DIPOLOG ...is it safe?

Hi ya all! I am NEW here on this site...but not new to Philippines. Is Dipolog a safe place to go for a UK guy Nov 2013? I have a very special filipino who cares alot about me in Manila,says Dipolog not safe place for me. However friend in Dipolog who I will stay with says no promlema! What do you guys say/think?

If Dipolog is safe, WHY do Manila filipinos feel it is not?? ABS-CBN ?

Thanks C. in UK.

I've never been to the south but there have been issues very recently with islamic groups.

https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/philippines

It currently advises against all but essential travel to Dipolog.

Would I personally go ... probably

Hi Colin, I have to say that I havent been there. But my experience in other countries where advisories are similar is that they are in place for a reason. Probably the best way of putting it is that you will be at higher risk than in other parts of the Philippines.

Methersgate has a strong connection with that region. When he logs on next I am sure he will give you his take on it.

i was messaged earlier by a lass ive messaged 5 days a go from dipalog .

ive said to her ,ive heard its a bit dodgy in dipolog for westerners due to didnappings and murders.I see what she says about it .

I thought Dipolog was another Philippine language or a style of Philippine breakfast.

Hello @ colin i was born in Dipolog(which is part of Mindanao). where exactly in Dipolog your planning to go?? I was there last year anyway.. Dipolog is Nice place ofcourse. theirs foreigners also living in there

I wouldn't go to Dipolog myself but then hey, you see tourists in North Korea, Afghanistan, Africa. It's just being safe and smart.

Do you know where exactly in Dipolog? Ive been there last year its in Mindanao many foreigners living there too.

Although I have never been to Dipolog I have over the years been to some high risk regions. I survived. I wasnt kidnapped and many people arent either. Its all about risk. In regions like Dipolog you are more likely to meet trouble than in other parts of the Philippines ie you are at a higher risk.

I can't believe that you, Mr Ultra Cautious, wrote that!

Dipolog is the provincial capitol of Zamboanga Del Norte and whilst the city itself is currently peaceful, that whole area is not one that a prudent foreigner should contemplate visiting. It is for good reason that the entire Zamboanga peninsula is subject to continuing health warnings issued by western governments.

I have explained to you before that I have done my fair share of time being in dodgy areas. I dont wish to retire to one.

And there are another 7106 islands in the Philippines other than Mindanao, to choose from.

There is a North South divide in the Philippines; Northerners seldom have a good word for the South and vice versa!

Dipolog is the ferry terminal for Negros; it's about a four hour trip - you could consider travelling to Dumaguete, which is safe as houses, and meeting there, if you don't know the people you will be staying with.

I would think it will be safe enough if you are staying with a family. MOST Christians and Moslems get along perfectly well.

My outlaws tell me that Zamboanga del Sur is perfectly safe, but they never let me out of their sight when I am there!

People turn heads when they see a white man in Manila. What more in a province like Dipolog? LOL

Well not quite. Actually around 2,000; the remaining 5,000 or thereabouts are uninhabitable.

Still leaves 1999 other islands higher up the listings.