Travelling to Davao, first time.

I know what the letters "DDS" stand for - some sources prefer "Duterte Death Squad". My point is that I have not yet found any credible reports that such a group ever exist/ed/s. Just a few instances of unnamed third-party reports which might simply be "Chinese Whispers" or rumours used to promote someone's political career. However the fact that such an urban myth abounds is actually a positive in that it acts as a deterrent to those who might wish to cause trouble in the city.

What I can attest to is that I feel far safer here than in any big city in the UK. Just before I ventured to the Philippines in 2007, I was mugged on the streets of sleepy old Fishguard on my way home from posting a letter at 4 in the afternoon. I often walk alone and don't think twice before taking the 1.5 km hike from SM City to my home - even after dark.

Let's just say they're likely not ones that would meet up with foreigners to say hello... lol.
Unless you're into the drug trade. And you'll probably won't be here posting if you are.
Have you ever met up with an NPA, MILF, or MNLF? It's a rhetorical question.

That DDS is just some media-hyped since Duterte is a political candidate. But he really has policemen and lackeys, who does 'cleaning' up for him. But it's not the sensational/almost-myth like people are assuming.

And there is me thinking that Davao is a haven of peace, tranquility and harmony.

It is.

The safest place in the PH, why because the get rid of the wrong ones so how does this happen. I'm sure they don't lock them up. Yes I have been to Davao and further afield and it's a safe place.

I Love Davao!

you should visit Samal island its very nice.
Pomelo/Grapefruit is the fruit you need to taste, very sweet nothing like you have in uk.

Goodluck!

I am rather disappointed with the Pomelos sold here (in Davao). Compared to those I enjoyed during my childhood in Malaya, Mindanaoan Pomelos have a somewhat thicker skin and are considerably less juicy. I'm reliably informed that you can buy Malaysian Pomelos in parts of London (my informant lives in Edgeware) for around a fiver each.

Have you ever met up with an NPA, MILF, or MNLF? It's a rhetorical question.

MILF---yep--ive met a few of those.

I have met with a couple of (well-educated) people in Cebu who, in conversation, admitted to being communists and members of the New Peoples' Army. Generally-speaking, the NPA has no interest in law-abiding foreigners, their targets are corrupt public officials. That was at the tail-end of 2007 when there was an NPA platoon active in the Nivel Hills between Balamban and Cebu.

"'cleaning' up for him"??!! Keeping the place peaceful and law-abiding is a far more accurate description. The Police and Courts do something here that is not very fashionable elsewhere in the country: enforce the rule of law, without fear or favour, treating everyone - Filipinos or foreigners, rick or poor - exactly the same.

Incidentally, the latest thing to aggravate our esteemed mayor is the rice being sold by some Chinese street food vendors. Only its not rice at all but shredded polystyrene.

You can only take 10,000 php in, ATMs work but you must tell your bank you will be there. Your card may still get blocked after two successful withdrawals due to their fraud detection systems.
Good luck and enjoy