By now most people who keep an eye on the Philippines will have come across sensationalist headlines of blood in the streets and a growing body count since the election of President Rodrigo Duterte. Naturally, this causes many people concern, and some may be wondering if it's still safe to retire in the Philippines. So, are the rumors true? Yes, to a large extent the … [Read more...]
Personal Safety Tips in the Philippines
Last month, the expat community in the Bacolod area was shocked by the deaths of an American and his Filipina wife. They had lived in the area for some time and had an organic farm in Murcia, outside Bacolod City. Many of us knew the couple and some of us actually bought organic vegetables from their farm. A very sad and tragic story. The husband was reportedly found in a deep … [Read more...]
Murky Waters of Safe Seafood Consumption
Most Filipinos eat fish or other seafood everyday and some eat fish almost every meal. My wife and our son included. We are certainly in the right location for eating healthy seafood and at an excellent price for Filipinos and foreigners alike. Fresh oysters, mussels, clams, prawns, shrimp, crabs, scallops, squid, hundreds of different fish, canned sardines and canned tuna … [Read more...]
Lawless Avenues
If you read the current news in the Philippines, you know about a 19 year old US Marine being a suspect in the murder of a 26 year old transgender in Olongapo City. This incident has become highly politically charged in the Philippines, fueled by activists, leftists, militants and those who are anti-American. Olongapo City was known as Sin City for many years but when … [Read more...]
Death Conquered The Streets
There's a man going around taking names but everyone is not treated the same way! If you are a criminal in Davao City, you are on very dangerous ground! I remember when colorful mayor Rody Duterte was first elected as Mayor of Davao City way back in 1988 and yes, I was in the Philippines at that time. Word has it that Mayor Duterte held a press conference the day he was sworn … [Read more...]
Crime Does Not Pray
The Lone Ranger does not live in the Philippines but I have discovered that the PNP, Philippine National Police, does an excellent job in our area to ensure that expats living here are well taken care of. In my previous article, "Scared To Go Outside," I touched briefly on the safety and security of expats living in the Philippines. Whenever there is a crime reported in the … [Read more...]
Scared to Go Outside
When foreigners are inquiring about retiring to the Philippines, they are often given two fallacies about crime in the country. The first myth is that it is open season on all foreigners and every foreigner will be robbed or murdered at some point. The second myth is that all Filipinos are warm, friendly people and they would never bother a foreigner. The truth is that there is … [Read more...]