How safe is this area?

Posted by Joel Embry 6 years 5 months ago

Southern Philippines is known for Muslim separatists.

Answers

The only time I ever felt unsafe was traveling alone through Manila before I met up with the volunteer group. Even that wasn’t that bad, I just stayed aware of my surroundings and used common sense. Beyond that, once I linked up with IVHQ, I never felt uneasy or unsafe. The volunteer leaders are with you most of the time during the week and if you travel on the weekends, like most of us did, the volunteer leaders knew where you were, where you were staying, etc. Obviously traveling to a foreign place is scary and unfortunate things can happen, but as long as you’re smart and don’t put yourself in unnecessary danger, you’ll be fine!

The area is really safe. The northern part of Palawan is actually a known place of peace in the Philippines and the crime rates are really low. The village that this program takes place in is very small and wonderful but traveling around the island is also safe.