BY GEROME DALIPE IV
ILOILO City – This city has a crime index of 41.15 and a safety index of 58.85 as of 2024, according to Serbian crowd-sourced online database Numbeo.
The numbers indicate a moderate level of crime. The crime index measures the overall crime situation, while the safety index reflects the general safety of residents and visitors.
Founded in 2009, Numbeo is a website that collects and compares prices and quality of life data worldwide.
Among the crimes that Iloilo City visitors perceived to be “moderate” in the city included problems with people using or dealing illegal drugs (48.8); vandalism and theft, (48.2); assault and armed robbery (43.12); and corruption and bribery (47.9)
Visitors also noted they felt safe walking alone during daylight (69.05), or a high level of safety at night, while the visitors perceived to be “moderately” safe walking alone at night (58.7)
Numbeo stressed the data are based on perceptions of visitors to the website in the past five years. This means that if the value is zero, it is perceived as very low, while the value of 100 means it is perceived as very high.
Comparatively, Iloilo City is safer than other cities in Southeast Asia such as Manila and Cebu, but has higher crime rates than cities like Davao.
Mayor Jerry Treñas refuted the crime and safety index figures, saying the report “provided disparity in the appreciation of data.”
“The ratings were based on perceptions of visitors to the website. Iloilo City’s inclusion along with other major urban centers can be used as a tool in assessing the state of the place and public safety in addressing the same,” said Treñas in a statement.
Quoting the reports of the Iloilo City Police Office, Treñas said Numbeo’s database crime index “does not represent the true situation.”
The mayor said that Police City Director Col. Joeresty Coronica assured the public, tourists, and investors that the peace and order situation in Iloilo remains “generally peaceful.”
Treñas added that Col. Coronica stressed the crime index that Numbeo cited and its perception-based outputs are “not reflected of the real situation on the ground.”
“The city government’s continued support and assistance to the police force in all forms, such as but not limited to additional funding, equipment, gears, mobility, logistics, capability building, training, and infrastructure improvement has reaped commendable results in continuous providing a safe environment to our city,” the mayor said.
Numbeo is a crowd-sourced online database of perceived consumer prices, real property prices, and quality of life metrics.
It says it aims to empower individuals and businesses with accurate and up-to-date information about the cost of living, quality of life, and various socio-economic factors across cities and countries worldwide.
It also strives to be the leading provider of crowd-sourced data, enabling informed decision-making, fostering transparency, and promoting global understanding.
“By crowdsourcing data and harnessing the collective wisdom of our global community, we aim to create a reliable platform that facilitates comparisons, drives social awareness, and supports positive change,” Numbeo./PN
