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The impending closure of DHL Supply Chain’s Muntinlupa warehouse is raising the stakes in a labor dispute involving 473 workers who have been on strike over alleged union busting and demands for recognition and collective bargaining.

The DHL United Workers Union (DUWU) entered its seventh consecutive day of strike on Tuesday as it continued to demand union recognition and good-faith negotiations with management.

DUWU said the Muntinlupa warehouse is nearing closure at the end of the month.

The union and its allies have also raised concerns over alleged retrenchment, job insecurity, unpaid wages and other issues affecting workers.

According to the union, the dispute has gone through nine hearings between DUWU and the management, but has yet to yield progress or positive outcome for its demands.

‘We formed the union to achieve our rights to a living wage, fair benefits, regular employment, and others,’ DUWU President Nap Aromin said.

Aromin said the workers continued their strike despite what the union described as attacks against their organization.

‘We will continue to face DHL until they have no choice but to respect the union and negotiate with us in good faith.’

The union has also questioned the company’s refusal to pay workers for work performed on every 31st day of the month.

Aromin said workers are seeking adequate wages and benefits instead of remaining at the minimum wage.

‘We are asking for sufficient wages instead of remaining at minimum wage, and instead of not being paid for working on every 31st day of the month.’

Meanwhile, SENTRO Deputy Secretary General Joanna Bernice said DUWU’s strike is ‘a legitimate exercise of workers’ collective rights.’

‘On one hand, we have workers practicing their right to strike, and on the other, we have management busting their union.’

Akbayan Rep. Perci Cendaña likewise called on DHL to uphold its commitments to workers’ rights to organization, collective bargaining and freedom of association.

‘DHL’s global commitments to respect workers’ rights to organization, bargaining, and freedom of association must not simply be performative.’

The dispute has also drawn support from workers, women and youth groups, as well as lawmakers who have joined mobilizations in support of DUWU.

The union and its allies have scheduled a candle-lighting protest in Pasig City on Wednesday to press DHL management on union recognition and good-faith negotiations.

WHILE the Philippine Nickel Industry Association welcomed Executive Order 122 as ‘a pivotal step in advancing the Philippines’ critical minerals industry and strengthening the country’s position in an increasingly competitive global market,’ mining-affected communities slammed President Marcos for an alleged ‘overly optimistic’ view of the critical minerals industry.

‘PNIA thanks President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for this decisive and forward-looking policy direction. At a time when countries around the world are competing to secure critical minerals, investments, technologies, and supply chains, the President has sent a clear signal that the Philippines intends not only to participate in this global opportunity, but to compete for it,’ PNIA said in a statement.

PNIA joined the Chamber of Mines of the Philippines (COMP) in welcoming Marcos’ latest policy supporting the mining industry.

In a statement, PNIA said the declaration of all critical mineral projects as national priority projects is very significant.

‘This is a major shift in perspective. It recognizes that our mineral resources are not simply commodities to extract, but strategic national assets that can support industrialization, infrastructure, energy security, digital transformation, and the clean energy transition.’

Moreover, PNIA said that it also puts government-industry partnership in its proper context. Responsible mining is not solely a private-sector undertaking. It is a national development endeavor in which government and industry have distinct but complementary responsibilities. Government provides the policy direction, standards, safeguards, and enabling environment; industry brings investment, technology, expertise, and execution. The greater value comes when both work toward the same national objective.

The Executive Order also advances reforms that PNIA sys it has consistently advocated, including stronger inter-agency coordination, streamlined and digitalized permitting, and more predictable processes. The directive to establish a virtual one-stop shop and enable simultaneous rather than sequential processing is particularly encouraging.

‘For investors, strong policy direction builds confidence, but consistent implementation sustains it. The Executive Order therefore sends an important signal to the global investment community. The task now is to translate that direction into faster, clearer, and more predictable processes on the ground,’ the group said.

PNIA, likewise, welcomed the strengthened role of the Mining Industry Coordinating Council. Its mandate to review regulatory gaps, address barriers to investment, monitor implementation, and regularly convene government provides an important institutional platform to sustain coordination and reform over the long term.

‘These directions strongly complement the objectives of PNIA’s Nickel Initiative, which has consistently brought government, industry, and other stakeholders together to identify practical reforms that can strengthen Philippine mining competitiveness. The progress we are seeing demonstrates what sustained government-industry dialogue can achieve. The challenge now is to build on that progress and move with greater speed and coordination.’

The global race for critical minerals is already underway. The Philippines has the resources, the global interest is here, and we now have an even stronger national policy direction. Our shared task is to convert this moment into responsible investments, stronger industries, quality jobs, and lasting prosperity for Filipinos.

At the same time, the anti-mining group Alyansa Tigil Mina (ATM) expressed its indignation on Monday over EO 122 that is said promotes ‘sustainable mining,’ which has been debunked as a concept.

ATM in a statement said the emphasis on privatization and expansion of mineral lands is a direct threat to food and water security and poses health risks to affected communities. We completely reject the provision declaring ‘relinquished, expired and cancelled’ mining contracts to be converted into mineral lands.

Moreover, the group said that local autonomy is given little value, virtually dismissing the expressed provisions of laws on local government’s role in the approval of mining contracts.

Worse, the group said that transparency and accountability are not given enough attention when they should precisely be highlighted given that political dynasties, including the President’s cousin and family, are direct beneficial owners of mining companies.

‘If this is not checked, mining contracts will be the next corruption nexus. Related to this, there is no mention of the Extractives Industry Transparency Initiative [EITI] and its important work,’ ATM said.

The group said that while the MICC is strengthened, ‘it still utterly lacks civil society participation while ensuring private sector participation.’ It even ensures that MICC’s work is aligned with FPIC guidelines, but does not recognize that the Indigenous Peoples’ sector strongly rejects these revised FPIC guidelines, it said.

ATM said a mine audit is absolutely absent when this should be a requisite to determine the application of the EO’s other provisions, such as privatization of mining assets and declaration of mineral reservations.

THE Securities and Exchange Commission is warning the public against fake Facebook pages that uses the name and logo of Just Smile Lending Corp., a company offering loans and other related financial services.

According to the regulator, Just Smile executives has informed the SEC it doesn’t own, operate, control, authorize, endorse or maintain the Facebook pages. The fake pages uses the corporate name ‘Just Smile Lending Corp. Inc.’ and a Magsaysay Blvd., Quezon City, address.

Based on the information and supporting documents submitted to the agency, the reported Facebook pages use variations of the company’s name, logo and other identifying information in a manner that may create the false impression that they are legitimate or authorized channels of Just Smile.

‘Documents submitted to the commission further indicate that persons operating the reported pages may be soliciting prospective borrowers and requesting purported membership fees, processing fees, and similar payments in connection with loan applications while representing themselves as connected with Just Smile,’ according to the SEC.

The SEC said that the unauthorized use of the name, identity, logo or regulatory information of a registered lending company is being used to mislead consumers, obtain personal or financial information, induce payments under false pretenses, or facilitate other fraudulent transactions.

The regulator also advised the public to exercise caution when dealing with social media pages or accounts claiming to represent financing or lending companies, and to independently verify the company’s identity and official channels before entering into any transaction.

It added that the public should not send money for membership fees, processing fees, insurance fees, verification fees or similar advance payments based solely on representations made through social media or messaging applications. They should also avoid providing personal, financial or sensitive information to unverified accounts or persons.

‘Persons who may have been contacted by, solicited by, or transacted with the reported Facebook pages are advised to preserve all available evidence, including screenshots, account or page links, chat messages, mobile numbers, transaction receipts, payment details and other electronic records,’ the SEC said.

Crown Asia strengthened its operational framework for capital preservation by anchoring its nationwide footprint on the elements of an exquisite address. The strategic rollout outlines five operational hallmarks designed to insulate prime horizontal and vertical real estate investments from cyclical market volatility while optimizing asset utilization.

By systematically pairing strategic regional placement with institutional design principles, Crown Asia converts premium themed residential developments into self-sustaining, long-term capital assets. This proactive alignment addresses the demands of a growing demographic of high-net-worth individuals and discerning local investors looking to de-risk their financial portfolios.

Capitalizing on Core Investment Fundamentals

The operational stability of the Crown Asia portfolio depends on a calculated convergence of geographic placement, architectural differentiation, and asset flexibility. This investment thesis is implemented across five core structural pillars.

Crown Asia’s strategic framework begins with privileged placement, deploying capital in high-growth regional corridors near central business districts and major transportation hubs to eliminate transit friction and guarantee land appreciation. These themed communities feature architectural artistry, which adapts global design influences to local microclimates and cultural customs, establishing a recognizable benchmark that ensures property differentiation.

To protect the homebuyers’ personal sanctuaries, purposeful privacy employs strict circulation planning and controlled entryways to reinforce structural security. Restorative rhythm, on the other hand, structurally configures high-value residential spaces to optimize daily wellness and personal well-being. Ultimately, the intersection of these four principles drives property potential, allowing each upscale horizontal and vertical asset to seamlessly adapt to shifting market conditions and deliver progressive value over time.

Engineering Long-Term Asset Protection

Rather than relying on short-term market popularity, the developments of Crown Asia focus on the foundational values of modern luxury: safety, operational efficiency, and spatial adaptability. Each master-planned community acts as a functional framework where architectural character directly serves a practical commercial purpose-capturing steady demand from a highly stable, upscale consumer market.

Backed by more than three decades of community building, this institutional structure ensures that standard real estate holdings transition into high-yielding, progressive platforms. As the country’s main regional growth corridors continue to expand, developments that seamlessly blend strategic connectivity with premium lifestyle infrastructure will continue to command the highest market value and long-term capital appreciation.

Bringing the beauty of the world to your doorstep

Crown Asia is the foremost builder of themed residential developments, distinguished by global influences and set in the most strategic locations across the archipelago.

Built for the self-made, Crown Asia speaks to those who move with mastery, break through with boldness, and choose with clarity. Residences are not merely rewards, but reflections of their discipline, direction, and pursuit of distinction. A Crown Asia home is a trophy of triumph-an exquisite reward to and only for themselves.

Learn more about Crown Asia themed residential developments across the islands. Log on to www.crownasia.com.ph and follow @CrownAsiaOfficial.

THE Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority (PhilFIDA) launched a digital platform to enhance market linkages and expand opportunities in the fiber sector.

PhilFIDA Executive Director Arnold Atienza led the launch of the e-market linkage platform, dubbed Natural Fiber Link PH, to digitally connect local fiber processors and producers with potential buyers.

The agency said this would help the domestic industry expand its market opportunities, strengthen market linkages, and promote fair and transparent trade in the country’s natural fiber products.

The launch brought together industry stakeholders who explored the developing platform and shared feedback on its accessibility and functionality.

For PhilFIDA, the feedback will contribute to the platform’s continuous improvement as it works toward a more accessible and responsive digital marketplace.

‘As Natural Fiber Link PH continues its development, PhilFIDA remains committed to advancing sustainable, eco-friendly, and inclusive digital solutions that create greater opportunities for Filipino fiber farmers, processors, and industry stakeholders.’

In a separate development, Atienza met with Carmina Jacob, Vice President of the Fashion Coalition.

They discussed potential collaborations that would promote sustainable fiber textiles and the use of locally produced cotton in textile manufacturing.

PhilFIDA added that the discussion also explored opportunities to support local fiber production, encourage the development of sustainable textile products, and bolster the patronage of locally sourced materials within the Philippine fashion industry.

Production bottlenecks

Last April, a unit of the University of Asia and the Pacific (UAandP) said sourcing constraints, weather-related shocks, and plant diseases hinder the domestic abaca industry’s growth. (See: https://businessmirror.com.ph/2026/04/13/typhoons-diseases-hamper-abaca-production-report/)

Despite the industry’s critical role in the global economy and environmental sustainability, UAandP Center for Food and Agribusiness (CFA) research assistant Cy P. Reyes said abaca production had been on a downtrend.

Citing government data, Reyes noted that abaca output steadily declined over a five-year period to 39,089 metric tons (MT) last year, from 58,943 MT in 2021.

Aside from natural calamities and persistent crop diseases, Reyes noted market coordination and sourcing gaps as a main concern.

‘Despite being the world’s leading exporter, the Philippines faces a ‘sourcing paradox,’ where local firms import abaca fiber largely from Ecuador, due to weak coordination in domestic supply chains.’

Thus, Reyes said there is a ‘strong potential’ to reduce the country’s reliance on imports by bolstering connections between local producers and domestic manufacturers.

Cloudy skies and the threat of rain didn’t stop golfers from showing up for the first Poveda 2002 Golf Tournament, held last August 18, 2026, at the Player Course of The Orchard Golf and Country Club in Dasmariñas, Cavite.

Organized by Poveda Batch 2002 in partnership with Sta. Lucia Land Inc., the charity tournament brought together friends, family, alumni, and members of the golf community for a day of friendly competition and fundraising.

The event was held for the benefit of the Asociasión de Alumnas de Poveda, the alumni association of Saint Pedro Poveda College. The tournament was able to surpass the expected goals set by the organizers, and the generated funds will support the association’s community outreach initiatives, charity programs, and other projects.

Additionally, the tournament was able to gather a total of 72 sponsors who generously gave gifts for raffles and giveaways. Among these sponsors are Palawan Pay and CWC as major sponsors, Clubface as the event’s apparel sponsor, and San Miguel as the event’s drink sponsor.

Despite the rainy forecast, the weather cooperated just in time for the opening prayer led by Poveda alumna Marga Puyat, followed by the ceremonial tee-off led by eight-year-old Tyly Bernardino, the tournament’s youngest player.

Michelle Robles-De Castro, representing Sta. Lucia Land Inc. and also an alumna of Poveda Batch 2002, welcomed the players and guests with the tournament’s welcoming remarks. Lara Santico-Vicente then went through the tournament rules before the players headed out to the course.

Behind the event were Poveda Batch 2002 alumnae Trinna Bernardino, Michelle Robles-De Castro, Andrea Mago, Alex Ocampo, Lara Santico-Vicente, Cathy Dizon, Bea Santos, and Berry Stehmeier, who came together to organize the tournament in support of their alma mater and its community.

The tournament welcomed 170 players and guests joining the day’s activities, among which were 12 club champions.

Adding another highlight to the event, the Poveda 2002 Golf Tournament was recognized as a qualifying event for the World Amateur Golfers Championship (WAGC) happening in September 2026. WAGC Director Mark Leviste was present to award Certificates of Qualification to the players.

Unlike any major golf tournament, the Poveda 2002 Golf Tournament was organized without a golf director, yet it was still executed flawlessly, delivering a highly competitive amateur event. This also reflects the Povedan core values: commitment, excellence, and Christ-centeredness.

Overseeing the tournament, there were two rulesmen on the course, namely Mr. Francis Montallana and Mr. Marvin Dumandan. There were also four marshals roaming.

Off the course, the event continued with food, prizes, raffles, and music by DJ Santino Laurel, giving players and guests a chance to unwind and celebrate after their rounds.

Over lunch, both players and attendees delighted in feasts of several served dishes and snacks. Families got to take home lots of goodies and gifts.

The awarding program opened with remarks from Berry Stehmeier and was hosted by Andrea Mago, who led the recognition of the day’s winners. Trinna Bernardino delivered the closing remarks, thanking the players, sponsors, partners, and guests who helped make the tournament possible.

Taking home the Overall Low Gross Champion title was King Stehmeier, who finished with a gross score of 72 and a net of 69. Meanwhile, Poveda alumna Lara Vicente Santico was named Overall Low Net Champion, finishing with a gross score of 75 and a net of 69.

More than a day on the greens, the inaugural Poveda 2002 Golf Tournament brought together sport, friendship and a shared purpose-making the Batch of ’02’s first tournament one that was truly good to be true.

President Ferdinand Marcos is aiming to propel MD Juan Enterprises Inc.’s foray into electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing by providing the 60-year-old traditional jeepney manufacturer with new pieces of equipment.

MD is a beneficiary of the Department of Science and Technology’s (DOST) Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP), which provides micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSME) with seed fund for technology acquisition.

The beneficiaries of the SETUP also receive technical training and consultancy services, packaging and label design, database information systems, and support for establishment of product standards.

On Tuesday, Marcos visited the office of MD in Caloocan to witness the assessment done by DOST in the company to determine what it pieces of equipment it will need so it can manufacture electric tricycles and jeepneys.

‘But right now, the reason we are here is to assess what needs to be done so that they will be capable of fabricating all-Filipino electric tricycles and electric jeepneys, should the need [for it] arise,’ he said in Filipino.

‘So, the next step is to put in some of the new equipment that is still necessary for the production of the electric vehicle.’

MD began its operations producing replacement and restoration parts for American military and civilian jeeps and now serves customers in the United States, Europe, and other international markets.

‘MD Juan is recognized as a company with long-standing experience in this field; they are at the forefront of the technologies we need to assemble, fabricate, and manufacture electric vehicles-with everything sourced right here in the Philippines,’ Marcos said.

The Marcos administration is currently pushing local EV production through Executive Order (EO) No. 121, which establishes the P60-billion Electric Vehicle Incentive Strategy (EVIS) Program.

The chief executive said the local production will help mainstream EVs, which will reduce the country’s dependence on imported petroleum products and the implementation of the government’s public utility vehicle modernization efforts.

THE volume of goods traded in the country plunged 37.9 percent during the second quarter of 2026, dragged by a sharp contraction in commodities transported by water, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).

Preliminary PSA data showed total domestic trade volume fell to 10.57 million tons in the April-to-June period from the 17.02 million tons recorded during the same quarter last year.

The decline was largely driven by water transport, where the volume of commodities shipped fell 56.7 percent to 3.77 million tons from 8.72 million tons a year earlier.

Road transport also recorded a decline, although at a slower pace, with volume falling 18.1 percent to 6.79 million tons from 8.29 million tons.

Air transport was the only mode to post an increase, with volume rising 18.3 percent to 6.91 thousand tons from 5.84 thousand tons.

The contraction in the physical volume of goods was accompanied by a smaller decline in the value of domestic trade.

PSA said domestic trade value fell 21.9 percent to P745.70 billion in the second quarter from P955.18 billion a year earlier.

Road transport bucked the broader decline, with the value of goods moved through the mode increasing 9.8 percent to P542.73 billion from P494.44 billion.

Meanwhile, the value of water-borne trade plunged 56 percent to P202.42 billion from P460.06 billion. Air shipments declined 16.9 percent to P557.67 million from P670.87 million.

Mineral products accounted for the largest share of domestic trade outflow volume at 2.73 million tons or 25.9 percent of the total, the PSA said.

Prepared foodstuffs; beverages, spirits and vinegar; tobacco and manufactured tobacco substitutes; products, whether or not containing nicotine, intended for inhalation without combustion; other nicotine containing products intended for the intake of nicotine into the human body followed with 2.25 million tons, while vegetable products accounted for 1.43 million tons.

By value, however, machinery and mechanical appliances, electrical equipment and related products led domestic trade at P183.41 billion, or 24.6 percent of the total.

The PSA said Region IV-A (Calabarzon or Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon) remained the largest source of goods shipped across regions, accounting for 2.72 million tons, or 25.8 percent of total domestic trade volume.

The National Capital Region (NCR) followed with 1.70 million tons (16.1 percent), and Region III (Central Luzon) with 1.41 million tons (13.3 percent).

THE Philippine Red Cross (PRC) has deployed medical and support personnel to San Lazaro Hospital to help the facility cope with a surge in leptospirosis cases.

The PRC sent 17 medical and support personnel after the hospital reported 139 leptospirosis patients as of 8 a.m.

The team includes six nurses, six student nurses, three administrative support volunteers and two staff members from the PRC Medical Corps Volunteers-Nursing Team.

They will assist hospital personnel in monitoring patients’ vital signs and fluid intake and output, as well as facilitate required laboratory tests.

PRC Chairman Richard J. Gordon said the organization is prepared to provide additional manpower to hospitals experiencing sudden increases in patient volume.

‘Kapag dumami ang pasyente, kailangang dumami rin ang tumutulong. We are sending our trained nurses and volunteers to San Lazaro Hospital to help its healthcare workers manage the surge and ensure that patients continue to receive the attention they need,’ Gordon said.

PRC Secretary General Gwen Pang said the deployment reflects the organization’s role in supporting the healthcare system during emergencies and periods of increased demand.

The PRC said it will continue monitoring the situation and coordinating with San Lazaro Hospital should additional personnel or other support be needed as the leptospirosis surge continues.

A MAJORITY of adult Filipinos continue to feel safe in their communities, but confidence in personal and household security has weakened significantly since 2023, according to the latest Tugon ng Masa (TNM) survey by Octa Research.

The July 2026 survey found that 72 percent of Filipinos feel safe in their neighborhoods, while 68 percent said they are not afraid to walk alone at night. However, only 54 percent said they are not worried about robbers breaking into their homes.

Although Filipinos generally maintain a positive perception of peace and order in their immediate communities, concerns become more pronounced when safety is viewed in terms of specific personal and household risks.

The survey, conducted from July 4 to 11 among 1,200 probability respondents aged 18 and above, has a margin of error of ±3 percentage points at the 95 percent confidence level.

The national figures, however, reveal wide varying perceptions across the country.

The Visayas posted the highest level of confidence in neighborhood safety at 84 percent, while the National Capital Region recorded the lowest at 58 percent.

For walking alone at night, agreement was highest in Balance Luzon at 72 percent and Mindanao at 71 percent, but fell to only 48 percent in NCR.

Home security generated the weakest national result. Balance Luzon registered the highest share of respondents who said they were not worried about robbers breaking into their homes at 61 percent, compared with only 44 percent in NCR and 47 percent in Mindanao.

The regional differences become even more glaring when looking at individual regions.

Cordillera Administrative Region and Caraga recorded almost universal confidence in neighborhood safety, at 100 percent and 99 percent, respectively. Ilocos Region followed at 94 percent, while Western Visayas posted 92 percent.

At the other end of the spectrum, only 45 percent of respondents in Davao Region said they felt safe in their neighborhoods, followed by Cagayan Valley at 53 percent, NCR at 58 percent, and Soccsksargen (South Cotabato, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani and General Santos City).

Furthermore, Davao Region also posted particularly low confidence on the other two measures. Only 58 percent said they were not afraid to walk alone at night, while just 23 percent said they were not worried about robbers breaking into their homes.

Perhaps the most significant finding is the deterioration in safety perceptions compared with March 2023.

The proportion of Filipinos who said they feel safe in their neighborhood fell 15 percentage points, from 87 percent in 2023 to 72 percent in 2026.

The decline was even larger for home security. The share saying they were not worried about robbers breaking into their homes dropped 17 points, from 71 percent to 54 percent.

Meanwhile, those who said they were not afraid to walk alone at night declined 13 points, from 81 percent to 68 percent.

NCR experienced the sharpest deterioration among the major areas.

The proportion of NCR residents who felt safe in their neighborhood plunged from 91 percent in March 2023 to 58 percent in July 2026, a 33-point decline.

Even more striking was the drop in confidence about walking alone at night, which fell from 88 percent to 48 percent, or 40 percentage points.

The share of NCR residents who were not worried about home break-ins also declined, from 61 percent to 44 percent.

Balance Luzon also recorded substantial declines, including a 23-point drop in confidence about home security and a 19-point decline in the perception of neighborhood safety.

The Visayas stood out as the only major area where perceptions of general safety and nighttime security did not decline from 2023.

The percentage of Visayans who felt safe in their neighborhoods actually increased from 81 percent in 2023 to 84 percent in 2026.

Those who said they were not afraid to walk alone at night also edged up from 70 percent to 71 percent.

Nevertheless, confidence in home security slipped slightly, from 57 percent to 55 percent.

Octa said the comparatively steady figures in the Visayas may point to a possible role for consistent, visible local policing and community-based mechanisms, although it stressed that this is only one possible explanation and that the survey cannot establish the cause of the differences.

The survey also showed that perceptions of safety weakened across socioeconomic groups, with Class ABC recording some of the largest declines.

Among Class ABC households, the share who felt safe in their neighborhood dropped 23 points from 92 percent in 2023 to 69 percent in 2026.

Those who were not afraid to walk alone at night declined 19 points, from 89 percent to 70 percent, while confidence about home security fell 22 points, from 70 percent to 48 percent.

Class D also recorded substantial declines, while Class E registered comparatively smaller changes.

Octa cautioned against interpreting the results as a direct measure of actual crime.

The poll measures public perceptions of safety, not crime incidence itself. The research group noted that comparing the survey findings with official crime statistics could provide a fuller picture of the relationship between perceived and actual safety.

Overall, the July 2026 TNM findings paint a delicate scenario of peace and order in the Philippines. ‘Most Filipinos still feel safe where they live, but that confidence becomes weaker when they think about walking alone at night or protecting their homes from break-ins,’ Octa said.

More importantly, the broad decline from 2023 suggests that the country’s sense of security goes beyond whether people feel safe in their immediate communities.

The widening gap between perceptions of overall community safety and concerns about personal and household security could be an important consideration for policymakers and local authorities as they work to strengthen public confidence in peace and order.