Because of spillovers of the ongoing insurgency in adjacent Bangsamoro (then the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao), some governments recommend against all travel to western and central Mindanao. Towns bordering Bangsamoro are high risk areas, but some areas, like General Santos and Lake Sebu are far less dangerous. There is a high risk of kidnapping, including of tourists. The Philippine government insists that the region is safe for travel, yet the risk remains high; see the Mindanao page for further information.
Soccsksargen or SOCCSKSARGEN (pronounced socks-sarjen), also officially known as Region XII, is a region in central Mindanao.
The name is an acronym for the region's four provinces and one of its cities: _So_uth _C_otabato, _C_otabato, _S_ultan _K_udarat, _Sar_angani and _Gen_eral Santos City. This region is often known by its former name Central Mindanao. The regional center is in Koronadal at the province of South Cotabato. It is to the south of Bangsamoro (formerly Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao), the Muslim-majority region of Mindanao.
The region was called Central Mindanao until the provinces of Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, and Maguindanao were transferred to the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. Lanao del Norte was later transferred to Northern Mindanao. Saranggani, South Cotabato and General Santos were moved to Central Mindanao to form the present region.
The oldest inhabitants in the region are the nature-worshipping Lumads; the arrival of Christian Cebuano, Hiligaynon and Ilocano migrants drove the Lumads into the mountains. Muslim Maguindanaoans also inhabit the region, at the area bordering Maguindanao, especially in Sultan Kudarat province..
General Santos International Airport (IATA: GES) is the main, and only airport with commercial flights. Despite its international designation, only domestic carriers fly here.
See also: Mindanao#Understand
The region borders Bangsamoro, and there is high risk of possible attacks from Islamic militants. Areas near the regional border are the most prone to terrorist and insurgent attacks, but attacks can occur anywhere. See the warning on the top of the page for further information.
Communist rebels also hide in the mountainous areas of the region, and are involved in extortion; nevertheless, they are less of a threat to the average traveler.