How do you guys protect your homes

[dickey777777]

I've been with my girl for 3 years now. Zamboanga is a dangerous place, but I was wondering if any expats have any info on how safe it is to visit there now? I'd like to visit, but she says that it is just too dangerous. We always meet in Manila.

[skip43783]

John, My wife lives in cagayan de oro; and i have been there many times myself. I have always been treated with respect and never had any problems at all. Just keep an eye out, dont be anywhere that your not supposed to be, meaning...have common sense.I love it there and will be retiring there in 3 years.

[seram]

Dicky....I have been going to Zambo for over 13 years which equals around 26 trips to Zambo and staying for 2 weeks minimum each time.

Are u saying Zambo has a curfew..I have been to Jolliebee at 1.00am only July this year. I have got home from nightclubs at 3.00am... The place is still alive...Why would your girl put the fear factor into you..

It is as safe as you wish to make it. As already stated, commonsense should always be priority.

During the day I do what ever any over tourist does in a city. I walk downtown which is around 5 klm from my hotel. I go the beach. I have played golf and gone to many restaurants. Go the mall and watch the fireworks at Fort Pilar with Sarah's family. I have ridden trikes and jeeps but there is always one rule I made sure I abided to....That was getting home before dark unless with the family.

I have been to 3 bars where the girls dance and strip naked. Love Disco, kiss me Disco and Superstar...Always with my girls uncles or father..(haha.another story.)

I always stay at the Marcian Garden Hotel near the airport. Terrific hospitality and other foreigners to talk with if u wish..What ever you do or where ever you go you will pay Filipina price because there are not so many foreigners to inflate prices if u got my drift.

When you see the news and read the Philippine newspaper on line it always reports bombing and kidnappings as Zamboanga City but in actual fact 95% of these happen on the Island of Jolo Jolo, Basilan and a few others, miles off the coast of Zambo.. It is reported as Zamboanga City because Zambo is the Capital of that region..

A side note.. (Please forgive me as this is not aimed at you..)

It always worries me to hear a guys girlfriend trying to turn him away from going to Zambo because it is not safe....Over the years I have seen it so many times and had foreigners from all over the world crying on my shoulder in the pool bar because there girlfriend would only ever meet him in Manila because Zambo was unsafe. They were crying because they had had enough and wanted to see Zambo and meet her family. after all, she was going to be the wife.

Some of the guys sneaked down to Zambo and others made their girl take them. here are some of the results of there visiting Zambo..

Almost all had kids the guy was not told about. (no big deal for me)
Almost all had other boyfriends either Pinoy or foreigners.
A lot just booked them into the hotel and disappeared. Leaving the guy stranded.
never to be seen again.
Some girls seen the boyfriend daily but would never stay overnight at the hotel with them..Always an excuse. This is a good test for your girl. If she cant stay overnight then the bells should ring.

In Jan. 2011 Greg a Canadian went to Zambo to marry his long time girlfriend..They always met in Manila with her cousin because Zambo was dangerous. (haha).. She met him at the airport took in to the hotel and then she was gone. He paid for an investigator to track her..Cost him some dollars but he ended up with Pics of her with her Policeman husband and 3 kids living in San Roque about 8 klms out of Zambo.
Anyhow mate..I am suspicious of the girls that wont allow a potential husband to visit her baranguy on the pretence of too dangerous. Her and her Family could make it so safe for you..cheers

[Gene and Viol]

This thread was started as ways to protect home and property but has drifted off topic.

Lets get back on topic please guys and gals- .....


Gene

[seram]

Thanks Gene

[msr12077]

Does anyone know how safe is Naga City (Bicol, Camarines Sur)?
I am planning to visit for 3 months.

[bundyrum]

Originally Posted by seram

I hope this post is appropriate..

I will be building in Zamboanga City so I am going to have to take extra precautions. I don't intend to live there 12 months of the year but most likely 6 to 9 months and then visit my expat friends in Olongapo and Angeles.

My asawa's sister will look after the house while I am gone..

Just wondering what you guys do to maybe make it a bit safer living in the Phils..regards

Hi, all I can suggest is not to appear too wealthy & have security bars on your windows. Make it so your house appears from the outside to fit in with the surrounding landscape.Good luck. John

[Gene and Viol]

Originally Posted by msr12077

Does anyone know how safe is Naga City (Bicol, Camarines Sur)?
I am planning to visit for 3 months.

Hi and welcome. That area is par for the course I guess. Has a lot of NPA rebels in the area but have not heard of any recent problems. Naga is a fairly large city so should have most everything needed at stores too.

Gene

[seram]

Hi John..

Not looking wealthy is a good point.

But in the end just being a foreigner means you are wealthy in the Philippines. You are a target.

As gene would be aware the toll of foreigners being killed and robbed in Angeles is rising by the month.

cheers

[Gene and Viol]

Originally Posted by seram

Hi John..

Not looking wealthy is a good point.

But in the end just being a foreigner means you are wealthy in the Philippines. You are a target.

As gene would be aware the toll of foreigners being killed and robbed in Angeles is rising by the month.

cheers

That really is true. Because most locals will never be able to afford travel and things we take for granted, they think we are filthy rich--and by their standards, we are. So yea we are a natural target for local criminals as well as dishonest and sometimes dangerous police. I'll put a link to the "Harry The Horse" site here to give you an idea of some of the dangers that exist. Granted, this site is information for the Angeles City area, but there are like dangers all over the country on a lesser scale.

Follow this link: Harry The Horse | The Man About Town


Gene