Yes, they are. I have one. I was just over there a few months ago. It is far safer than most American cities.
What part of the Philippines? I was in Manila 2 years ago and you couldn't go into any building without having bags searched. Every car going into parking garages was searched underneath with a mirror, and had to pop the trunk. The day before I was due to leave there was a heightened kidnapping alert for US citizens and we were advised to avoid large crowds. In Manila there is no such thing as somewhere without large crowds so staying at the hotel was the only option.
The week after I left there was a takeover at a mall in Makiti (sp?) city by rogue military soldiers. They eventually let their captives go, but it was a 2 or 3 day ordeal.
I only got away from Manila once, to Taal volcano, and it seemed to be safer out away from the city, but from what I understand, that feeling of safety in the south is an illusion because thats where Abu Sayef terrorists operate and the Philippine Army can't get rid of them because they are so spread out.
All in all I would never go back to the Phillipines. Singapore is a 100% different feel. You see very few police anywhere in Singapore but you never feel uneasy or unsafe.