MINDANAO’S safety rating increased to 89.69% in 2024 from 88% in 2023, a perception study conducted by the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) revealed.
The Mindanao Safety Rating is conducted by MinDA every quarter of the year, targeting more than 7,200 respondents aged 18 and above, from various regions in Mindanao.
Dr. Adrian Tamayo, MinDA Policy Formulation Division officer-in-charge said the same technique was used by Pulse Asia and SWS, maintaining it was done with a 3% margin of error.
Tamayo said that it was the same study with the same technique used by Pulse Asia and SWS, which are using a 3% margin of error.
He added the deployment framework of the sampling design for the study is 1,200 respondents in every region.
Study results
The study revealed that Basilan and Lanao del Sur were the safest areas in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), both having a 95% safety rating.
“The people there are saying Basilan is safer compared to before,” Tamayo said.Cotabato City followed with 90%; Sulu and Tawi-tawi, both with 87%; Maguindanao del Norte with 85%, and Maguindanao del Sur (80%).
Davao Oriental with 95% is the safest in Davao Region, followed by Davao del Sur (94%); Davao de Oro and Davao Occidental at 90%; and Davao del Norte (89%).
Davao City on the other hand, despite Duterte’s turf only gained an 86% safety rating.
In Zamboanga Peninsula, Zamboanga City and Zamboanga Sibugay gained the same percentage of 94% which placed them at the top. These are followed by Zamboanga del Norte with 93%; Zamboanga del Sur (90%); and Isabela City (79%).
Iligan, on the other hand, gained 98%, the highest in Northern Mindanao, followed by Camiguin with 97%; Cagayan de Oro (95%); Misamis Oriental (92%); Lanao del Norte (92%), Bukidnon with 90%, and Misamis Occidental with 88%.
General Santos City emerged as the safest with 94% in Soccsksargen, followed by South Cotabato with 92%; Saranggani (90%), North Cotabato (87%), and Sultan Kudarat with 83%.
For Caraga, Agusan del Sur is the highest with 91%, followed by Surigao del Norte with 88%; Agusan del Norte (87%); Butuan (79%) and Surigao del Sur (83%).
Tamayo said the respondents were randomly selected which includes travelers and travel vloggers.
The results of the study find complementation with the efforts of the foreign diplomatic community and are being utilized by the foreign chambers and consulate offices, pointing out that Mindanao is safe.
“The results of the study complement the declaration of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan because they already put the region in Level 1 or very safe, highlighting Camiguin and Misamis Oriental,” he added.
The official emphasized the safety rating could change from time to time as it is done every quarter, however, he told the public to enjoy the peace and safety of the region.
