I’ve been to PDC about 8 times over the past ten years and have never felt unsafe. I don’t stay at all-inclusive, and I take taxis, collectivos, and public transportation. I look like a tourist and my Spanish is vacation or kitchen level at best.
But, the only downside to PDC is that it isn’t a gay destination and there’s only one “gay bar” and it’s not great. I’ve gotten massages from people on Grindr, they were decent though. There are plenty of gays that visit and live there, so finding someone to have fun with isn’t an issue.
I feel more unsafe in the US than anywhere else I’ve traveled.