retired australian soldier held captive , page-14

I agree their is foolishness but also sypathise with him. He was in love and married to a local. Logical to live there.

It's a very politically sensitive situation. Philippines try not to get to involved with this region and it may even become indepent at some point. So Australia are negotiating with a middle man.

Paying is a major setback and encourages kidnap for randsome. Military action would most likely fail and only creates retaliation and instability in the region.

It cant drag on forever. When I was in Philippines in 2007 they beheaded some christian aid workers. They can and will kill.

I would never live in the southern philippines. Where I live isn't perfect. About the same risk as USA I'd imagine. For example they are currently voting on making the town a HUC (Highly Urbanised City). Their are obvious supporters due to the government funding (and corruption) that will bring.

But their are the anti HUC people too. People that will lose out.

As a result of this, several journalist have been murdered over about 6months. But like I said, murders happen everywhere. I'd say similar to USA with their regular shootings but generally safe.