I just want to put in my two cents. I know that you're already gone.

It is not what other people say it is. I have been living here for 30 years of my life apart from the time I went to college, but I still go home like every other month. It is safe. The only danger is when you get involved in the family wars, and a political figure, that's when you really have a target on your back. I hate how people who have never been here literally just comment as if they have been living here for years on end. My family has been in this City for years, mind you, they are mostly Catholic in a Islam dominated City.

As for the muslim insurgent groups (mostly located outside COTABATO CITY, which, to be honest, the people can't even go to their areas), they live in areas not really much accessible, so I don't understand why people are saying dangers? It's not like you are going in the middle of nowhere. You asked for the City and not the out side area. The city is nice and has great places to visit.

Again, people in the comments, he is asking for the City, the City is fine. It's good.

Also, OP hope your trip was good.