White guy in Zambo

[madtownguy 164]

I'm like you I don't really worry too much in a foreign country. But I heard this last time I was in Philippines and next time I go I will confirm for sure. Even though you are not a citizen supposedly you can pay a fee to carry a firearm with you. A police officer said you can pay to buy a gun or register a gun you bring with from the US. For sure I would conceal if I had the choice to so next time I will do some digging to find out if it is as easy as the cop made it sound.

[Travelpro 3]

My fiance is also from Zamboanga. Luckily shortly after we met she moved to Manila for work. There is no way I would visit Zamboanga due to the Muslim extremist. White guys are just an ATM machine for them. Its just not worth the risk. I've done enough research to be convinced not to go. Yes, some will say its OK to go but many will say don't go. I'll take getting robbed at gunpoint in Manila any day over getting killed or kidnaped in Zamboanga. Its not petty crime like getting robbed that worries me. I have that ####### at home. Risk vs reward is not worth it.

Only the Southern part of Mindanao is dangerous. There are many places is Mindanao I want and will visit some day; such as Davao City & Samal Island, Cagayan de Oro, and especially Camiguin.

I travel all around the Philippines and never once felt nervous. The end of March I fly into Manila then next day we are off to Siquijor for 7 nights during Holy Week.

I'm also planning a trip in July to meet her parents and 2 brothers but I will fly them to Cebu and we can spend time there and in Bohol.

Its too bad though. I bet Zamboanga is beautiful.

[Mogambi 96]

I'd think now that there seems to be a real cease fire and plan for some Muslim Sovereignty in the area, that it would be safer. Hopefully in a year or two more it will be even more so.

But in November 2011, the terrorists blew up a hotel in Zamboanga City.

http://www.mb.com.ph/node/342868/3-dead-zamboanga-hotel-bla#.USpZEaVm_ZE

[Mogambi 96]

Also be aware, it's not just YOU that could be in danger. Kidnappings occur of wives, fiancés, etc, in an attempt to get ransom from the rich white guy.

Definitely stay out of the islands around Zamboanga, if you do decide to go, stay in one of the larger hotels with security, and yeah, I wouldn't venture out much. It might be overly cautious, but why risk it? Send them to Dipolog, which is much safer, not that for for them to travel (hire a van to bring the family there) and treat them to a nice vacation.

[LSnBigBear 61]

Hey Brad I would listen to your fiancee. I lived in the Philippines on work assignment with a US company on two different occasions. They had in my contract that I was not allowed to travel to Mindanao due to the Abu-Sayef which is an affiliate of Al-Qaeda. I listen of course as I had a good friend working for a Military Subcontractor in Zambo. They were not allowed to leave the base without security. As of recently another friend had to get out of Mindanao due to the rebels causing havic. From my understanding it is even worse being down there at this time. I would meet the family in Cebu which is a nice area. I lived there and there is enough to do to vacation and have fun. Try Boracay as well if you have time with your fiancee.

Good luck

Shawn

[James&Edlie 2]

Davao is nice as well

[X Factor 1,112]

When I went to North Mindanao, I was concerned but my fiancee (now wife) reassured me. I told her not to tell her neighbors and others about my visit until I arrived. I spend 3 days to see her parents, then I went back to cavite. I felt no danger while there by keeping a low profile

[thinkerlove0212 158]

I'm like you I don't really worry too much in a foreign country. But I heard this last time I was in Philippines and next time I go I will confirm for sure. Even though you are not a citizen supposedly you can pay a fee to carry a firearm with you. A police officer said you can pay to buy a gun or register a gun you bring with from the US. For sure I would conceal if I had the choice to so next time I will do some digging to find out if it is as easy as the cop made it sound.

Do not even think about it! You are not allowed to own or carry a gun. Cop may have been setting you up or for a payoff. The way around it is to hire security. When you do dumb stuff like this do not expect the US Embassy to bail you out because they won't.

[thinkerlove0212 158]

We will soon have a vacation together in Cebu that will be worth more than I can say. My Girl recognizes that Zamboanga is not safe for me so she insisted we meet at another location. I was willing to go to Zamboanga as I'm not intimidated by anything but she said she couldn't be happy knowing my family would be scared. I still say, I'll go to Zambo and walk proud down the streets. besides guns being pulled on me, I'm very capable of my security. I guess a big man that can fight is not impressive to her, she just wants nothing to go wrong. If no guns are pulled on me, I can defend and win. I've read how other white men have been to Zambo with no issues. What puzzles me is that some of her relatives live there and she whants me to meet them someday. So I'm ok with this. Sorry if it hurts religios boundries but she is worried Muslim will hurt me as this has been the past for white visitors. I am a caring Man and have no hate towrads anyone. So can I visit her family someday in Zambo or should I look for a place we can all be happy with no pressure of my race.

Thanks,

Brad

If this is your first visit there your in for a wake up call and the attitude you already show will bring you much trouble and hurt and more importantly put your girl in a bad light, harm or risk also

[Bayareaguy 156]

If this is your first visit there your in for a wake up call and the attitude you already show will bring you much trouble and hurt and more importantly put your girl in a bad light, harm or risk also

I agree with this post.

Even if they don't have guns, how will you fare against four guys coming at you with knives at the same time?

Here's an example...in Makati, not Zamboanga, and he was a former Marine as well, who also thought he could take care of himself: http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/283756/news/metromanila/palace-hopes-fatal-stabbing-of-american-won-t-result-in-travel-advisory

[madtownguy 164]

Do not even think about it! You are not allowed to own or carry a gun. Cop may have been setting you up or for a payoff. The way around it is to hire security. When you do dumb stuff like this do not expect the US Embassy to bail you out because they won't.

But where do you see this being illegal? Everything I read makes me believe it makes sense. Philippines have no constitutional right to carry or own a gun, which is why only US citizens can have it here in the US. There you have to prove why you need one. So it would make sense that a foreigner could own a gun also if they can prove a reason. I'm working on finding out for sure, all the sites I've seen are split half say you can and half say you can't... but I don't see any specifics. And this cop and customs agent were just shooting the ###### with me, I told them foreigners can't own guns in the US and they said anyone that can afford it can in Philippines.

[Hank_ 9,174]

But where do you see this being illegal? Everything I read makes me believe it makes sense. Philippines have no constitutional right to carry or own a gun, which is why only US citizens can have it here in the US. There you have to prove why you need one. So it would make sense that a foreigner could own a gun also if they can prove a reason. I'm working on finding out for sure, all the sites I've seen are split half say you can and half say you can't... but I don't see any specifics. And this cop and customs agent were just shooting the ###### with me, I told them foreigners can't own guns in the US and they said anyone that can afford it can in Philippines.

You do not have to be a U.S. citizen to purchase and possess a firearm in the USA.

http://www.atf.gov/p...f-p-5300-18.pdf

Edited February 25, 2013 by Hank_

[Caryh 5,206]

But where do you see this being illegal? Everything I read makes me believe it makes sense. Philippines have no constitutional right to carry or own a gun, which is why only US citizens can have it here in the US. There you have to prove why you need one. So it would make sense that a foreigner could own a gun also if they can prove a reason. I'm working on finding out for sure, all the sites I've seen are split half say you can and half say you can't... but I don't see any specifics. And this cop and customs agent were just shooting the ###### with me, I told them foreigners can't own guns in the US and they said anyone that can afford it can in Philippines.

Any Filipino can own up to two guns. One hand gun and one long gun. They must register them and keep them at home. Although about a third of the guns in the Philippines are not registered. To carry a gun, you must get a permit. During election times all carrying of guns is banned except for guards. All guns must be taped during election periods to show that they have not been fired during the election period. If you are not a Philippines citizen, you are not allowed to have or carry a gun unless you're a diplomat. This doesn't mean you can't get one, its easy to get a gun there if you want one. But getting caught will get you in a world of trouble you don't want to deal with.

[LSnBigBear 61]

Do not even think about it! You are not allowed to own or carry a gun. Cop may have been setting you up or for a payoff. The way around it is to hire security. When you do dumb stuff like this do not expect the US Embassy to bail you out because they won't.

You are correct. Only Philippine Citizens can carry a firearm with proper permits. I have yet another American friend (yes I have many living there 5 years lol) that sells firearms for a Philippines company exporting via ATF to USA. And he even cannot carry legally. He has to even take his wife to the manufacturer as she is with him when he tests inside there range as she has the licensing in her name. Very strict on rules there similar to drugs. Big no no no. And if anyone believes a simple gun will stop a rebel in Zambo then they are wrong. Those rebels are not your normal timid Filipinos. One reason why we have 300 US Soldiers in Zambo.

[edlie&james 1]

We will soon have a vacation together in Cebu that will be worth more than I can say. My Girl recognizes that Zamboanga is not safe for me so she insisted we meet at another location. I was willing to go to Zamboanga as I'm not intimidated by anything but she said she couldn't be happy knowing my family would be scared. I still say, I'll go to Zambo and walk proud down the streets. besides guns being pulled on me, I'm very capable of my security. I guess a big man that can fight is not impressive to her, she just wants nothing to go wrong. If no guns are pulled on me, I can defend and win. I've read how other white men have been to Zambo with no issues. What puzzles me is that some of her relatives live there and she whants me to meet them someday. So I'm ok with this. Sorry if it hurts religios boundries but she is worried Muslim will hurt me as this has been the past for white visitors. I am a caring Man and have no hate towrads anyone. So can I visit her family someday in Zambo or should I look for a place we can all be happy with no pressure of my race.

Thanks,

Brad