Survey says 8 provinces are unsafe

MANILA, Philippines—Nearly one out of five Filipinos believes some provinces in northern Luzon and Mindanao are “unsafe” from crime, a survey conducted by the state-owned Philippine Information Agency has revealed.

Of the 1,160 respondents who took part in the nationwide poll in 51 provinces last month, 19 percent identified eight provinces as dangerous.

Those considered “unsafe places” are Abra and Kalinga in northern Luzon and Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur and Misamis Oriental in Mindanao.

However, 72 percent of those surveyed thought their own neighborhoods were “safe” while 8 percent rated their communities as “very safe.”

The survey said the positive outlook was shared by local officials, religious groups and the youth sector.

Those who believed their communities were “unsafe” or “very unsafe” were from the media, youth, employees and barangay residents.

Apparently alarmed by the survey results, Philippine National Police Director General Raul Bacalzo on Saturday directed regional police units to implement measures to ensure peace and order in the places identified as “unsafe.” –Marlon Ramos, Philippine Daily Inquirer