What a shame. Last time I was there was in 1977 and it wasn’t like that at all. Of course, Mindanao, just south of where I worked, was the home of all the communist gorillas. But Manila at the time was very peaceful and safe.
Well, I do not care for any big city like Cebu or Manila, and I do not hear anything good about Manila .
For banking and extra shopping, we go to Dumaguete, Negros.
Even with the 30 min. boat trip from the southern tip of Cebu, it is faster then going to Cebu city.
For me, going to Cebu is a pain in the ass. Safety is not a concern with me.
Yes, the western end of Mindanao is a mess from the Muzie terrorist. Fortunately, there is no Muzie problem where I live. I can not say that I have even seen one here.