retired australian soldier held captive , page-11

Rodwell was a fool...living where he does. I'm sure he was told a thousand times to get out of there....but like some other expat fools in MIndanao's high-risk areas...he ignored it and paid...
Anyway, I suggest that is part of the lack of enthusiasm from Australian authorities. Can't blame them....they got better things to do - and no chance of retrieving him anyway - even if the SAS, per chance, got involved. It would take a damn good Filipino operation to get him - and they generally don't do good operations. It's not their turf...and the jungle is thick. Son did some work on Basilan years ago and visibility was generally about ten metres.
Personally I wouldn't (apart from CDO and Davao) consider anything south of Camiguin (do like Camiguin though!). Visayas are the best compromise between cost of living,security, and relaxation...Negros, Iloilo, Bohol, particularly...Just my opinion...