By Brian Campued
“Ang seguridad, hindi lang dapat nakikita sa mga numero—it should be something people actually feel in their daily lives.”
The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Tuesday welcomed the public’s positive perception about community safety while reiterating its commitment to ensuring that Filipinos feel safe no matter where they are.
Based on the latest Tugon ng Masa (TNM) survey conducted by OCTA Research from July 4 to 11, 2026, around 72% of the 1,200 adult respondents nationwide said they “feel safe in their neighborhood,” while 68% answered they are “not afraid to walk alone at night.”
About 54% also said they are “not worried about robbers breaking into their home.”
PNP Chief PGen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. called the results “encouraging” but emphasized the need to sustain police presence, timely response to calls for help and assistance, and close coordination with communities and local government units to keep neighborhoods safe.
Nartatez said this is in line with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to improve police services based on the needs and experiences of the communities it serves.
“We welcome this feedback from our fellow Filipinos. But for us, this is not a reason to slow down. If people feel safer, then we have to work even harder to keep it that way. We have to stay visible, respond when people need us, and listen to what our communities are telling us,” PGen. Nartatez said in a statement.
“May mga hamon pa rin, at marami pa tayong kailangang gawin. But we appreciate the confidence reflected in these numbers. Our responsibility now is to sustain it, strengthen it, and earn that trust every single day,” the PNP chief added.
In a separate interview, acting PNP Public Information Office chief PCol. Allen Rae Co assured that cops will continue to strengthen their security measures to maintain peace and order.
He acknowledged that while crimes still happen, the PNP ensures swift action is being carried out to resolve them.
“Lalo pong pinaigting ang gagawin naming pagpapatrolya. Hindi po tayo titigil dito,” PCol. Co said.
“So to speak, we do not rest on our laurels,” he added. (with report from Ryan Lesigues / PTV News)
-jpv
