Quote Originally Posted by London_Manila View Post
Minadanao is still on the UK'S governments "essential" travel only advisory

I would imagine that advice is for a reason
Davao City was placed as the 4th safest city in the world in a recent survey.
It certainly feels that way.

I've travelled around Mindanao a whole lot during my time here often into the so called no-go areas such as the Compostela Valley, Surigao and Cotabato.

Of course the military remain a highly visible presence in those areas with checkpoints etc.
Even today there are 'hot spots' where sporadic gun fights are likely to erupt at anytime as the military seek out the various armed groups still operating. These are mainly in jungle areas.

The UK government, along with others, still sees the need to maintain the warnings of terrorist action and potential kidnap.
Fair enough.

Many countries are seen as unsafe by western governments including popular tourist destinations such as Thailand etc
Like Mindano, these are all large land areas mostly safe and beautiful