Just saw this on the news here stateside. It's being reported as a very legit warning vs warnings just put out with vague information. Reason being that June is gay pride month.

 

I wonder all these warnings against the Philippines,,,,,, especially Mindanao given many countries are far worse for crime and murder. Some government departments should look in their own back yards instead of justifying their jobs criticizing foreign countries as unsafe.

I feel very safe in the Philippines and never had an issue but keep my wits about me as one should at home or a foreign country.

Cheers, Steve.

 

I wonder all these warnings against the Philippines,,,,,, especially Mindanao given many countries are far worse for crime and murder. Some government departments should look in their own back yards instead of justifying their jobs criticizing foreign countries as unsafe.

I feel very safe in the Philippines and never had an issue but keep my wits about me as one should at home or a foreign country.

Cheers, Steve.

The updated warning on Mindanao is actually a downgrade on alerts the alert had dropped in Mindanao, here's the abbreviated version of that message I just posted.

· The rescinding of the “State of National Emergency” in Mindanao.

· The lowering of Travel Advisory Levels in four areas of Mindanao, including Davao City, Davao del Norte Province, Siargao Island, and the Dinagat Islands, which changed from Level 3 (“Reconsider Travel”) to Level 2 (“Exercise Caution”).

· Updated information on current risk levels.

 

Regardless Mark there are plenty of worse places to live, they remain nameless as I don't want to start a sh1t fight yet again on this site. Over reacting rings a bell and I'm sure the expats living there shake their heads in disbelief with the government warnings that simply generalize the whole of Mindanao as a no go zone. For as long as I have been knocking around here it's been the same and unduly posted,,,, perhaps Some areas around Zamboanga or the Sulu Sulu archipelago. I often wonder the brains that think up travel warnings with no research. Mindanao is a big island.

OMO.

Cheers, Steve.

 

The US State Department receives police reports from our Embassy here on what happened to US Citizens, could be Westerners from any nation or civil unrest, but this information isn't in the news, like murder or robbery ect... only a few token stories make the news.

I was required to read these reports when I was active duty before I was allowed to travel to the Philippines, so I had to sign on a document that I had read the warnings (stories of what happened recently or during that timeline) ask permission in order to take vacation "leave" to the Philippines as an active duty military member, okay... these stories never made the news and at the time I was stationed on Guam so not too far away, so in a span of two weeks I read the murders and deaths or robberies and this was 3 pages long.

Anyway.... my main job was an air crewman but later on I also worked in the office and with messages so what I'm getting at is that there's so much hidden unless there's that need to know, and then since I worked in government, we got to see much more than what is in the news, and it's very alarming I'll just leave it right there so alarming and information is hidden, so getting back to the US State Department messages or warnings, these are credible and very real, and you should take them seriously.

And yet in this case the US State Department is ea certain area's in Mindanao so that's good thing especially since the Philippine would like to see more tourists in that region.

 

Simply as said Mark some countries should look in their own back yard first before condemning foreign countries with travel warnings especially if the crime rates are higher from a/the country issuing those warnings.

OMO.

Cheers, Steve.

 

Simply as said Mark some countries should look in their own back yard first before condemning foreign countries with travel warnings especially if the crime rates are higher from a/the country issuing those warnings.

Reminds me of a briefing I was required to attend prior to a trip thru Johannesburg for 2 days before continuing on to the USA. All manner of warnings, don't leave the hotel at night, lock doors etc., When the briefing was over I said,"That's it? What about when we land in Miami?"

 

I think that the main thing that is being overlooked is that the warning is directed towards those who will be frequenting LBGTQ functions and attractions during Pride month. It's not a dig on the Phils in general. It's a warning to be aware of Islamic extremism terrorism worldwide during Pride month.

Since the 7 Oct attack on Israel, and the subsequent Israeli counterattack against Hamas in Gaza, the terrorist tensions have been racheted way up. Islam looks down on homosexuality with extreme violence. A Pride event, or gay venue would be a prime target for Muslim terrorism to bring warped attention to their cause.

Just a few weeks ago one morning in London, an Islamic male attacked his roommate who converted from Islam to Christianity, stabbing him. When he escaped, and locked himself in a room with another roommate, the first male left the residence, and went out onto the street. He came across a 70 y/o male who was walking alone, and he proceeded to stab him multiple times until he was dead. His reasons being the Israeli attacks against Gaza.

The male was not from Gaza. He had no family or relatives there. He was just a Muslim male who was angry. It makes no sense to us, but it's clear as glass for him.

 

Happened today

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1225066

 

If I recall correctly there was a nice man asking people to be nice and tolerant to each other and was promptly nailed to a tree. True or not I have no idea but the philosophy remains no matter beliefs. Live and let live.

Cheers, Steve.

 

If I recall correctly there was a nice man asking people to be nice and tolerant to each other and was promptly nailed to a tree. True or not I have no idea but the philosophy remains no matter beliefs. Live and let live.

It wasnt a tree, it was a cross made of wood
A rather common tortoure killing method back then.
Thats among the FEW of the main christian things, which are true...
mensioned in documents belonging to other than christians too.

 

@alicejbriones

100% agree especially with travel warnings and a little nous goes far further than some fool sitting behind a desk looking at the news and never setting feet on the ground.
I don't see the hyperbole sprouted by many countries against foreign lands as valuable. While I have never been to Mindanao,,,,,, one day, the crap sprouted against this part of the Philippines is essentially as you say some fool trying to justify his/her existence in a government position.

Local knowledge wins the day and for me? In Mindanao? The south west area needs caution especially the Tawi Tawi region. there are a heck of a lot of expats and far more locals very happy to live there and prosper.
Could it be like saying don't go to Chicago as it's dangerous? Many who issue travel warnings should look in their own back yards first.

Hey, OMO.

Cheers, Steve.

 

@alicejbriones

100% agree especially with travel warnings and a little nous goes far further than some fool sitting behind a desk looking at the news and never setting feet on the ground.
I don't see the hyperbole sprouted by many countries against foreign lands as valuable. While I have never been to Mindanao,,,,,, one day, the crap sprouted against this part of the Philippines is essentially as you say some fool trying to justify his/her existence in a government position.

Local knowledge wins the day and for me? In Mindanao? The south west area needs caution especially the Tawi Tawi region. there are a heck of a lot of expats and far more locals very happy to live there and prosper.
Could it be like saying don't go to Chicago as it's dangerous? Many who issue travel warnings should look in their own back yards first.

Hey, OMO.

Cheers, Steve.

To be fair an American marine was killed there in a plane crash this year with other officers and the American shot dead in that area this year. Add the fact that other chap was shot and taken and never found there is some warnings that do ring a bell.
To be fair the US warns of the areas where it’s a no go and say use caution in other places.
The American shot this year in that area was gay but had used an ATM earlier.

 

The whole of Mindanao for 50 years Newfie? Generalising? Try many cities and I bet even Zamboanga is safer than many foreign cities. Pick your mark and location well.

Cheers, Steve.

 

But Steve tell that to the families, we are talking about the Philippines to be fair. It’s always best to avoid areas that have a higher degree of caution.

the truth is many build here with walls, have dogs, pick areas that are safer. We are seen to have money even if we are not that wealthy. Other half’s family had concerns in areas we looked at so as you say pick your area carefully, take notice and use common sense.

 

Golly and gosh Newfie tell that to the families that sent their kids to school never to enjoy the life they should have enjoyed, the massacred innocents killed in egotistical bloody wars, home invasions, family murders, the list goes on and it's not just Mindanao nor LGBTQ souls as it's a world wide phenomena but some countries simply choose to ignore what's happening at home,,,,,,, the blame game?

I have no issue with being gay here as it's more widely accepted than a plethora of other self opinionated bigots wanting to make the world follow their one eyed beliefs.

You want to know Mindanao then simply visit and don't cast sh1t from some far off country sitting behind a desk.

OMO.

Cheers, Steve.

 

Steve being gay does not alter who you are, if you are kind and caring who cares what your sexuality is, it’s who you are as a person.

why don’t you go there Steve, why did you pick your area to live. I think I will listen to my families views rather than someone who moved to the country, but we are not citizens and it does not matter where we are at the moment.

if You take umbrage that’s up to you, but it’s only fair to point out concerns and then it’s down to the individual to make his own mind up.

 

The like I give is for your honesty Newfie and a wise man you seem to be, firstly I will begin with the end of your submission in your post. Absolutely no umbrage as I have broad shoulders no matter the flack or criticism is taken on board.
Newfie we all make up our own minds for life as well as location and hopefully picked wisely. Happy.

Gay is not an issue and accepted by my children x wife as well as work colleges for 20 odd years and as you mentioned should not be a problem but can be for some.

Live here? A partners family 40 minutes drive, a fantastic country/culture and people. 14 years knocking around here and never a regret. Happy partner equals a happy life.

Cheers, Steve.

 

No worries Steve, you will find I speak my mind, I’m not one for hiding behind cryptic messages, what you see is what you get.

ive no time for bigotry, people should be free to express themselves as they wish free from that.

 

The biggest problem with these warning is the getout for the insurance companies.

 

I was considering visiting CDO area, looks great, plenty of expats live there, I see no real problem.

My partner will not have it. Plus UK gov travel advice is not positive:

Philippines travel advice

FCDO travel advice for the Philippines. Includes safety and security, insurance, entry requirements and legal differences.

www.gov.uk

She wins.

 

Travel warnings are aimed at all travelers especially first time travelers so they are extra cautious which is understandable. I worked for a large multinational and often had to try to orient newly arrived employees from other countries. Some of the most difficult were US new hires many of whom had never been out of their home state much less the USA. While working in Africa it was especially hard on them, couldn't acclimate. SE Asia was another matter. Our attrition rate went up and I was called to a meeting in Singapore with NY officialdom to explain. I told them it was primarily due to AIDS which shocked the corporate hierarchy as they prided themselves on hiring 'family men' who didn't appear to be gay. I explained AIDS was how I described Asian Induced Divorce Syndrome.
AIDS remains rampant in SE Asia

 

The dead people who thought they knew better than their governments are on record.

 

The USA under tRump/muskrat is worse than the worst of Mexican cartels.
Horrifying.

 

When faced with this type of hysteria, I can see why majority of American voters gave Trump the nod.

 

"Hysteria"? Is this like the late 1800s/early1900s when men sent their wives to insane asylums so they could take new & younger wives, claiming their "old" wife was "hysterical"?

Umm...do you live under a rock?

The "Handmaids Tale" is happening in the USA, in 2025, as we speak. And there was NO majority, btw. Look at the numbers. 77302 vs 75017. And factor the voter suppression of the GOP.

 

Trump's America - "worse than the worst of the Mexican cartels". = Hysteria.

"Handmaids Tale" in Trump's America = Hysteria

86 more states in electoral college = Majority

More votes in popular vote = Majority

Voter suppression = Hysteria

Always happy to be persuaded of another view, with facts.

 

More votes in popular vote = Majority

One thing to note is 90 million people who could vote chose not to do so which is more than the winner got. A lot of people have given up voting. Personally I think voting should be mandatory as it is in many other countries

 

Can one still do that with wives ?

 

Near-future New England in a patriarchal, totalitarian theonomic state known as the Republic of Gilead, which has overthrown the United States government.

I guess that's a yes.

 

Aaah... a man who can adapt and change ?

 

Only if it suits and advances HIS power or wealth.

 

GirlDownunder

Do you live now, or have you ever lived in the US?

 

Why do you ask, counselor?

 

@yakc130

Who would bother especially these days?

Cheers, Steve.

 

@yakc130

Who would bother especially these days?

Cheers, Steve.

Our governments hate us, we take money from them and use it abroad hahaha U.K. government try so hard like paying CGT a on second home abroad If you sell. Unfortunately here we could build and sell and they can’t get a damn penny.

Every penny not put back into their economy affects them, but hey ho. At least we can relax and get out of the rat race.

 

Stupid UK government should pay us pensioners to leave. We save them a fortune by NOT being there.

 

@yakc130

I'm sure once you move to the Philippines it will be your lane with all it's ups and downs, you may even wonder why you never took the plunge years earlier.
I have traveled extensively around the world over the last 40 years including 3 trips to the US and wasn't my lane, great as a tourist and there it ended, my home country Oz for 59 years wasn't my lane either and not returned in over 6 years, no need as home is where you make it. The crap and cost of living in western countries has gone beyond a joke and the politics?
Here as a foreigner no one bothers you and you dare not get involved in the local goings on and you will have the best life, unlike our home countries.

OMO.

Cheers, Steve.

 

You sound like someone who is clueless, having never spent time in the US. Merely going off of what you hear in media, and being angered by someone who has no physical effect on you. Why?

It's the same thing that I experienced with Saudis when I worked there. Asking me all kinds of questions about things in the US that did not affect at all, but they felt that they should be emotional about them and react.

 

And you sound like a typical American who thinks what goes on in America has no effect on the rest of the world.