3 of 4 Filipinos willing to fight in conflict with foreign enemy — OCTA poll

A large majority of adult Filipinos are willing to fight for their country should a conflict erupt with a foreign enemy, pollster OCTA Research reported Sunday.

Seventy-seven percent, or three of four Filipinos, expressed their willingness to fight for the Philippines, based on the December 2023 Fourth Quarter Tugon ng Masa (TNM) Survey.

According to a post on X (formerly Twitter) by GMA Integrated News reporter Joseph Morong, OCTA Research said the survey was commissioned by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

The study was conducted from Dec. 10 to 14 last year using a sample size of 1,200 adult Filipinos with a ±3% margin of error.

At least 60%, or six of 10 respondents, are willing to fight across major study areas. Mindanao posted the highest rate at 84%, while the lowest percentage was seen in the Visayas at 62%.

Among socioeconomic classes, respondents in Class D were the most willing at 80%. Class E and Class ABC respondents were nearly tied at 68% and 67%, respectively.

Areas, gender, education

Respondents in Davao Region and Caraga led the charge among regions as both scored 96%, followed closely by SOCCSKSARGEN at 95%.

On the other hand, respondents in Central Visayas and Bicol had lower marks at 52% and 54%, respectively.

More adult Filipinos in urban areas (80%) were ready to fight compared to those in rural areas (73%).

While majority of both male and female Filipino respondents answered positively, men ranked higher (82%) than women (72%).

In terms of educational attainment, respondents with vocational education had a greater willingness to fight at 86%. They were followed by those with high school education (79%) and no formal education or elementary level attainment (74%). Those who had college or postgraduate education came in last at 70%.

Age groups

Respondents aged 45 to 54 were the most willing to fight (87%) as compared to other age groups.

The younger respondents followed, particularly those aged 25 to 34 and 35 to 44 (both at 77%). The 18- to 24-year olds, the youngest age group, was at 74%.

The oldest age group, meanwhile, had 72%, while those in the 65 to 74 age range came in at 69%.

Survey question

OCTA Research phrased its survey question as follows: "If there is a conflict between the Philippines and a foreign enemy, are you ready to fight for your country?"

This was translated to: "Kung magkakaroon ng kaguluhan sa pagitan ng Pilipinas at dayuhang kalaban, handa ka bang lumaban para sa iyong bansa?"

The Dec. 10 to 14, 2023 study period commenced promptly after a China Coast Guard (CCG) vessel fired a water cannon at ships of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources headed to Scarborough Shoal.

The next day, Dec. 10, the CCG water cannoned Philippine vessels on a regular rotation and resupply mission to the BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal. AFP chief General Romeo Brawner Jr. was on board one of the vessels, the Unaizah Mae (UM) 1, which was rammed by a CCG vessel. — VDV, GMA Integrated News