Big Danger Zones To Avoid In The Philippines

Basilan province: Abu Sayyaf uses this island near Jolo for some of what the government calls “lairs.” In 2001, five hostages including two Americans died in one of the country’s worst Abu Sayyaf incidents. Enough of the group’s followers hang out in Basilan that Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has directed much of his firepower there, killing two as recently as last month. The provincial seat Isabela is regarded as passably safe but little else is, Philippine travel writers say. A lot of tourists visit the province only with security personnel.