The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Wednesday welcomed the results of the latest Tugon ng Masa nationwide survey by OCTA Research, which showed the organization posting a 63 percent trust rating and 61 percent satisfaction rating for the first quarter of 2026. The survey was conducted from March 19 to 25, 2026, through face-to-face interviews of 1,200 adult respondents nationwide.
In a statement released on May 6, 2026, PNP Chief Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. expressed gratitude to the public for the continued confidence in the country's police force. The ratings reflect a significant measure of public confidence in the organization's efforts to maintain peace and order across the Philippines.
Police Chief Credits Community Engagement Efforts
"The Philippine National Police gladly accepts the results of the latest Tugon ng Masa nationwide survey by OCTA Research, where the organization recorded a 63% trust rating and 61% satisfaction rating for the first part of 2026," Nartatez said in the official statement.
The PNP chief emphasized that the ratings mirror the ongoing efforts of the police force in maintaining peace and order, enforcing the law, and protecting communities nationwide. According to Nartatez, the results demonstrate the effectiveness of the organization's community-oriented policing strategies.
"The PNP thanks the Filipino people for their continued trust and confidence. The said result reflects the efforts of the police force to maintain peace and order, enforce the law, and protect communities," the police chief stated.
Survey Methodology and Regional Breakdown
The OCTA Research Tugon ng Masa Q1 2026 survey employed rigorous methodology, conducting face-to-face interviews across the country with a national margin of error of plus or minus 3 percent. The survey's comprehensive approach provides a representative snapshot of public sentiment toward the police organization.
Regional variations in the survey results revealed interesting patterns in public trust. Across major areas, Mindanao consistently recorded the highest trust rating at 74 percent and performance rating at 69 percent for the PNP. The Visayas region followed as the second-highest in terms of public confidence in police performance.
These regional differences suggest varying levels of community-police relations across different parts of the Philippines, with Mindanao showing particularly strong confidence in police operations and community engagement efforts.
Commitment to Service Improvement Initiative
Nartatez described the survey results as both a reminder and inspiration for the police organization to further improve its service delivery. The PNP chief framed the ratings within the context of the organization's broader reform agenda.
"For the PNP, this survey serves as a reminder and inspiration to further improve service delivery and continue to live by the goal of a New PNP for a New Philippines: Fast, Honest, and Compassionate Service," Nartatez explained.
The "New PNP for a New Philippines" initiative represents the organization's commitment to transforming police services through enhanced professionalism, accountability, and community responsiveness. This program aims to address longstanding concerns about police conduct while building stronger relationships with local communities.
Enhanced Community Safety Strategies
The PNP announced it will continue to push its advocacy for safer cities and communities through multiple strategic approaches. These include heightened police visibility in communities, swift response to incidents, and broader cooperation with local government units to ensure comprehensive public safety.
According to the statement, the police organization plans to maintain focus on humane and prompt enforcement of the law while continuously intensifying campaigns against criminality. The approach emphasizes strengthening relations with communities under the PNP Focused Agenda framework.
"The PNP will remain focused on humane and prompt enforcement of the law, while continuously intensifying the campaign against criminality and strengthening relations with communities under the PNP Focused Agenda," Nartatez added.
Collaborative Approach with Local Government Units
The police organization's strategy involves extensive collaboration with local government units across the Philippines. This partnership approach recognizes that effective law enforcement requires coordinated efforts between national police forces and local authorities who understand community-specific challenges.
The emphasis on cooperation with local government units reflects the PNP's understanding that sustainable public safety requires multi-level governance approaches. Local officials often serve as crucial intermediaries between police forces and community members, facilitating better communication and trust-building.
Ongoing Anti-Criminality Campaign Focus
The PNP's continued emphasis on anti-criminality campaigns forms a central component of its service delivery strategy. The organization maintains that effective crime prevention and response directly correlates with public trust and satisfaction ratings.
The police force's approach to criminality involves both reactive responses to incidents and proactive community engagement designed to prevent crimes before they occur. This dual strategy aims to address immediate security concerns while building long-term community resilience.
Public Service Commitment Reinforced
In closing his statement, Nartatez reaffirmed the institution's fundamental commitment to public service, emphasizing the organization's dedication to serving all Filipino citizens regardless of location or background.
"Once again, the PNP thanks the public for their support and ensures that it will continue to serve faithfully for the welfare and safety of all," the police chief concluded.
The survey results come at a time when police organizations worldwide face increased scrutiny regarding their methods and community relations. The relatively positive ratings suggest that the PNP's reform efforts and community engagement strategies are resonating with the Filipino public, though the organization acknowledges continued room for improvement in service delivery and community trust-building.
Photo credit: Photo courtesy of PNP