Was I right not to ?

[Kuya John]

My darling wife arrived in Manila this morning before flying on to spend Christmas with her family in Mindanao.

I'm sure I will miss her badly as this will be our first Christmas apart since her arrival in UK in 2005.

However it has appeared on UK news that DU30 has extended the curfew for yet another 6 months.

So question is, was I right to decide not to accompany her ?

[Old55]

I’m sure you will miss your wife but she’s with family and friends who love and care for her. They will ensure her safety.

[Jake]

51 minutes ago, Kuya John said:

My darling wife arrived in Manila this morning before flying on to spend Christmas with her family in Mindanao.

I'm sure I will miss her badly as this will be our first Christmas apart since her arrival in UK in 2005.

However it has appeared on UK news that DU30 has extended the curfew for yet another 6 months.

So question is, was I right to decide not to accompany her ?

Hello Kuya,

Logically, you made a good decision.  But throw in some emotional considerations (not accompanying her, missing her, fearing for her safety, etc).....you're way off base.  

A very difficult decision, but at least you made a command decision and not dilly dally about it.  You should not worry too much about her safety.  There will be a police or military presence at every corner as well as check points in and out of the city.   Respectfully Jake  

Edited December 15, 2017 by Jake

[scott h]

30 minutes ago, Kuya John said:

was I right to decide not to accompany her ?

By all mean yes! Now, for a short time at least you can walk around your kitchen with saggy socks, underwear and sleeveless tee shirt scratching your bum with out wry looks being directed your way 

[Huggybearman]

Mindanao is a large island. We live in Northern Mindanao and have not found the military presence here at all intimidating and frankly quite reassuring. It is very low key and the soldiers very respectful.

My good lady and I both feel very secure here. But then we always have. According to the local paper crime has fallen and from direct experience we have found that the LTO checkpoints (for checkpoint read ATM) have all but disappeared. I think the only ones who are against DU30's handling of this situation (and TBH I haven't come across any) are the scrotes who have something to hide. 

Ken

 

[allancomeau]

I have been to Mindanao twice; Davao, General Santos, and the Lake Sebu area.

Never felt safer. No hassle. No problems. No fear.  

Talked to several other expats, who also visited or stayed on the eastern side and they all said 'no problem - safer than Manila'

Of course this flies in the face of what DOT, travel agents, Tagalogs, and the American Embassy have to say about Mindanao but my experience and the experience of others tells a very different story.

I think you missed out on the opportunity to see and experience another part of the Philippines. 

[Kuya John]

15 hours ago, allancomeau said:

I think you missed out on the opportunity to see and experience another part of the Philippines. 

Allen, I appreciate your thoughts along with everybody's too,

I have always enjoyed travelling from place to place, I have a few fond memories of meeting the family in Iligan City on my very first visit there.

They taught me to sing after a few Tanduay ....... never to be forgotten.

We have spoke since her arrival and less than 24 hours later I'm already regretting my decision not to go.

Don't get me wrong I have family here in UK who are already inviting me  round, it's the thought of writing cards and presents from us both,

and I know I will be invited to Filipino party nights even without my Pineapple Princess.

( but it won't  quite be the same.)

 

Edited December 16, 2017 by Kuya John

[bows00]

19 hours ago, Kuya John said:

So question is, was I right to decide not to accompany her ?

Where in Mindanao is her family?  It's a big island.  I am planning to check out Davao in the near future to meet a Filipina I met online.  Based on my research so far, it seems safe...

[Kuya John]

5 hours ago, bows00 said:

Where in Mindanao is her family?  It's a big island.  I am planning to check out Davao in the near future to meet a Filipina I met online.  Based on my research so far, it seems safe...

Bows00, I have sent you a PM

[allancomeau]

8 hours ago, bows00 said:

Where in Mindanao is her family?  It's a big island.  I am planning to check out Davao in the near future to meet a Filipina I met online.  Based on my research so far, it seems safe...

 

It is a big island. It does take quite a bit of time to get from one city to another as the 'highways' are winding and two-lane.