PCG performance trusted by majority, but doubted most in Davao – Octa

INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—A majority of Filipino respondents expressed trust and satisfaction with the performance of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), although the Davao Region reported the highest level of distrust, according to pollster Octa Research.

Octa released the results of its third-quarter Tugon ng Masa survey on Wednesday, a day after Cavite Rep. Kiko Barzaga called for the abolition of the PCG, accusing it of corruption and of “inciting World War III” in the West Philippine Sea (WPS)—remarks that drew a strong rebuke from the uniformed service.

READ: Tarriela hits Barzaga over calls to abolish PCG

Octa Research fellow Ranjit Rye clarified that the timing of their survey release was a matter of chance and unrelated to Barzaga’s statements.

The survey, conducted from September 25 to 30 among 1,200 adult respondents nationwide, found that 75 percent were satisfied with the PCG’s performance, while 71 percent expressed trust in the agency.

Meanwhile, 4 percent of respondents said they were dissatisfied, and 5 percent expressed distrust in the PCG.

“These results reflect public recognition of the PCG’s professionalism, discipline, and visible leadership in maritime safety, disaster response, and the protection of maritime rights, particularly in the West Philippine Sea,” Octa said in a statement.

Trust, satisfaction are high where PCG is needed

Regions prone to foreign and lawless maritime incursions demonstrated higher trust and satisfaction with the PCG.

Respondents from the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) recorded a 96 percent satisfaction rating, while 95 percent of those from the Mimaropa region shared the same sentiment.

Maritime areas in BARMM continue to face sporadic piracy threats from local extremist and militant groups, while Mimaropa—particularly Palawan—remains at the forefront of Chinese aggression in the West Philippine Sea.

The PCG also received a high satisfaction rating in the National Capital Region at 82 percent.

Trust ratings were highest in the Negros Island Region (96 percent), followed by BARMM (95 percent) and the Zamboanga Peninsula (93 percent).

Distrust highest in Davao

On the other hand, distrust in the PCG is highest in the Davao Region at 16 percent.

The region is a political stronghold of the Duterte clan, whose members—including Vice President Sara Duterte and Acting Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte—have expressed skepticism about the government’s policy on addressing Chinese actions in the WPS.

READ: Tarriela slams Baste Duterte over ‘Made in China’ remarks

Former President Rodrigo Duterte, the clan’s patriarch, pivoted toward China during his administration, a period marked by limited transparency in the WPS, according to PCG spokesperson for WPS Commodore Jay Tarriela.

Next to Davao Region in distrust levels is the Bicol Region at 12 percent, followed by Caraga at 11 percent, and Calabarzon at 10 percent.

Respondents in Cagayan Valley (82 percent) and Ilocos (63 percent) were mostly undecided about their level of trust in the PCG.

“Most respondents who are undecided about their trust in the institution reside in inland regions such as Cagayan Valley and the Ilocos Region, where regional dynamics or limited exposure to PCG activities may contribute to weaker familiarity with the agency’s work,” Octa said.

Octa added that the findings suggest “trust in the PCG correlates strongly with visibility and exposure to maritime security and disaster response operations, as confidence tends to increase in regions where the PCG’s presence is more evident.” /mcm/abc