I'm from Iloilo and I agree with Monsod's article. If Monsod's references are to be believed, it is relatively safe here in Iloilo, as long as you know where to walk. Here in Iloilo, we don't have warlords and private armies. We do have a fair share of "Nice People Around" and those that align with the left, but they keep their business in their own side of the fence. However, Iloilo is also faced with problems just like any other cities; traffic, drugs, corruption and everything in between.
I must admit, I'm slightly inclined towards Duterte on this presidential race but election is still several months away so there is still a lot of time to think and decide who to vote. Duterte's brand of politics is brash, medieval and knocks on the border of tyranny. It is dark and scary but at the same time optimistic. I respect him for his conviction and the will to help the common people, even if it means breaking the law. This man is willing to shake hands with the Devil if it can uplift the lives of the ordinary citizen. So far, I have not seen the same kind of dedication with other presidential hopefuls whose candidacies are marred with blatant corruption and inefficiency.
The only thing that keeps me from going 100% on Duterte is his unrepentant desecration of the due process and rule of law, which stands as a bitter irony for a lawyer like him. Yes, criminals are bad and they ought to be punished but at least give them a trial. If only he can push his political mechanism towards a more humane perspective.