Fresh survey data from OCTA Research has handed the Philippine National Police a notable vote of confidence, with the organization earning a 63 percent trust rating and a 61 percent satisfaction rating among Filipino adults during the first quarter of 2026. The findings, drawn from a nationally representative poll conducted between March 19 and 25, 2026, involved face-to-face interviews with 1,200 respondents spread across the country.
PNP Chief Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. acknowledged the results through an official statement released on May 6, 2026, expressing appreciation to the Filipino public for sustaining their confidence in the national police force. The ratings, he said, serve as both a validation of existing efforts and a challenge to do even more.
PNP Chief Acknowledges Public Confidence
In his statement, Nartatez said the organization is grateful for what the survey reflects about the relationship between the police and the communities it serves. He pointed to the numbers as evidence that the force's day-to-day operations — from maintaining peace and order to enforcing the rule of law — are being recognized by ordinary citizens.
"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 stated.
He further emphasized that the figures reflect the collective work of police officers deployed across the archipelago, crediting their dedication as the driving force behind the improved perception numbers.
"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 general added.
How the Survey Was Conducted
The OCTA Research Tugon ng Masa survey for the first quarter of 2026 relied on face-to-face interviews conducted nationwide over a one-week period. The national margin of error was set at plus or minus three percent, giving the results a statistically sound basis for gauging public sentiment toward the police institution.
The methodology, which prioritizes direct respondent engagement rather than online or telephone polling, is designed to capture a broader cross-section of the Philippine population, including those in areas with limited digital access.
Mindanao Tops Regional Confidence Rankings
Breaking down the data by region, Mindanao emerged as the area with the strongest public trust in the PNP, posting a trust rating of 74 percent and a performance rating of 69 percent — the highest figures recorded among all major regional groupings. The Visayas region ranked second in terms of public confidence in police performance, demonstrating generally favorable perceptions across the major island groups.
These regional variations point to differences in the state of community-police relations across the country, with Mindanao's numbers suggesting that localized policing efforts and community engagement programs may be yielding measurable results in that part of the Philippines.
Survey Results Frame Broader Reform Agenda
Rather than treating the survey as a simple report card, Nartatez framed the results within the context of the PNP's long-term institutional reform program. He described the numbers as both an inspiration and a reminder that sustained improvement in public service remains the organization's core mandate.
"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," the police chief explained.
The "New PNP for a New Philippines" program represents a structured push to modernize policing standards, increase accountability among officers, and build more responsive relationships with communities. The initiative addresses ongoing concerns about professionalism and conduct while laying groundwork for sustainable public trust.
Safer Communities Through Visibility and Partnership
Looking ahead, the PNP outlined a set of strategies intended to build on the survey's positive signals. These include maintaining a stronger police presence in communities, ensuring faster response times to incidents, and deepening cooperation with local government units throughout the country.
The partnership with local government units is considered a critical element of the overall approach. Local officials, the organization recognizes, often serve as important bridges between police units and the residents they protect — helping translate policy into practice at the barangay level and beyond.
According to the official statement, the police force will continue to prioritize humane enforcement of the law alongside intensified campaigns targeting criminal activity. The dual focus reflects an understanding that both responsiveness and restraint are essential to earning lasting public confidence.
Anti-Criminality Campaigns Remain a Core Priority
The PNP's anti-criminality agenda continues to anchor its operational priorities. Officials maintain that consistent and effective crime prevention directly influences how the public perceives the organization, making the campaign not only a law enforcement function but also a trust-building exercise.
The organization combines reactive enforcement — responding swiftly to reported crimes — with proactive community engagement designed to deter criminal activity before it takes root. This dual-track approach seeks to address both immediate security concerns and the underlying social dynamics that contribute to criminality.
"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 said.
Police Force Reaffirms Commitment to All Filipinos
Closing his public statement, Nartatez reiterated the institution's unwavering obligation to serve every Filipino citizen, regardless of their location, social standing, or background. The police chief's remarks underscored a vision of inclusive public safety as the cornerstone of the PNP's mission.
"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," he concluded.
The Q1 2026 survey results arrive at a moment when police organizations across the globe are under heightened public scrutiny over their practices and community relations. For the PNP, the relatively strong numbers suggest that its reform-oriented approach and community-centered programs are gaining traction with the public — while the organization itself acknowledges that continued improvement remains both necessary and achievable.
Photo credit: Photo courtesy of PNP