Davao City’s strong “culture of security,” where residents actively participate in maintaining peace, is a major factor in its ranking as the second safest city in the Philippines.

Davao City Police Office (DCPO) spokesperson Capt. Hazel Tuazon said Wednesday that the campaign, dubbed “May Nakita? Dapat Magsalita!” (Saw Something? Say Something!), has been crucial in making the city peaceful and safe.

The “culture of security” is a people-centered initiative that encourages active participation in anti-terrorism, anti-criminality, and anti-insurgency efforts, fostering a more secure community.

“This is also due to the cooperation and unity of the security sector and the community,” Tuazon added.

According to the World Travel Index report, Davao City is the second safest in the Philippines with an overall safety score of 80.73 percent. This report was based on the perceptions of both residents and visitors regarding the city’s safety and security.

For daytime safety, the city earned 89.1 percent, and for nighttime safety, 83.9 percent. The report also noted the city’s low crime rates, with a score of 77.1 percent for being theft-free, 72.5 percent for being drug-free, and 80.8 percent for being violence-free.

“This is a challenge for us in sustaining (the rank), but we know that we can, with the cooperation of everyone,” Tuazon said.

She said these achievements are bolstered by various city government programs and initiatives ensuring peace and order. Key efforts include several legislations and ordinances focused on public safety, such as the amended CCTV ordinance and a curfew for minors.

Additionally, the city’s Public Safety and Security Office maintains 24-hour monitoring of all CCTVs. Inter-agency checkpoints are strategically located at the city’s entry and exit points and strengthened with increased police visibility. The city’s Central 911, its emergency hotline, also operates 24/7, providing free emergency response services to Dabawenyos at any time. (PNA)