We advise against travel to Mindanao where armed Islamic groups and other bandits are active. There have been frequent clashes recently between the Army and insurgents in the provinces of Maguidanao, Lanao del Sur, Lanao del Norte, Sultan Kudaraat and North and South Cotabato. The Philippines Minister of Foreign Affairs has advised generally against travel to Mindanao during the current period of heightened tension. There have recently been bomb attacks in several cities across Mindanao. Possession of even very small quantities can lead to imprisonment or even a death sentence.
Philippine laws regarding paedophile activity are severe, and are strictly enforced.
The death penalty is often passed in rape cases. Visitors should be aware that cases of entrapment have occurred where strangers with children have befriended single male visitors. Allegations have then been made that the child was abused in an attempt to extort money. In Philippine anti-child abuse laws, a child is defined as a person under 18 years of age. Overstaying without the proper authority is a serious matter and visitors can be held in detention or refused permission to leave the country until a fine is paid.