Kidnappings in the Philippines are alive and well. I am alarmed by the numbers I am seeing. Philippine authorities have said the kidnapping gangs may be testing the resolve of the new Philippine President on this issue. I don’t have any doubt about his resolve on catching kidnappers and reducing the threat they pose to the Philippines.
Few things are more discouraging to potential travellers than the threat of being kidnapped. Not the way I want to go on a crash diet. The idea of being kidnapped is not something I think of often but it does strike terror in my heart when I think of how I would fair in such a situation. I don’t think it would go well for me.
Philippine National Police
What is the most alarming about what I’ve read today is that the number of reported kidnappings in the Philippines may be greatly understated. For example, the Movement for Restoration of Peace and Order recently stated that it recorded 56 kidnap-for-ransom cases in the first six months of 2010. The Police Anti-Crime and Emergency Response (PACER) group reported only twelve during the same period.
The reason for this is not that the Philippines is trying to cover up the higher rate. Instead, the number of cases reported to government authorities is lower than the actual. Families often prefer to pay the ransom and get their loved ones back quietly. They believe this will increase the chances that kidnappers will release their family members unharmed.
A risk counstancy group, The Pacific Strategies & Assessments (PSA) released a report showing that there were 135 kidnapping for ransom cases in 2008 which was an increase of 25% from 2007. The report indicated that 76% of those kidnapped in the Philippines were Filipino.
Those most likely to be kidnapped were upper middle class and not the affluent or politically connected. It is said the kidnapping gangs believe there will be less risk to them by going after the less connected individual. This helps to keep their activities under the radar of the press. Likewise, kidnapping foreigners brings the kidnap for ransom groups far more attention than they wish to bare.
So in the end, while kidnappings in the Philippines are still a significant threat, kidnappings on expats are far less common.
To reduce your trouble in the Philippines, avoid conflict with the locals. This is very important. You don’t want someone mad at you. Don’t give them a motive. Another important security precaution is to keep a low profile. Be careful not to show off your wealth. Don’t wear gold! Some say don’t carry your nice camera around. I’m going to take my nice camera, especially if I ever get a really nice one.
These reports should serve as a notice of caution. It will not prevent me from enjoy living in the Philippines.
Tagged with: Expats • Filipino • Foreigners • kidnappers • Living In The Philippines
Filed under: Crime In The Philippines • Living In The Philippines
Like this post? Subscribe to my RSS feed and get loads more!
Get
To The Philippines Faster
where was the picture of your hottie JESSY? LOL she is pretty
Nice artical, informative
Thomas, Hello!
She’s all over the place on here.
Rusty, I feel the need to tell you that your site is a really nice place to visit. and I do often, like every day.
I married a filipina about 13 months ago and I am having trouble getting back to them. As a direct result I find my self hungry for everything from the Phil, about the Phil.
I am waiting for a special event to take place and then I will be comming there. She lives outside of Minila in a small town called Calumpit. Any way once I am there I plan to travel and see more of the country so I will enjoy meeting you and Jessy some day. No I do not know how soon that will be but every dog has his day and mine is past due.
lets see more videos Rusty, I like seeing the ladies. No interest in the GRO’s; I am married but I am not blind and I really like to enjoy beauty. How about a beach video?
Thank Rusty, Good on you man. Later Thomas
Hey Thomas,
I got some great vids this weekend of some hotties. I will see if I can get some of it posted. It will take some editing.
Yeah, it would be hard if I couldn’t be here.
thanks for the kind words and jump in any time. I hope to hear more from you and meet you one of these dog days….
Can you give more info on the expats that have been kidnapped, such as where they were kidnapped from and what were the demands of the nappers, and what nationality were the victims. Has it ever happened in Bogo City ?
I don’t know of any kidnappings in Cebu at all.
It appears though that most of the time it never reaches the press.
I would suggest Google for more specific information..
Most kidnappings that I know of are in Mindanao and it seems to be picking up in Manila again. I do plan to include more information on this in my next release of my ebook too.
Most of the cases that go unreported are against Filipino. When it is against foreigners it usually makes international news. Not that it makes the headlines though, usually it does not.
There is an infamous kidnapping that happened in Palawan known as the Dos Palmas kidnappings. The Philippines senate looked into that and were disturbed by what they found. Allegations of military personal being involved.
Mindanao is dangerous and don’t let anyone tell you any different. They will, they will say “nothing happened to me” well no but your odds go up.
I’m not overly concerned by it. A big part of it is keeping a low profile and don’t make people mad.