Iv'e been to that area three times (1989-2005), spent more than three months there, got married twice. There most definitely girls there and very friendly people. I was never robbed but never really went to discos or hanging around outside at night. Sometimes I used a tour guide to help me deal with the swindlers, taxi drivers, etc. I got swindled out of extra cash a few times but never robbed. I also went to other Islands, The Mountains, villages, off the water, seen all kinds of people in different situations. I hardly ever had a negative experience with the people I met or encountered! Great places to visit, hotels, tasty food, inexpensive prices compared to the US. Cebu is a great place to visit or even live!