'Philippines is as safe as pre school nap time'

HelloSafe compiled the travel safety index based on 35 different criteria that were boiled down into five categories: the frequency of natural disasters, societal violence, involvement in armed conflict (internal or external), health infrastructure and militarization.

The Philippines scored 82.31 points out of 100, making it the most dangerous place to visit, followed by Colombia (79.21), Mexico (78.42), India (77.86) and Russia (75.65).

People travel on a street in Manila, the Philippines, June 11, 2021. Photo by Reuters

A reader nicknamed davideaston82, who introduced themselves as someone from the U.K. and who recently moved to the Philippines from Thailand, said that "To suggest the Philippines is less safe for international travelers than Colombia or Mexico is wild!!"

"I can only assume we scored so highly because of the criteria under natural disasters (typhoons, earthquakes, volcanos etc) and also around the health infrastructure services (especially out here in the provinces compared to cities like Manila and Cebu)."

Other readers argued that the Philippines is far from dangerous, ranking it one of the safest and most friendliest destinations in the world.

"Philippines, more than any country of similar population level, is extremely different and diverse depending on where you are. Davao City is the 4th safest city in all of Asia. I've been here 5 years and know of two murders, both committed by and on visitors from Manila. As far as illegal drugs, thanks to Duterte, that problem is also gone in over 90% of the country. Compared to most Western countries, Africa and South America, Philippines is as safe as pre school nap time."
twhusky85

"Philippines is generally safe to travel, and there you can find the friendliest people amongst Asia. As long as you respect the people and its culture, you will be treated the same."
florenzthegreat

"Philippines is a safe place to travel with warm smiles and hospitality to a fault to greet visitors. The crimes are basically down and if there are big time cases it gets resolved."
itlmart2015

"If the Philippines is a dangerous country, there is no place on earth is safe."
nilrocas7

"I've been to the Philippines 6 times and it seems pretty safe to me."
ajurekic