Expat shot in chest for his wallet in Cebu mugging

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/hom...56236.html

Was there and April and had no problems, lol. Don't go to the shitty parts like any other place.

Probably going to go back tbh, but will avoid Mindanao for sure.

Quote: (07-25-2017 11:05 AM)jspill Wrote:  

Expat shot in chest for his wallet in Cebu mugging

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/hom...56236.html

Dude points a gun at you and demands your wallet. Give him your f***ing wallet.

Better yet, don't carry a wallet, carry whatever cash you will need while your out and 1 form of ID.

Quote: (07-18-2017 05:43 AM)Naughty_Boy Wrote:  

Looking for notches is great but not worth risking your life

Allow me to disagree

Guys should visit the Philippines. The civil war with Islam has barely started - situation will be relatively fine in many parts closer to Manila.

Crazy war tourists can go check out the Muslim regions.

Quote: (07-25-2017 03:53 PM)aeroektar Wrote:  

Better yet, don't carry a wallet, carry whatever cash you will need while your out and 1 form of ID.

I've got the same operating procedure.

Even when I need to carry my ATM card with me to make a withdrawal, I make sure it's as early as possible (petty criminals tend to have late nights and sleep in), near my airbnb, and I leave the credit card in my apartment, so if I get mugged or pickpocketed and the ATM card gets stolen, I at least still have access to my credit card.

Would not carry wallet with all my stuff in it.

From what I read the "trouble" is slowly coming north, with the lower part of Cebu island now "yellow" on the travel warnings.

What about Cebu City proper? How safe is it, actually? Especially around Ayala Mall.

I can't not go to the Phils but this ROP crap is pissing me off. Call me ignorant but I had always thought of the Phils as a pretty homogenous strict Catholic country. ROP separatists would never have even crossed my mind until recently.

I know Bangkok is more modern, less of a shithole and doesn't have the ROP problem, but I love pinays (the catholic ones anyway).

Quote: (07-25-2017 09:44 PM)Skank_Hunt Wrote:  

From what I read the "trouble" is slowly coming north, with the lower part of Cebu island now "yellow" on the travel warnings.

What about Cebu City proper? How safe is it, actually? Especially around Ayala Mall.

I can't not go to the Phils but this ROP crap is pissing me off. Call me ignorant but I had always thought of the Phils as a pretty homogenous strict Catholic country. ROP separatists would never have even crossed my mind until recently.

I know Bangkok is more modern, less of a shithole and doesn't have the ROP problem, but I love pinays (the catholic ones anyway).

There has always been social troubles in the PH one way or another.

Have guys on the ground noticed fewer foreigners around?

I would like the highlight the fact that only in the Philippines would the government be battling an insurrection from an organization called MILF, which is comprised of Banged A Moro people.

On my way. First of August I'll be there. Place is sold, looking for an apartment in a low noise area. I will actually be in the south, San Jose for a week. Sounds charming!

I'm hoping to visit just Manila but not sure if I will bother now...


Latest advice, 24 July 2017
On 22 July, the Philippine Congress extended martial law in Mindanao until 31 December 2017. Travellers are reminded to exercise a high degree of caution in the Philippines due to the high threat of terrorist attack, including in Manila. Possible targets include commercial and public places frequented by foreigners, such as transport hubs, the metro system, hotels, shopping malls and tourist areas. Exercise heightened caution and be vigilant about your surroundings. Monitor the media for developments that may affect your safety and security. The level of this advice has not changed. Exercise a high degree of caution in the Philippines overall. Higher levels apply in some parts of the country.

Summary

Exercise a high degree of caution in the Philippines due to the high threat of terrorist attack and the high level of crime. Seek specific advice for the locations you intend to visit.

Reconsider your need to travel to eastern Mindanao due to the very high levels of violent crime and the high threat of terrorist attack and kidnapping. See Safety and security.

Do not travel to central and western Mindanao due to the very high threat of kidnapping, terrorist attack, violent crime and violent clashes between armed groups. See Safety and security.

The deterioration in security in Mindanao has resulted in a more volatile security environment in the Philippines. There are ongoing clashes between government forces and militants in Marawi City, Mindanao. If you are in Marawi City, exercise heightened vigilance and review your personal security plans. See Safety and security.

Travellers are reminded of the high threat of terrorist attack in the Philippines, including Manila. Exercise heightened caution at this time. Be vigilant about your surrounds. Monitor the media for information that may impact on your security. Follow local authorities' advice. See Safety and security.

Possible targets for future attacks include commercial and public places frequented by foreign nationals such as transport hubs, the metro system, hotels, shopping malls, clubs, restaurants, bars, schools, markets, places of worship, outdoor recreation events and tourist areas.

The Philippine Congress has extended martial law in Mindanao until 31 December 2017, following a request from President Duterte. Measures imposed under Martial Law may include the suspension of the writ of habeas corpus, the imposition of curfews and establishment of checkpoints. Monitor media reporting and follow the instructions of local authorities. See Safety and security.

There is an ongoing threat of terrorist attacks and violent crime in the Philippines, including in Manila, other major cities and many rural areas. Be alert to possible threats around locations that have a low level of protective security and places known to be possible terrorist targets.

On 17 July 2017, the US warned of credible information that terrorists planned to conduct kidnappings in Palawan, Cebu, and Bohol provinces in 2017. On 3 November 2016, the US Government warned that terrorists are planning to conduct kidnappings in areas frequented by foreigners on the southern part of Cebu Island, specifically the areas around Dalaguete and Santander (including Sumilon Island). See Safety and security.

The Philippines Government declared a 'state of lawlessness' and raised its domestic terror alert in response to a major terrorist attack in Davao City on 2 September 2016, subsequent terrorist attacks (including on the US Embassy) and its assessment that there is an ongoing terrorism threat. There is a heavy police presence across the Philippines. See Safety and security.

There is a very high threat of kidnapping in the southern Philippines, especially along the Zamboanga peninsula and in the Sulu Archipelago. Tourists in southern Palawan, southern Negros or Siquijor could also be targeted. See Safety and security.

Police and other authorities have released strong statements regarding the trafficking and use of drugs in the Philippines. See Laws.

There is ongoing transmission of Zika virus in the Philippines. Protect yourself from mosquito bites and take additional precautions advised by the Department of Health. If you are pregnant, consider deferring your travel. See Health.

The typhoon season normally runs from late May to December. Tropical storms, flooding and landslides may occur. See Additional information.

See Travel smart for general advice for all travellers.

http://smartraveller.gov.au/Countries/as...pines.aspx

Quote: (07-25-2017 09:44 PM)Skank_Hunt Wrote:  

From what I read the "trouble" is slowly coming north, with the lower part of Cebu island now "yellow" on the travel warnings.

What about Cebu City proper? How safe is it, actually? Especially around Ayala Mall.

I can't not go to the Phils but this ROP crap is pissing me off. Call me ignorant but I had always thought of the Phils as a pretty homogenous strict Catholic country. ROP separatists would never have even crossed my mind until recently.

I know Bangkok is more modern, less of a shithole and doesn't have the ROP problem, but I love pinays (the catholic ones anyway).

That's what I'm thinking. They will wipe out ISIS down south and whoever is left over will go on a suicide bombing spree where tourism is always a hotspot!

Quote: (07-25-2017 09:44 PM)Skank_Hunt Wrote:  

From what I read the "trouble" is slowly coming north, with the lower part of Cebu island now "yellow" on the travel warnings.

What about Cebu City proper? How safe is it, actually? Especially around Ayala Mall.

I can't not go to the Phils but this ROP crap is pissing me off. Call me ignorant but I had always thought of the Phils as a pretty homogenous strict Catholic country. ROP separatists would never have even crossed my mind until recently.

I know Bangkok is more modern, less of a shithole and doesn't have the ROP problem, but I love pinays (the catholic ones anyway).

Philippines is not a homogenous society. I guess if you want to call all asians the same that might be true but it's really not. It's made up of dozens of tribes with many speaking specific dialects which are as different as spanish and french.

The Catholic part is a ruling class thing and something that has always been there to control the masses. However, i'd call the Ph "roughly catholic" because it differs greatly according to the social class and strata you're talking about. There are even different sects of christianity in the philippines and some even have cult status like iglesia ni cristo.

Muslim separatists are a big problem with Thailand, Philippines, Malaysia, and Indonesia. They have always been a problem. There's a very large radius you can draw that would encompass the problem areas and envelope all these countries. It's quite obvious there's a culture and population migration of these muslims which inhabitated the fringes of the established civilizations.

Now they seek to control and subjugate those civilizations. Sound familiar?

The sad fact is that the west facilitates the rise of islam these days in all these countries and by default extremism in the form of ISIS and other groups by kowtowing to entities such as the saudi royal family and other oil pimps.

I meant religion wise - I was always brought up with the idea that everyone in PI was Catholic even though I knew there were lots of different dialects and regions etc.. I never really looked into it that much. Definitely not any ROP stuff.

How big do you think the threat of ROP is in PI compared to previous years? Is it something that has always been a problem or is it reaching a dangerously high point of growth to the extent that it might even take over Visayas at some point?

Or do you think Duterte is going to go in hard on it as he has on drugs? They really do need to wipe those ROP pieces out in the south before it poses more danger to the country as a whole. Is Duterte the right man for the job?

Quote: (07-28-2017 04:08 PM)Skank_Hunt Wrote:  

I meant religion wise - I was always brought up with the idea that everyone in PI was Catholic even though I knew there were lots of different dialects and regions etc.. I never really looked into it that much. Definitely not any ROP stuff.

How big do you think the threat of ROP is in PI compared to previous years? Is it something that has always been a problem or is it reaching a dangerously high point of growth to the extent that it might even take over Visayas at some point?

Or do you think Duterte is going to go in hard on it as he has on drugs? They really do need to wipe those ROP pieces out in the south before it poses more danger to the country as a whole. Is Duterte the right man for the job?

Duterte is from Muslim origin, clearly sympathizes with them, joked about raping that Christian nun once and now he offered the Jihadis an independent Islamic State on Philippines territory - so NO. He also was hesitant about moving against them in the beginning despite the asshats already having beheaded countless people in the streets.

This will become more deadly over time. The geography of the Philippines makes this one hell of a war. Honestly the only solution would be to simply throw out every Muslim out of the Philippines, give them the southern Islands so that they can have their shitty Islamic paradise and then build massive bases and strict borders - no Muslims may enter into the Philippines from this day henceforth! That would make the country instantly Islamic-terror free. Better have a smaller country than such enriching vibrant citizens living among them.

Won't happen of course, because that would be racist. (Also the Muslim part would quickly devolve into some kind of primitive shithole.)

Quote: (07-28-2017 04:20 PM)Zelcorpion Wrote:  

Quote: (07-28-2017 04:08 PM)Skank_Hunt Wrote:  

I meant religion wise - I was always brought up with the idea that everyone in PI was Catholic even though I knew there were lots of different dialects and regions etc.. I never really looked into it that much. Definitely not any ROP stuff.

How big do you think the threat of ROP is in PI compared to previous years? Is it something that has always been a problem or is it reaching a dangerously high point of growth to the extent that it might even take over Visayas at some point?

Or do you think Duterte is going to go in hard on it as he has on drugs? They really do need to wipe those ROP pieces out in the south before it poses more danger to the country as a whole. Is Duterte the right man for the job?

Duterte is from Muslim origin, clearly sympathizes with them, joked about raping that Christian nun once and now he offered the Jihadis an independent Islamic State on Philippines territory - so NO. He also was hesitant about moving against them in the beginning despite the asshats already having beheaded countless people in the streets.

This will become more deadly over time. The geography of the Philippines makes this one hell of a war. Honestly the only solution would be to simply throw out every Muslim out of the Philippines, give them the southern Islands so that they can have their shitty Islamic paradise and then build massive bases and strict borders - no Muslims may enter into the Philippines from this day henceforth! That would make the country instantly Islamic-terror free. Better have a smaller country than such enriching vibrant citizens living among them.

Won't happen of course, because that would be racist. (Also the Muslim part would quickly devolve into some kind of primitive shithole.)

Wouldn't work mainly because whatever you gave them, the prime tenet of their religion is violent expansionism. Ceding them nearby islands just guarantees them safe bases to attack you from.

< Yes, but that could not be done via individual terrorism anymore. They would have to attack in open warfare and that would go very very bad for the mini-Caliphate of the Philippines. They can try and expand all they want - the joint US and Philippine forces would obliterate them from the ships - there would not even be a need for one man to leave his cockpit or ship.

Dunno about you guys but I've been getting noticeably more dirty looks and shit lately. "Hey Yoshi" "Hey Bon Joni" "OMG", the last commonly said whenever a local dude sees me with a Filipina. Sometimes they have American flags on their shirts. Go figure.

(No, I'm not sixty years old / 300 lbs. I've heard the locals making similar comments to other younger guys, so.)

Based on this and the assorted foreigners getting whacked, along with the Japanese guys who were assassinated "Yazuka style" whatever the hell that means, I wouldn't advise traveling outside of Makati, BGC, Alabang or other safer areas currently.

Quote: (07-28-2017 04:20 PM)Zelcorpion Wrote:  

Duterte is from Muslim origin, clearly sympathizes with them, joked about raping that Christian nun once and now he offered the Jihadis an independent Islamic State on Philippines territory - so NO. He also was hesitant about moving against them in the beginning despite the asshats already having beheaded countless people in the streets.

This will become more deadly over time. The geography of the Philippines makes this one hell of a war. Honestly the only solution would be to simply throw out every Muslim out of the Philippines, give them the southern Islands so that they can have their shitty Islamic paradise and then build massive bases and strict borders - no Muslims may enter into the Philippines from this day henceforth! That would make the country instantly Islamic-terror free. Better have a smaller country than such enriching vibrant citizens living among them.

Won't happen of course, because that would be racist. (Also the Muslim part would quickly devolve into some kind of primitive shithole.)

Another poosy paradise lost? I agree that all ROP members should be thrown out but then there is the issue that DT mentions, their core tenet is violent expansionism so whatever you give them they still won't be happy.

Duterte seems like a very proud man. ROP origins or not, is he going to stand by and watch his country get attacked again and again and just take it? Regardless of the origins or motivations of the attacks, his personality indicates that he would move to wipe them out. I hope he does.

In the meantime, I'm just not sure whether it's worth it to go to PI now. On the one hand, it's always had social problems and there have always been robberies at gunpoint (the latest shooting was not to do with ROP it was just a robbery). On the other hand, things seem to be escalating beyond even my pessimistic predictions.

I personally thought the ROP shit would stay isolated to the very southern islands. I also did not think that Duterte would cede any territory to the ROP rebels, both due to his pride and the fact that you give these bastards an inch, and their holy book literally instructs them to take a mile.

No oil in these parts so no real help from the US army or what? Or would the strategic location motivate the US to intervene?

Quote: (07-28-2017 04:08 PM)Skank_Hunt Wrote:  

How big do you think the threat of ROP is in PI compared to previous years? Is it something that has always been a problem or is it reaching a dangerously high point of growth to the extent that it might even take over Visayas at some point?

The only reason it's as bad as it is now because negotiations between several groups broke down. There's also some kind of leadership consolidation going on where a few of them are joining together to foment unrest. Various majority muslim cities within the Philippines will always be shitholes to avoid though.

It's not going to take over the Visayas anytime soon because the terror groups out there are still outnumbered and outgunned. They have some civilian sympathy in their own areas but outside of that they are looked at as bandits and terrorists. Plus the Visayas encompasses a pretty large and spread out territory.

Quite a few of these muslim groups aren't real ideologists at all. Abu Sayaff for example claims to be about islam but they are really just about money. They act more like a gang involved in kidnapping, drug running, and extortion than jihadists.

It's relatively hard for these groups to challenge the central government in Luzon. They'd have to find a way to move their operations from localized town raiding in Mindanao to Manila and that's not so easy. You might see an increase of one off jihadist type terror attacks but nothing that can challenge the government itself.

Visit now - visit soon - the same goes for France, Germany or UK. Visit those countries now because they descend into civil war and later likely open war with Islam.

Just got pulled over (ran down?) by a cop. First time it's happened in my area in almost two years. He asked for a 1000 peso bribe which I gladly paid as the alternative was going to city hall for an imaginary traffic violation

Quote: (07-28-2017 04:20 PM)Zelcorpion Wrote:  

Quote: (07-28-2017 04:08 PM)Skank_Hunt Wrote:  

I meant religion wise - I was always brought up with the idea that everyone in PI was Catholic even though I knew there were lots of different dialects and regions etc.. I never really looked into it that much. Definitely not any ROP stuff.

How big do you think the threat of ROP is in PI compared to previous years? Is it something that has always been a problem or is it reaching a dangerously high point of growth to the extent that it might even take over Visayas at some point?

Or do you think Duterte is going to go in hard on it as he has on drugs? They really do need to wipe those ROP pieces out in the south before it poses more danger to the country as a whole. Is Duterte the right man for the job?

Duterte is from Muslim origin, clearly sympathizes with them, joked about raping that Christian nun once and now he offered the Jihadis an independent Islamic State on Philippines territory - so NO. He also was hesitant about moving against them in the beginning despite the asshats already having beheaded countless people in the streets.

This will become more deadly over time. The geography of the Philippines makes this one hell of a war. Honestly the only solution would be to simply throw out every Muslim out of the Philippines, give them the southern Islands so that they can have their shitty Islamic paradise and then build massive bases and strict borders - no Muslims may enter into the Philippines from this day henceforth! That would make the country instantly Islamic-terror free. Better have a smaller country than such enriching vibrant citizens living among them.

Won't happen of course, because that would be racist. (Also the Muslim part would quickly devolve into some kind of primitive shithole.)

Basically what should be happening everywhere. They flee to go to the western societies for safety and then turn try to turn it into the shitholes they left. Look at everywhere they go, it may not be politically correct but it's true.