It's funny I travel to the Philippines frequently since my wife is from there and I see that it's #4 on the list. I have never really felt threatened in my travels there but I also don't go to seedy areas where trouble could occur. I agree with you that you need to keep your wits about you while in foreign countries. I just have never had a good experience in Mexico and have heard of many people having the same or worse experiences there.
Sorry to hijack the thread.