I don't see much about Mindanao in the popular recommended posts. What's it like there? Would it be okay for an older man to go alone?

My wife won't even go near Mindanao. She says it's dangerous, for locals and foreigners alike.

I built a retirement home about 20 km south of Cagayan de Oro City 30 years ago. Florida was great while I was working, but Bukidnon has a cool climate and friendly people.

According to the statistics, the risk of kidnapping and murder is slightly higher than in the rest of the country. The murder rate is similar to the US and much higher than in Europe or Australia. Still, the real danger is traffic, which is 50 times higher than crime.