PH has 3rd highest law and order index score among SE Asian countries in Gallup poll — PNP

The Philippines obtained the third-highest law and order index score among Southeast Asian countries in the latest survey of American analytics firm Gallup, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said Friday.

Based on Gallup's Global Law and Order 2023 report, the Philippines earned a score of 86 — the third-best in the region behind Vietnam's 92, and Indonesia's 90.

As for other Southeast Asian countries included in the study, Malaysia scored 85, Cambodia had 83, Laos had 81, Thailand had 78, and Myanmar had 66.

Gallup results are based on nationally representative, probability-based samples among adult populations, aged 15 and older, in 141 countries and territories throughout the year 2022.

The 2022 results are based on telephone or face-to-face surveys of approximately 1,000 or more respondents.

In a statement, the PNP said, "The report highlights that the Philippines has secured the position of the third safest country in Southeast Asia, boasting an impressive index score of 86."

The PNP added that the report "serves as a guiding beacon" for the organization to continue its "mission of ensuring the well-being of our communities."

Globally, the Philippines is among the Top 40 countries with the highest scores in the poll.

The Philippines' mark is tied with Azerbaijan, Czech Republic, Ireland, Israel, Japan, Montenegro, and South Korea, according to the survey.

Further, the Philippines increased its score by 1 point from 85 reported last year.

"We are honored and humbled by the trust placed in us by the Filipino people. The PNP remains steadfast in our commitment to serve and protect," PNP chief Police General Benjamin Acorda Jr. said.

Meanwhile, Tajikistan ranked highest with a score of 96. It was followed by Finland, Iceland, Kuwait, Luxembourg, Norway, and Vietnam, which all had a score of 92.

Liberia ranked lowest with 49. Also among the countries which fared poorly were Gambia with 56, Sierra Leone with 57, Congo with 58, and Cameroon, Ecuador, Gabon, and South Africa with 59.

For the latest Gallup study, respondents were asked:

• In the city or area where you live, do you have confidence in the local police force?
• Do you feel safe walking alone at night in the city or area where you live?
• Within the last 12 months, have you had money or property stolen from you or another household member?
• Within the past 12 months, have you been assaulted or mugged?

Gallup said that for results based on the total sample of national adults, the margin of sampling error ranges from ±2.0 to ±5.5 percentage points at the 95% confidence level. — VDV, GMA Integrated News