of colored people from all over the globe, who I believe are living there contentedly and peacefully with the locals. Yes, you will be experiencing the same Filipino hospitality while you are there. And, although some locals will be ogling at your being different in race, most will just dismiss you as one of their visitors with your fiancee and her family shouldering the responsibility of making you feel at home and well adjusted. Fret not, my friend; your fears are unfounded; and you will see for yourself that Davao Del Norte could well be your home away from home.

Good Luck!

:)

Answer 6

what exact rural place? a lot of filipinos from davao told me that foreigners should be as friendly as possible. But be sure also not to do anything that would draw attention from the crowd. the place may be small enough, so any strangers in their place are well recognize. I should say that you just keep as cool as possible, avoid any unecessary acts. just be simple. the initial reaction of locals there would probably be that they might think that your rich or sumthin. avoid also actions that might make them suspect you as a spy. Ei, a friend of mine has a commercial property for sale right in the heart of davao city. incase you are interested, let me know so i can inform him also to meet you. He's sellin the 2-storey commercial building (corner lot) at a bargain price. Its an immediate disposal since hell be using the money in his business. contact me.. [e-mail]

Answer 7

Hi. My wife also comes from Davao. Matanao to be exact and I have been there a few times already.
If you are with Philippino people you should not have any problems, but you have to keep your eyes open. There are very, very many poor people on the island of Mindanao, just like there are throughout the Philippines. I suggest, remain vigilant but not paranoic, be polite and just use your common sense. The Philippino people are really very nice, but as you know where there is poverty there is crime.
You might want to check your innoculations too, Dengi Fever is pretty rampant for which there is no serum as yet as well as cholera and malaria, depending on where you go!
Avoid politic comments, especially about the NPA (National People's Army) or Abu Sayef etc.
If your wife comes from a real country part of Davao then just be careful with the locals...when we arrived we got a great reception, but the most interest was my Levi Jeans and Reebok trainers and my watch etc. They are really nice people, just treat them with respect and they will treat you the same, especially if you are going to be a part of their family!

good luck..btw..add me on messenger if you like and I can tell you a few stories!

Answer 8

The police or military or the local government can help you. You can asked them for your safety, they will teach you where to go and where not to go..Military and police are all around the urban cities, they cannot bring you a personal security but if you are willing to pay you can get your own security personnel as you said you are going to rural area, and it is not safe since muslim extremists are hiding on those places. but you can always ask police assistance, they will give it to you but will not secure you all the time..

what to avoid:
•avoid going alone
•avoid people who you think will do bad (instinct)
•avoid having drinking party with people you don't know or not related to your fiancee.
•avoid over hospitable FIlipinos as they are more likely to have a bad intention
•do not give you personal informations to anyone you don't really know.
•avoid crowded places especially when there are lots of foreigners.
•when your outside keep your things as petty crimes always happens. do not bring much money.
•avoid going anywhere at midnight

what should you do:

•before you go anywhere else, you must know the police's hotline so you can call them in case of emergency..go to police station.
•do not hide at your place, greet your neighbors especially muslim. Muslims are really great people. Smile at them.
•dress like a simple Filipino.
•do not ignore people whom you think following you, ask police assistance immediately.
•always accompany local people you knows.

i know you are worry about your safety but for a long time, there is no known crime made by Abu Sayyaf and alike because of civilian vigilance and police power in that area..actually as the news here said that tourist are now pouring again in areas like Davao and other Minadano provinces.

well. just wish you goodluck, stay alert, ask assistance, be cool and you'll be safe here.

Answer 9

I'm a Filipino and as long as i know Davao is the safest place. as the Mayor is a very strict one.and a nice place for you and your fiancee to tour around .good luck !have a safe journey

Answer 10

Just try to be nice to people. Be polite and respect the people around. Most people will return the gesture.

Always be with a local... always be with your fiancee or anyone she says you can trust. Never be seen alone.