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Senior Member
Posts: 201
Originally Posted by Pompetus
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A raid on the Western Visayan island of Palawan by Abu Sayyaf terrorists in 2001 resulted in the abduction of 22 hostages. 5 were subsequently killed including 2 Americans. One of the assailants had the unlikely name of Alzheimer Limbong. Where the flip do their parents get these names and why haven't they researched them more thoroughly. I once had a Filipina fuckmate name Honeybee! OK Honeybee as a name maybe. But who would name their kid Alzheimer?.
Perhaps the parents were prescient?
Omega.
P.S. BTW, "Alzheimer" might be a "cool handle" for a "demented" new ISG member?
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Senior Member
Posts: 201
Originally Posted by ChochaMonger
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***
On the other hand, the World Resorts Casino Massacre shows just how volatile Filipinos can be without religious radicalization. An emotional Filipino gambler with access to an M4 carbine returned to the casino to even the odds after previous gambling losses. Although he did not target guests and staff, the sound of automatic gunfire and ricocheting bullets combined with flames from gaming tables set ablaze by the enraged gambler were enough to trigger a massive panicked stampede. In the chaos a security guard shot himself dead while trying to draw his weapon. Terrified staff and guests became trapped as they attempted to flee and many perished due to suffocation and smoke inhalation. The gunman made his way to the nearby Maxim's Hotel where he doused himself in gasoline and set himself ablaze. The death toll was 38 people, including the gunman.
So, security in the Philippines is relative. The infrastructure is not exactly secure. Transportation safety is highly variable depending on mode of transport and area. Armed robbery, theft, scams and extortion are quite common. Ironically, martial law throughout the Philippines may actually reduce crime as a result of limiting movement at night and increasing searches and seizures of weapons. Currently, Cebu and Luzon remain largely unaffected by the events.***.
If not so sad, the whole Manila Resorts World tragedy could be described as a bizarre "comedy of errors". Apparently, then-Justice Secretary Leila de Lima, and also Rappler with wildly inaccurate contemporaneous social media reporting, also each may have been among those who played significant contributing roles in the tragedy?
It will be interesting to see how this unfolds, if at all (if not just quietly "swept under the rug."
OM.
P.S. Maybe more appropriately described as a bizarre "tragedy of errors"?
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Senior Member
Posts: 309
Alzheimer Limbong and the terrorist raid in the Visayas
Originally Posted by GoodEnough
[View Original Post]
I don't think you should be concerned. I've neither seen nor heard any reports of problems in the Visayas GE.
A raid on the Western Visayan island of Palawan by Abu Sayyaf terrorists in 2001 resulted in the abduction of 22 hostages. 5 were subsequently killed including 2 Americans. One of the assailants had the unlikely name of Alzheimer Limbong. Where the flip do their parents get these names and why haven't they researched them more thoroughly. I once had a Filipina fuckmate name Honeybee! OK Honeybee as a name maybe. But who would name their kid Alzheimer?
BTW GE, I have a hint for you. Memory loss may be a precursor to Alzheimer's disease. (just teasing you).
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Senior Member
Posts: 201
Nick Joaquin
Motivated by a post from RK some time ago, I have purchased and started to read Nick Joaquin's "Culture and History". My initial impression is that this is a charming period piece (1988), to be savored in small portions. It's interesting to read a noted and erudite local author's take on the Philippines, his home country.
For a monger does not necessarily live for sex only.
Just one man's views.
OM.
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Senior Member
Posts: 2656
What could go wrong?
Originally Posted by OnTheRoad
[View Original Post]
I'm planning my usual yearly trip in the Philippines, but I'm a little bit concerned about the security. I must say I was an expert of the area, being there more than ten times, but never been there since the Duterte election. My fav area is Dumaguete and the Visayas, but Duma and the Siquijor Island seem so close to the Mindanao area, and to Marawi, such as Tagbilaran and Panglao.
Furthermore I read some news comparing Duterte to Marcos, even guessing a nationwide martial law.
Any advice? Should I avoid the Phils this years, for relaxing holiday?
Thanks.
It is not recommended to venture into the Sulu Archipelago. Security has tightened a bit in areas north of Palawan. Some places in the Visayas now ask for a valid photo ID before granting entry. This is due to fears that jihadists fleeing the Battle of Marawi City are infiltrating nearby islands to hide from government forces. Foreign jihadists have been identified among the slain insurgents. Some of the rebel leaders have been killed or captured. So, it is quite possible their disciples in areas outside of Mindanao may carry out terrorist attacks in retaliation for their losses in Marawi. They have executed Christian civilians in Marawi, so there is no doubt that they are ruthless ISIS branded Islamic terrorists.
On the other hand, the World Resorts Casino Massacre shows just how volatile Filipinos can be without religious radicalization. An emotional Filipino gambler with access to an M4 carbine returned to the casino to even the odds after previous gambling losses. Although he did not target guests and staff, the sound of automatic gunfire and ricocheting bullets combined with flames from gaming tables set ablaze by the enraged gambler were enough to trigger a massive panicked stampede. In the chaos a security guard shot himself dead while trying to draw his weapon. Terrified staff and guests became trapped as they attempted to flee and many perished due to suffocation and smoke inhalation. The gunman made his way to the nearby Maxim's Hotel where he doused himself in gasoline and set himself ablaze. The death toll was 38 people, including the gunman.
So, security in the Philippines is relative. The infrastructure is not exactly secure. Transportation safety is highly variable depending on mode of transport and area. Armed robbery, theft, scams and extortion are quite common. Ironically, martial law throughout the Philippines may actually reduce crime as a result of limiting movement at night and increasing searches and seizures of weapons. Currently, Cebu and Luzon remain largely unaffected by the events unfolding in Mindanao except for the coffins of soldiers killed in Marawi making their way to hometowns for burial. So, you can still relax your cock in many Pinays orifices for a modest price in your hotel room much like on your previous 10 sex tourism visits.
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Senior Member
Posts: 4084
Originally Posted by Ikksman
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Gavin Menzies is a fraud. The initially exciting "revelations" in his books (that made him extremely wealthy) are now recognised by scholars of history to be the output of a wonderful imagination. There is no "substantial evidence" that Zhang He ever sailed further than the well-documented routes of his 7 voyages. He certainly never circumnavigated the world or voyaged to the Americas.
Ikksman.
But of course this " news " is totally suppressed in the land of spitters smokers and shouters. They were soooooo happy to discover a chinaman could have done all this and extolled the virtues of Zhang he in newspapaers, social media postings and even exhibitions.
I think some chinese news reports even had the great Zhang he as being the first man on the moon too. LOL.
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Senior Member
Posts: 4050
Just ran across this article which implies at least that the siege in Marawi isn't going to be resolved any time soon. https://www.nytimes.com/2017/06/13/w...pgtype=article.
GE.
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Senior Member
Posts: 4050
Originally Posted by OnTheRoad
[View Original Post]
I'm planning my usual yearly trip in the Philippines, but I'm a little bit concerned about the security. I must say I was an expert of the area, being there more than ten times, but never been there since the Duterte election. My fav area is Dumaguete and the Visayas, but Duma and the Siquijor Island seem so close to the Mindanao area, and to Marawi, such as Tagbilaran and Panglao.
Furthermore I read some news comparing Duterte to Marcos, even guessing a nationwide martial law.
Any advice? Should I avoid the Phils this years, for relaxing holiday?
Thanks.
I don't think you should be concerned. I've neither seen nor heard any reports of problems in the Visayas, and aside from the ongoing battles in Marawi, life continues here relatively normally. Though everyone here in Davao is aware of the martial law decree, the rhythm of life hasn't changed, and there's no evident increased presence of the military or police in the streets. There has been a notable slowdown of business here, and road traffic during the evening appears to have diminished somewhat, but life remains peaceful and calm.
There's little doubt that the martial law declaration and the Marawi insurgency have had an impact on tourism, and that might work in your favor relative to the availability of women in your target areas. That said, life continues on much as it did prior to the Marawi siege and I don't think there's any increased danger for foreigners.
GE.
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Senior Member
Posts: 6781
Originally Posted by OnTheRoad
[View Original Post]
I'm planning my usual yearly trip in the Philippines, but I'm a little bit concerned about the security. I must say I was an expert of the area, being there more than ten times, but never been there since the Duterte election. My fav area is Dumaguete and the Visayas, but Duma and the Siquijor Island seem so close to the Mindanao area, and to Marawi, such as Tagbilaran and Panglao.
Furthermore I read some news comparing Duterte to Marcos, even guessing a nationwide martial law.
Any advice? Should I avoid the Phils this years, for relaxing holiday?
Thanks.
We all have a different perception of safety but I see no reason for anyone to postpone a visit as you will be in the main areas (I assume), you won't be travelling to most or any of Mindanao, Tawai Tawi, Jole, Sulu, Zambo etc so I see no reason to postpone. Duma is fine, Cebu is cool and I have friends who have just come back from Siquijor.
I will be there soon and the current news has not worried me at all but then I spend time in Pakistan and the Middle East where life can be more hairy at times.
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Senior Member
Posts: 236
Relaxing Holiday?
Originally Posted by OnTheRoad
[View Original Post]
I'm planning my usual yearly trip in the Philippines, but I'm a little bit concerned about the security. I must say I was an expert of the area, being there more than ten times, but never been there since the Duterte election. My fav area is Dumaguete and the Visayas, but Duma and the Siquijor Island seem so close to the Mindanao area, and to Marawi, such as Tagbilaran and Panglao.
Furthermore I read some news comparing Duterte to Marcos, even guessing a nationwide martial law.
Any advice? Should I avoid the Phils this years, for relaxing holiday?
Thanks.
Yes, by all means, avoid going there. It's not about the state of the country, but about your state of mind. If you are feeling concerned now, that will definitely affect your enjoyment negatively if you came. Experienced guys usually trust their gut.
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Senior Member
Posts: 208
Security concern
I'm planning my usual yearly trip in the Philippines, but I'm a little bit concerned about the security. I must say I was an expert of the area, being there more than ten times, but never been there since the Duterte election. My fav area is Dumaguete and the Visayas, but Duma and the Siquijor Island seem so close to the Mindanao area, and to Marawi, such as Tagbilaran and Panglao.
Furthermore I read some news comparing Duterte to Marcos, even guessing a nationwide martial law.
Any advice? Should I avoid the Phils this years, for relaxing holiday?
Thanks.
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Senior Member
Posts: 201
Fake News / Fake History
Originally Posted by Ikksman
[View Original Post]
Gavin Menzies is a fraud. The initially exciting "revelations" in his books (that made him extremely wealthy) are now recognised by scholars of history to be the output of a wonderful imagination. There is no "substantial evidence" that Zhang He ever sailed further than the well-documented routes of his 7 voyages. He certainly never circumnavigated the world or voyaged to the Americas.
Ikksman.
Thanks to Ikks, who correctly points out that established scholars of history have decried Gavin Menzies and his theories as a "fraud". Certainly, I have the utmost respect for Ikks and his posts.
Apparently, however, even established scholars of history do not dispute that Admiral Zheng He (Cheng Ho) some six centuries ago voyaged with massive flotillas from China to lands throughout Asia and as far away as Africa. These historians just dispute that Admiral Zheng voyaged to North America or circumnavigated the globe.
Actually, there are some folks who assert that Christopher Columbus never set foot in North America.
There also are some folks who would argue that much of "establishment history" itself is a fraud.
Not having been around some six or seven centuries ago, my views are certainly not dispositive of this matter. Nor, I suspect, are "established historian" views either dispositive of such matters.
At the very least, Menzies' books are, as I have previously posted, "fascinating reading" and do advance novel theories which those who actually read his books can evaluate and do with what they will.
New ideas are interesting, often fascinating. My own view is that the "establishment" is largely interested in maintaining the "status quo" and not so much interested in original ideas that may upset "established" thinking. Although by no means suggesting any similarity or applicability to the present case, I do note that history is replete with accounts of "established scholars or experts" who have summarily rejected ideas which were new or even revolutionary at the time, but which now are taken for granted.
I do note, however, that, to the extent "fake news" eventually evolves into "history", then such history should or may be viewed skeptically. Certainly, recent articles in "news" media such as, for example, the New York Times or Washington Post or The Guardian about Philippines President Duterte seem to bear little resemblance to "facts" as seem to be apparent here in the Philippines. Oddly, some of the NYT, WaPo, and Guardian articles seem to have been written by "knowledgeable" Western pundits who have no real familiarity with the Philippines or who even have not recently set foot in the Philippines.
Just one man's views.
OM.
P.S. Kudos to Westy, for his ongoing delightful sense of humor.
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Senior Member
Posts: 6781
Originally Posted by GoodEnough
[View Original Post]
Though the US special forces are involved, it's not clear what their role is. It may be only support and logistics, and I'm not sure that any combat troops are involved. WR, you're correct in that the problem in Marawi is that the ISIS folks--.
GE.
Baes on the press and AFP, US support is technical, no boots on the ground just helping with spotting the terrorists using communication networks etc.
If the special forces were there I am hopeful the things will be eliminated faster than the SFP can manage.
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Senior Member
Posts: 3043
Does anyone have an update on the proposed new USA Military bases in the PI? I realize I could look it up but I defer to you noble researchers.
Thanks.
Originally Posted by GoodEnough
[View Original Post]
Though the US special forces are involved, it's not clear what their role is. It may be only support and logistics, and I'm not sure that any combat troops are involved. WR,
GE.
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Senior Member
Posts: 291
Originally Posted by GoodEnough
[View Original Post]
A good observation, though not totally accurate in this case. The ISIS morons are comprised of lots of foreigners, including Malays, Indonesians and some from Central Asia, so it's doubtful that many of the folks in Marawi would feel any strong affinity with them. Also, lots of local residents have taken to social media to speak out strongly against the terrorists, and there sees to be a significant amount of support for the AFP. Marawi before the siege was a city of about 200,000 people, so even the ISIS idiots must have known they couldn't "conquer" the town with a force of a couple of hundred people. I'm not even sure they had an objective, other than to create mindless death and destruction, which seems to be their only raison the'tre. Mainly they're a bunch of uneducated thugs following one or another egomaniac and obsessed with the promise that they'll get to paradise by dying. I hope they all get there soon.
GE.
I agree with everything you say about the Maute thugs' egomania and obsession. According to the AFP several dozen out of a few hundred Maute goons are non-Filipino. I disagree that few Filipino Muslims will consider the AFP as "guilty" when they unintentionally kill some civilians when trying to protect more from harm. There is more affinity among Muslims than we usually assume among other religions, considering themselves to be part of a single worldwide community (they use the Arabic word "ummah"). In my non-expert opinion, anywhere from 2-5% of the Filipino Muslims will instinctively suspect or blame non-Muslims for the suffering. An overwhelming majority won't, but even 2% of 200,000 is 4,000 of all ages, and that's just in Marawi. Those 4,000 are probably who the Maute gang hope to inspire to active support. They also broke out a bunch of local criminals from prison, and that probably got them a few no-hope supporters. I don't think they expected to hold territory. In Maoist military terms, they're just making their first steps into guerrilla warfare after first organizing, expecting bonus virgins in heaven if they die in the process. Maute can't win, but their nihilstic outlook will cause more destruction until it burns out from lack of support.
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