PH 3rd ‘safest’ country in Southeast Asia — Gallup poll

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MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines is the third safest country in Southeast Asia, according to the Philippine National Police (PNP), citing the latest survey of American analytics firm Gallup.

According to Gallup Law and Order Index for 2023, the Philippines ranked third with a score of 86, only behind Vietnam’s score of 90 and Indonesia’s 90.

Globally, the Philippines ranked 33rd on the Gallup index.

READ: Philippines among world’s safest countries –Gallup poll

Reacting to the country’s “impressive index score”, the PNP in a statement on Friday noted that “the report highlights that the Philippines has secured the position of the third safest country in Southeast Asia.”

“The PNP considers this report as a positive beginning to the year, inspiring the force to continuously improve its efforts in fulfilling its mission of safeguarding the safety and security of the Filipino people,” the PNP further said.

Other Southeast Asian countries including Malaysia posted 85 points, Cambodia had 83, Laos had 81, Thailand had 78, and Myanmar had 66.

Singapore, which often topped the index, was not scored in the latest study due to the firm’s issues with data. Brunei was also not included in the study.

Tajikistan, a Central Asian country, topped the index with a score of 96, while African nation Liberia ranked the bottom rank at 49.

Respondents were asked questions about their confidence in the local police force and if they feel safe when walking alone at night. The survey also inquired if, in the past 12 months, they had their money or property stolen and if they have been assaulted or mugged.

Index results based on telephone or face-to-face surveys of approximately 1,000 or more respondents aged 15 or older, in each of the 141 countries and territories in 2022.

The survey’s margin of error ranges from ±2 to ±5.5 percentage points at the 95 percent confidence level.