Jonestime

For Your Safety

One must understand there are some life-threatening risks in the Philippines. Of these the highest includes visiting or living in some areas of Mindanao and anywhere in the Sulu Archipelago. These areas which are located in the southern Philippines and are known for their stunning landscapes, and diverse cultures. While these regions offer a desired scenery, there is a significant risk associated with visiting for Western foreigners. These very risky areas are primarily made up of the Islamic religious groups and has long been a hot spot for insurgent activities. Factions such as the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) are known for their involvement in militant activities.These groups have been responsible for numerous acts of violence, including bombings, kidnappings, murders, and attacks on government forces. Their presence creates a constant state of tension and unpredictability in the region. The Sulu Sea, which separates the Sulu Archipelago from Borneo, is notorious for piracy. Piracy in this region often involves kidnappings for ransom, which poses significant risks to both local fishermen and international maritime traffic. The presence of armed factions involved in piracy exacerbates the security situation in all of the waters surrounding the Sulu Archipelago. Ethnic and clan-based conflicts are also prevalent in this location. These conflicts can escalate quickly, leading to violent confrontations between different groups. Such local disputes can be difficult to predict and often affect both residents and visitors. Criminal groups and insurgents often target foreigners and wealthy locals for kidnapping attempts. These kidnappings can lead to extended periods of captivity and high ransom demands. Even though the Philippine government and military are actively working to combat these threats, the risk still remains significant. Violent crime, including armed robbery and assault, are higher in the hazardous areas of Mindanao and the Sulu Archipelago. Travelers are often advised to exercise extreme caution and avoid these areas. It is crucial for individuals considering visiting or residing in these areas to stay updated on advisories from their home country and follow their recommended precautions.

The Marawi Seige

           Lets begin with the crucial threat of kidnapping and its underlying causes. For over three decades, Islamic extremist factions such as the notorious Abu Sayyaf Group have been striving to establish an independent Islamic state on the island of Mindanao. Abu Sayyaf receives financial backing from the Islamic State (ISIS) and other terrorist organizations, enabling them to expand their influence globally. These groups seek to secede from the predominantly Catholic Philippines and establish their own caliphate or governing body. Their tactics involve perpetrating acts of violence and instilling fear in the population. They have targeted and killed numerous law enforcement officers, military personnel, and civilians, besieged cities, detonated explosives in public areas, and carried out numerous abductions. Notably, their kidnappings often focus on tourists or individuals of high value, as these incidents serve as a means to finance their operations and procure weapons to advance their agenda. Historically, they have successfully negotiated substantial ransoms in exchange for the safe release of their captives. However, if the ransom was not paid in a timely manner, the victims would face the grim fate of being killed, often through be-headings. In recent times, the Philippine government deployed a significant number of military forces to the Island of Mindanao area to combat and eliminate these terrorists, leading to the siege of Marawi City. The assault on Marawi City occurred shortly after Philippine security forces targeted the mountain hideout of Isnilon Hapilon in 2017. Hapilon, a longstanding leader of Abu Sayyaf, also known as the "Father of the Sword," was infamous for his involvement in kidnappings and be-headings. The Philippine military reported that Hapilon was likely injured during the raids but managed to escape to Marawi City, where he aligned with the Maute group to orchestrate the siege. The clashes between Philippine forces and the Islamic State-linked Maute group resulted in the deaths of nearly 300 individuals, following the seizure of Marawi City on May 23, 2017. This attack served as a stark warning that the Islamic State was establishing a foothold in Southeast Asia. Subsequently, the majority of the city's 200,000 residents fled in fear for their safety. The aftermath of the battle has left the town in complete devastation. Both sides are pointing fingers at each other for the destruction caused. However, since the conflict, the incidents of kidnappings in the area have significantly decreased. This can be attributed to the ongoing military presence and their control in the region, as well as the successful elimination of terrorist many elements. At this time, most of the kidnappings in the Philippines involve Chinese nationals, particularly in or around Manila. These criminal activities are often carried out other Chinese individuals. This activity is usually related to Philippine Off Shore Gaming (POGO). There is often a great deal of human trafficking and forced labor involved. Despite these trends, the risk of being kidnapped in the southern regions of the Philippines remains high. Therefore, travel advisories issued by various countries continue to advise against visiting these extremely perilous areas.

Do not go into or near the following areas of Mindanao or the Sulu Archipelago

(They are considered some of the most dangerous areas in the world)

Sulu Archipelago

• Basilan
• Sulu
• Tawi-Tawi
• Western and central Mindanao

Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao

• Lanao del Sur
• Maguindanao

Northern Mindanao

• Bukidnon
• Camiguin
• Lanao del Norte
• Misamis Occidental
• Misamis Oriental

Soccsksargen

• Cotabato
• Sarangani
• South Cotabato
• Sultan Kudarat

Zamboanga Peninsula

• Zamboanga del Norte
• Zamboanga del Sur
• Zamboanga Sibugay

Caraga

• Agusan del Norte
• Agusan del Sur
• Surigao del Norte, excluding Siargao Island
• Surigao del Sur

Davao

• Davao de Oro
• Davao del Sur, excluding Davao City
• Davao Occidental
• Davao Oriental

The US State Department consider these areas safe at the present time

1. Davao City
2. Davao del Norte Province
3. Siargao Island
4. The Dinagat Islands