Few tourists rent a car to drive themselves because the road system is crowded, and discipline is weak. Driving off the national highways and paved roads is particularly dangerous, especially at night. Caution is urged in planning travel by older, inter-island ferry boats or other public conveyances to avoid overcrowded or unsafe transport. In the Philippines, penalties are strict for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines.
Capital punishment is possible for certain drug-related crimes.
Penalties for conviction can include up to twenty years imprisonment. Several foreigners have been sentenced to life imprisonment for bringing firearms into the Philippines. The government of the Philippines is engaged in negotiations with communist and Muslim rebels. Nevertheless, rebel activity along with armed banditry in certain areas of the Philippines still poses potential security concerns. Although the New Peoples' Army is greatly reduced from its height in the 1980's, NPA insurgents remain active in mountainous and jungle areas, including some parts of Mindanao and Negros Island as well as Quezon Province and the Cordillera and Bicol regions of Luzon.