Global report finds PH the 3rd safest country in Southeast Asia

As per Gallup’s 2023 Global Law and Order report, the Philippines is (relatively) a safer country than the United States | Photo by Kristine Wook on Unsplash

When it comes to settling down, many Filipinos share the same fantasy: to immigrate to someplace where a good “quality of living” awaits. 

Leaving the Philippines for good has become a common theme in many conversations, often fueled by stories of distant relatives striking it rich in foreign lands. 

While some friends—particularly the patriotic ones—would likely give out a gentle reminder that the grass is not always greener on the other side, can we really blame Filipinos for having such a dream? Probably not, especially considering the (seemingly) anti-poor regulations, stagnant salaries despite inflation, and the education system that’s said to be in its “worst state.”

Believe it or not, though, the archipelago isn’t falling short in terms of public security—or at least that is what Washington-based analytics and advisory firm Gallup suggests in its 2023 Global Law and Order Report.

The Philippines is among the safest countries in Southeast Asia

According to the report, the Philippines is the third safest Southeast Asian country with an index score of 86—only behind Vietnam (92) and Indonesia (90). The country also ranks 33rd overall, which is 19 ranks higher than the United States.

According to the Gallup findings, Vietnam is the safest country in Southeast Asia | Photo by Tran Phu on Unsplash

But how exactly did Gallup come up with these results?

The organization interviewed more than 146,000 people (aged 15 and up) from over 140 countries and asked them these questions: Do you have confidence in your local police force? Do you feel safe when walking alone at night? Have you been a victim of theft within the past few months? Have you been assaulted or mugged?

Seventy one percent of people worldwide reported feeling safe walking alone at night where they live, while 72 percent expressed confidence in their local police. The statistics also show that around 12 percent experienced theft within the previous year, while six percent fell victim to assault or mugging.

Tajikistan emerged at the top with an index score of 96 | Photo by Joel Heard on Unsplash

(In particular, Tajikistan emerges at the top with an index score of 96, while Liberia scores 49—the lowest in the list.)

Status of law and order in the US

While the US remains a powerhouse in many aspects, Gallup’s report has highlighted a concerning trajectory. Its index score has shown no statistical change from last year, but it “continues to head in the wrong direction.”

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Meanwhile, Canada matched the stagnant score of the United States, with an index score of 83. Despite many Canadians still expressing their trust in the police (78 percent) and feeling safe walking alone at night (74 percent), its score has dropped to a new low—four points down from the past year to be precise. “The public’s faith has eroded as violent crime keeps rising in Canada, where the murder rate in 2022 was the highest in 30 years,” finds the report.