There are isolated spots in the Philippines where there is some danger from terrorists, but I feel the media exaggerates the threat. Newspapers are not noted for using "Everything is fine today" as a headline. If a terrorist group is in the jungle asleep and inactive they show up in the headlines. The military has strong US support and the US is a close friend of the Philippines with a long standing relationship. The police are understaffed they say but there seem to be enough to protect me since I don't seem to need any protection.

As far as street crime is concerned, Cebu City is a lot safer generally than most places I have lived in the United States. You can walk the streets at 2 a.m. and have no problems in almost all parts of the city, whether you are male or female. Note, I said "almost." I have not seen any vandalism in eleven years here. Graffiti is nowhere in sight. In every big city there are pickpockets and snatchers. Beware of them and don�t leave your bags unattended an any county, especially a developing one. Tourist who stand out, are always targets. The only way to be perfectly safe is, don't travel, stay at home and keep your doors locked. Even then you may get hit by lightening.

Quiet Moalboal Resort-Scuba Diving
South of Cebu City

There are serious storms and other natural disasters in the north island of Luzon where Manila is.

But in the central island group, where I live, storms are rare as are earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. I have never experienced anything like that, here and don't expect to.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE