By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet
Reflecting earlier sentiments in a poll showing that 85% of Filipinos have distrust in China, the latest survey from OCTA Research backs up such findings by noting the citizenry’s backing of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), and their efforts in defense of the country’s territory.
In OCTA’s Tugon ng Masa survey conducted from September 25-30, 73% of respondents expressed trust in the soldiers and are satisfied with their performance, with the majority of AFP’s support particularly evident in Mindanao and the National Capital Region at 84% and 82%, respectively.
This near-universal backing of the Armed Forces is reflected across all socioeconomic classes, which extends to the grassroots level—a reflection of the military’s effective implementation of peace and order operations, humanitarian assistance, and local engagement programs.
Moreover, AFP’s participation in disaster response and interventions after the onset of calamities resonates well with the masses, thereby bolstering the public’s perception of the government institution as a pillar of integrity and professionalism on and off the battlefield.
The citizenry’s trust in the military is likewise anchored in the institution’s non-partisan approach to issues that threaten to destabilize the Southeast Asian nation and undermine national security, such as China’s aggression in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
In this regard, Filipinos continue to express confidence in the Armed Forces’ role in safeguarding these hotly-disputed territorial waters along with the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Philippine Navy (PN), and the National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea (NTF-WPS), with 83% of poll respondents supporting the defense of the country’s WPS claims.
Moreover, 78% of adult Filipinos believe in the capability of the soldiers to defend the country from external threats, and 80% support the institution’s continuing security partnerships with allied nations like the United States, underscoring AFP’s role in democratic governance that remains adherent to the Constitution.
The survey was conducted using face-to-face interviews on 1,200 male and female respondents aged 18 and above, with a ±3% margin of error at a 95% confidence level. (with report from Harley Valbuena | PTV News)
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