Ozamiz City Misamis Occidental

Long history to this one, but the upshot is there's terrorist activity in the area.

It's generally OK in Mindanao as long as you stick to the city's and don't go too far south, I haven't been to Ozamiz but I've heard it's OK.

Ok I will keep that in mind thank you mate.

Ok thanks for that mate.

Too far South?  Lol, I am flying in to General Santos in September and driving North to Koranadal and don't expect an issue.  The Northern West and very Southwest of Mindanao may be where issues may be found.

Ok thanks mate

Ok thanks for that mate !
Regards
Craig

I have been in Cagayan de Oro for two years(65 mi. East) and have had 0 trouble. Traveled to Pagatian and Patogo (south and west of your stop) last year without incident.  Have heard nothing of any threats to foreigners in this area. Good travels and stay safe. Ron

Fair enough mate I will take that on board thanks mate
Regards
Craig

Aside from the Sulu Sea string of islands southwest of Zamboanga that lead over to Borneo, south of Ozamiz from Pagadian to Cotobato it's the most dangerous part of the Phils! I rode my Harley through that patch of ground a few years back, and, aside from a couple small sari-sari stores and gas sold in pepsi bottles alongside the road, a 40km stretch is devoid of any businesses whatever. I happened to ride noisily during Ramadan, or it's likely I'd not be around to this day. Over the course of 5 years I rode across most of the large islands in the country, island hopping by RoRo, and so speak with some direct knowledge...?
So beware.
Not so long ago a Catholic priest who worked out of Pagadian was kidnapped and murdered when no ransom was forthcoming. In general, go softly in that region, but best to not venture south of Ozamis and the ferry that comes from the east via CdO, Iligan, etc. I think on the west side Ipil coming out of Dipolog/Dapitan may be okay on the way to Zamboanga, but much west of Davao on the east side is likely a bit risky. Going down to Digos and GenSan from Butuan, CdO, Bukidnon, and Surigao City through Prosperidad and Tagum likely is okay, but straying much further west may not be a good idea. Nonetheless, I've seen westerners living nearer Cotobato.
Luck of the draw forms part of the adventure.

During and just after WW2, the Mindanao muslim community and the US were are on great terms, fighting and rebuilding together.  Then along came the Manila government that treated them like the US treated native Americans in the 1800's.

First, stay out of the Bangsomoro area.  Next stay in Cities with muslim less than %5, not villages.  Stay out of the Hi country and Southern Zamboanga peninsula.   With martial law those areas especially the highlands, are highly infested with pissed off muslims.  We cannot take heavy equipment into any highlands without military escort.  The friendly locals will not let me go up there even in the North.  Bangsomoro areas appear to have the highest rates of trafficking of all illegal goods.  Ozamiz is a drug hub.  Friendly immams have told me to stay out of the Southern Zamboanga peninsula.  Do not use public transport, interested parties will know as soon as the foreigner boards the bus and where it is going.  Private vehicles with dark windows driving fast just realize that they stand out saying money is coming through.

You know this all boils down to probabilities or luck, just like gambling.  Going into risky areas will not result in automatic dilemmas, but the possibility of very bad things happening increases, alot.

You are warned, if you choose to gamble and become a statistic, that is now your problem.