Ipil Mindanao

Ipil Mindanao

There is not much happening at this junction on the National Highway between Dapitan and Zamboanga but it is a militarily strategic crossroads.

It’s also a good place to pick up stuffed lizards.

There can be some tension in the air at times but the people here are a friendly lot.

This minstrel is having fun with the school kids.

All the Rural Transit buses will stop here for a break. The road south goes to Zamboanga and the road east goes through Pagadian.

At times the road continuing on to Cotabato can be a challenge and you might not be welcome in all places there.

Ipil is just your average town but the security people carry real weapons and use real bullets.

My conclusion is that there is no particular danger to the tourist but is sounds adventurous when telling stories at the campfire.  I always have a good stay in Ipil but it’s not a place to hang out too long because there isn’t too much to do.

This looks like a stuffed monitor lizard to me. He did a beautiful job and was asking 600 pesos for it.

Ipil Mindanao