CRIMINALITY AND COMMUNITY PREPAREDNESS IN

DUNGO-AN, M’LANG, COTABATO

MAARNA B. AMINO

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN CRIMINOLOGY

DECEMBER 2022
 CRIMINALITY AND COMMUNITY PREPAREDNESS IN
DUNGO-AN, M’LANG, COTABATO

MAARNA B. AMINO

Thesis Manuscript Submitted to the Department of Criminal Justice and

Education, College of Arts and Social Sciences, University of Southern
Mindanao, Kabacan, Cotabato, In Partial Fulfilment of the
Requirements for the Degree of

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN CRIMINOLOGY

DECEMBER 2022
 UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN MINDANAO
Kabacan, Cotabato
Philippines

APPROVAL OF THESIS OUTLINE

Name MAARNA B. AMINO
Major N/A
Degree Sought BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN CRIMINOLOGY
Specialization N/A
Thesis Title CRIMINALITY AND COMMUNITY PREPAREDNESS IN DUNGO-AN,
M’LANG, COTABATO

APPROVED BY THE GUIDANCE COMMITTEE

ERNESTO A. BUENAVENTURA JR. MPA, JD ______________________________

Adviser Co-Adviser
______________ _____________
Date Date

_______________________________________ RICHARD T. CAMARA, PhD

Statistician Department Research Coordinator
______________ _____________
Date Date
MARIZ P. BALQUIN, MSCJ
Department Chairperson
______________
Date

ESTELLA B. BARBOSA, MEAL MARCOS F. MONDERIN, JD

College Research Coordinator Dean
______________________ ______________________
Date Date

Study No: ________________

Index No: ________________
Recorded by: _____________
RECORDED:
LYDIA C. PASCUAL, MSc
Director for Research and Development Office

_________________
Date
Recorded by: _________

USM-EDR-F04-Rev.4.2020.11.16

ii
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page
PRELIMINARIES

Title Page……………………………………………………………………………... i

Approval of Thesis Outline…………………………………………………………. ii

Table of Contents …………………………………………………………………... iii

List of Figures……………………………………………………………………….. v

List of Appendices……………………………………………………………………vi

INTRODUCTION……………………………………………………………………..1

Significance of the Study……………………………………………………….. 1

Objectives of the Study……………………………………………………........ 3

Expected outputs of the Study…………………………………………………. 4

Place and Time of the Study…………………………………………………… 4

Operational Definition of Terms………………………………………………... 4

Hypothesis of the Study………………………………………………………… 5

Theoretical Framework of the Study…………………………………………... 6

Conceptual Framework…………………………………………………………. 7

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE………………………………………….... 8

Crime……………………………………………………………………………... 8

Crime Incidents 11

Community Crime Prevention…………………………………………………..14

Principles of Crime Prevention…………………………………………… …. .20

Community Preparedness Principles……………………………………….. . 23

iii
METHODOLOGY………………………………………………………………….. 25

Research Design………………………………………………………………. 25

Respondents of the Study……………………………………………………. 25

Research Locale…………………………………………………………… . 25

Sampling Procedure…………………………………………………………… 26

Research Instrument…………………………………………………………... 26

Data Gathering Procedure……………………………………………………..26

Statistical Tool…………………………………………………………………...27

LITERATURE CITED……………………………………………………………… 30

APPENDICES……………………………………………………………………… 31

CURRICULUM VITAE…………………………………………………………….. 41

iv
 LIST OF FIGURES

Figure Title Page

1 Conceptual Framework 7

v
 LIST OF APPENDICES

Appendix Title Page

A Application for Research Adviser…………….…... 32

B Application for Research Title……………………... 33

C Estimated Budget of the Research……………. . 34

D Application for Thesis Outline Defense……….…...35

E Permission Letter……………………………….……36

F Survey Questionnaire………………………….…….37

vi
 INTRODUCTION

Significance of the Study

Crime is one of the main all-inclusive issues these days. From time to

time, many lives and property were obliterated because of the criminal disorder

carried out. Society sees most violations like burglary, assault, murder, and

attack as a freak and disastrous to one's life and property. Crime has impacts

that are broad as society itself. It tends to be as unavoidable to the advancement

and corruption to the personal satisfaction as actually perilous, socially harming,

or politically humiliating (Vicente, 2020). In terms of murder rate, El Salvador is

the world's most dangerous country to live in. The country in Latin America has a

homicide rate of 52 per 100,000 people. Latin America and the Caribbean are

home to seven of the ten countries with the highest murder rates in the world.

Whereas Tijuana in Mexico was reported as having the greatest murder rate in

the world, Zamora in Mexico had the highest homicide rate in Latin America,

therefore the figures fluctuate. Nonetheless, when it comes to deliberate

homicides, some Mexican towns are among the bloodiest in the world. Crime,

violence, and terrorism are all rather common in the Philippines. In 2020, the

country was ranked with in bottom five of the Asia Pacific region's order and

security index rankings (Statista Research Department, 2022).

Similarly, the Philippines had one of the highest rates of incarceration per

hundred thousand individuals. Crime statistics were particularly high in poorer

communities and locations with more inhabitants and unemployment. The most
 2

common index or focus crime was theft, followed by rape and physical injury.

These were terrible crimes that occurred on a regular and frequent basis. In

contrast, documented instances of violence against women and children, as well

as cases of online sexual harassment and exploitation, have gradually decreased

in recent years. Meanwhile, increasing cases of cyber-attacks have been noted

in recent years as more Filipinos turn to digital services (United International

Associations, 2021).

Recently, a traffic management unit enforcer was shot dead in front of his

family outside their home at Barangay Dungo-an, Mlang, Cotabato (Sky

Teleradyo M’lang, 2022). Moreover, the police force continues to pursue fleeing

criminals,   on November 25, 2022, a member of a local terrorist group was

arrested in Dungo-an, M'lang. The operating team executes an arrest warrant for

Destructive Arson. The operating team was attacked with unknown calibre

firearms while on their way to the suspects' home, resulting in a fire fight. At

around 10:00 a.m. on the same date, one of the accused's cohorts, was

apprehended for possessing a suspected IED (Police Regional Office 12 - Public

Information Office, 2022).

Since criminality is the main concern of the community, this study will

focus in the assessment of the criminality and community preparedness in

Dungo-an, M’lang, Cotabato. Finally, the result of this study will be important to

the community as a challenge to utilize all the programs implemented by the

Philippine National Police which is beneficial to their life as a whole and also to
 3

the PNP organization to help them plan and organize better crime prevention

strategies that are deemed necessary for the safekeeping of the community.

Objectives of the Study

The general objectives of the study is to determine the Criminality and

Community Preparedness in Dung-oan, M’lang, Cotabato.

Specifically, this study aims to:

1. determine the socio-demographic characteristics of the respondents in

terms of;

a. Name;

b. Age;

c. Sex;

d. Occupation;

2. determine the crime incidents in the community.

3. determine the preparedness of the community for crime prevention in

terms of;

a. Police Report;

b. Home Security;

c. Barangay Policing; and

4. determine the significant relationship between socio-demographic

characteristics and community preparedness.

4
 5

Expected output of the Study

This study provides information on criminality and community

preparedness in Dungo-an, M’lang, Cotabato. The findings of this study can be a

baseline data to improve community preparedness and crime prevention in the

future.

Place and Time of the Study

This study will be conducted in the Municipality of M’lang, specifically in

Barangay Dungo-an on the second semester of school year 2022-2023.

Operational Definition of Terms

The terms used in the study defined operationally are as follows:

Barangay Policing – refers to the policies created by the barangay to prevent

and suppress crime, as well as maintaining public order and safety at the

community level.

Community Crime Prevention- are collective citizen action activities to prevent

neighborhood crime.

Community Preparedness- is a neighbourhood or smaller area where people

organize themselves into groups or networks to prevent (either directly or

indirectly) local crime and other problems.

 6

Crime incidents- is an infraction (violation, misdemeanor, or felony), emergency,

or situation that may endanger a human's life, welfare, or security or may

cause considerable damage.

Crime Rate- is defined as the ratio of felonies and misdemeanors recorded by

the police and security service to the population.

Criminality- is the quality or state of being criminal, and also refers to criminal

activities.

Home Security - keeps intruders from entering a home or building by securing

entry points such as doors and windows.

Police Report- is a written document produced after one crime or accident has

been reported to police departments.

Hypothesis of the Study

Ho. There is no significant relationship between socio-demographic

characteristics and community preparedness.

 7

Theoretical Framework of the Study

The research is anchored on the theory of Shaw and McKay (1942) the

Social Disorganization Theory, which claims that crime develops when social

standards and opportunities are disrupted. This is especially true in metropolitan

areas. According to the social learning theory who was proposed by Akers,

people learn from their surroundings and base their actions on them. Another

view of Merton, is the strain theory, which contends that people resort to crime

because they are overburdened and unable to attain their societal goals.
 8

Conceptual Framework

Figure 1 below illustrates the conceptual framework of the research. The

paradigm presents the variables that will be considered in the research.

Independent variable Dependent variable

Socio-demographic
Community
Characteristics
Preparedness

Fig. 1. The conceptual framework of the study

The criminality and community preparedness of the respondents are

described in this research. This variable is seen to possess a hypothesized

relationship between the socio-demographic characteristics and the

determination of community preparedness concerning criminality in the

community. This hypothesized relationship is presented by the two headed arrow

connecting both variables.

 REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

This chapter presents concepts, theories, and literature related to the

study Criminality and Community Preparedness in Dungo-an, M’lang,

Cotabato. It also contains various types of crime incidents and community

preparedness for crime prevention that may be applied in Dungo-an, M’lang. The

following related literatures are cited by the researcher.

Crime has impacts which are broad as society itself. It tends to be as

unavoidable to advancement also, spoiling to the personal satisfaction as

actually risky, socially harming, or strategically humiliating. It calm disintegration

of public accomplishment and long haul impact on inspiration can be undeniably

more inconvenient to a general public that is as of now recognized. Crime

pervades all parts of society and, in that capacity, is a type of fighting pursued on

an around the world scale, with non-warriors on the terrible side. It is an

infringement of rules of conduct as deciphered and communicated by the law,

which reflects suppositions, customary qualities, and the perspective of

individuals having social and political power. People who violate these criteria are

likely to face state authority consequences, societal disgrace, and loss of

prestige. Given the different impacts that have been documented in various

works of literature, crime is a harmful phenomena. Law enforcement officials are

challenged to create and conduct successful crime prevention operations due to

a variety of factors such as physical impairment, emotional crises, psychological

trauma, and financial recession, to name a few, law enforcement agencies are

challenged to design and implement

 9

effective crime prevention programs (Union International Associations, 2019,

para. 2).

The United Nations Secretary-General noted in concerns of justice,

prevention is preferable to cure. The first priority is prevention. The reduction of

crime is a critical necessity for the formation of a justice system. A safe and

secure community, the accomplishment of which is required for a healthy

economic environment community well-being cohesiveness and growth through

ongoing business investment. In the Philippines, Republic Act 6975, also known

as the "Interior and Local Government Department Act of 1990 (DILG) ", as

modified, requires the National Police Commission to make a recommendation to

the President will launch a national crime prevention campaign through the

Secretary of the DILG. The 2019 National Crime Prevention Program (NCPP)

was designed by NAPOLCOM through its Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice

Technical Committee. According to the Philippine National Police, crime

prevention is a major priority in order to protect public safety. However, security

and safety require the active support and collaboration of the community.

Cooperation is the major focus should be on stakeholders in order to ensure

community safety. Citizens are advised to report and volunteer by contacting the

PNP about any incidents. Suspicious movement of people, such as their mode of

operation in their region (Patoza, 2018).

In the local context, Quilang (2019) asserts that the kind of living

conditions and social environment in Baguio City, as well as urbanization, have

influenced crime patterns. For example, in metropolitan areas, crimes including

 10

such robbery, theft, violent crime, and narcotic crime have skyrocketed.

Simultaneously, the severity of offenses committed by organized criminals,

youths, and immigrants increases. Many people, particularly those living in cities,

experience "feelings of insecurity" as a result of this incident. This increase in

crime has harmed the "quality of life" in the community and is a major

impediment to a country's long-term progress. According to figures issued by the

Baguio City Police Office, the crime rate in Baguio City has recently decreased.

This decrease is attributable to the adoption of various programs and

interventions by the police force to maintain peace and order. In recent years, the

country's summer capital has been ranked as one of the most calm cities in both

the country and the Southeast Asian region. As a result, the city is a popular

location for studying crime prevention efforts (Community Crime Prevention: the

Case of a Barangay in the Northern Philippines, 2020).

Carroll (2019) noted that efficient crime prevention necessitates

collaboration across individuals, communities, corporations, and all government

levels in order to create and implementing appropriate policies that address the

underlying causes of crime. Furthermore, neighborhood crime prevention

programs require adequate finance. Assets should be organized in accordance

with subsidiary principles, which require that funds and obligations be supplied

and assigned at the lowest possible level of government. A collaborative

financing model with clear parameters will help to guarantee that the program's

financing fits with and can accomplish the main government's strategic objective.

The advantages of the contractual relationship involve order to leverage

 11

knowledge of the local by involving local governmental and public organizations,

as well as uplifting community crime prevention. Community crime prevention

refers to a variety of used according and implemented by communities,

businesses, non-governmental organizations, and all governments at all levels to

target the different social and environmental factors that increase the risk of

violent act, disorder, and victimization. Crime prevention activities fluctuate from

location to place, therefore different locales adapt to diverse activities based on

various crime prevention philosophies.

Crime Incidents

Is an offense (violation, misdemeanor, or felony), emergency or

occurrence that is potentially dangerous to life, health, or safety of a person or

actually or potentially damages property (SUNY Empire State College, 2019).

The examples of crime incidents are; Murder that was defined as the illegal

killing of a person with "malicious intents," which was formerly described as

premeditated intent to murder. Homicide is the killing of a living person as a

result of the act or omission of another. However, not all homicides are crimes,

especially when there is no malicious liability. Attempted Murder

is the crime of simultaneously preparing to commit an unlawful killing and having

a specific intention to cause the death of a human being. Attempted Homicide is

the botched act of a human being trying to physically kill another human being. It

occurs when a person acts deliberately, intentionally, or recklessly with extreme

disregard for human life. Grave Threats, is any individual who threatens another
 12

person with the execution of any wrong equivalent to a felony on the latter's

individual, dignity, or assets, or on the property of his household. Violation of RA

9165 Comprehensive Dangerous Act of 2002 Provides for importation of

Dangerous Drugs and/or Controlled Precursors and Essential Chemicals. It

establishes offences and penalty according to the different dangerous drug,

regardless of the quantity and purity involved, Food and Agricultural Organization

of the United Nations (2022). Violation of RA 9516 (Illegal Possession,

Manufacture, Acquisition, of firearms, ammunition or explosives) is any person

who is found guilty of 'planting' any explosive or incendiary device or any part,

ingredient, machinery, tool or instrument of any explosive or incendiary device,

whether chemical, mechanical, electronic, electrical or otherwise, shall suffer the

penalty of reclusion perpetua (Lawphil, 2021, para. 1).

Crime is one of the main all-inclusive issues these days. From time to

time, many lives and property were obliterated because of the criminal disorder

carried out. Society sees most violations like burglary, assault, murder, and

attack as a freak and disastrous to one's life and property. Crime has impacts

that are broad as society itself. It tends to be as unavoidable to the advancement

and corruption to the personal satisfaction as actually perilous, socially harming,

or politically humiliating (Vicente, 2020). In terms of murder rate, El Salvador is

the world's most dangerous country to live in. The country in Latin America has a

homicide rate of 52 per 100,000 people. Latin America and the Caribbean are

home to seven of the ten countries with the highest murder rates in the world.

Whereas Tijuana in Mexico was reported as having the greatest murder rate in
 13

the world, Zamora in Mexico had the highest homicide rate in Latin America,

therefore the figures fluctuate. Nonetheless, when it comes to deliberate

homicides, some Mexican towns are among the bloodiest in the world. Crime,

violence, and terrorism are all rather common in the Philippines. In 2020, the

country was ranked with in bottom five of the Asia Pacific region's order and

security index rankings (Statista Research Department, 2022).

Similarly, the Philippines had one of the highest rates of incarceration per

hundred thousand individuals. Crime statistics were particularly high in poorer

communities and locations with more inhabitants and unemployment. The most

common index or focus crime was theft, followed by rape and physical injury.

These were terrible crimes that occurred on a regular and frequent basis. In

contrast, documented instances of violence against women and children, as well

as cases of online sexual harassment and exploitation, have gradually decreased

in recent years. Meanwhile, increasing cases of cyber-attacks have been noted

in recent years as more Filipinos turn to digital services (Union of International

Associations, 2021, para. 4).

The number of crimes perpetrated in the Philippines decreased

significantly in 2021 in comparison to the previous year, which can nevertheless

be contributed to the lockdown restrictions imposed in the beginning of the year

due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The most widespread index or center crime was

theft, preceded by sexual assault and physical injury. Those were all serious

crimes that occurred on a regularly and frequently basis. In contrast, disclosed

instances of violence against women and children, as well as incidents of online

 14

sexual abuse and exploitation, have gradually decreased in recent years. In the

meantime, as more Filipinos use digital services, there has been an increase in

cyber-attacks in recent years. Even after former President Duterte's term ended,

drug-related crimes and the war on illegal drugs persisted in the Philippines. In

2021, the National Capital Region and Region 4-A had the highest number of

people arrested for illegal drug use. Out of over 50 thousand arrested drug

suspects, approximately 43 thousand were drug pushers, compared to only 400

drug den owners or maintainers. However, Region VII was identified as having

the highest proportion of drug-affected barangays in the country (Statista

Research Department, 2022).

Community Crime Prevention

In its simplest form, the phrase may refer to an actual location, such as a

neighborhood, or to a network of social links that connect persons or groups.

When it comes to neighborhood crime prevention, the term generally refers to

either a neighbourhood or a smaller region wherein helps make themselves in

teams or systems to avoid (either directly or indirectly) crime and other concerns.

Community crime prevention relates to initiatives to minimize crime in a

community through public collaboration. There are several methods for people to

solve neighborhood issues, but in terms of crime prevention, community outreach

by voluntary community organizations has evolved as the most common way.

Public security should be characterized comprehensively and across multiple

dimensions. The notion of community safety must always be described

 15

comprehensively and on various dimensions, and its practical theory and

procedures must be fully re-examined. Only then can the program's positive

deterrent effects be maximized, and preventive actions will have an impact on

the society and culture. For example, adequately safeguarding a neighbourhood

means removing the barrier of fear, allowing contact among local residents

critical element in the crime prevention endeavour. As the amount of violence

reached historic heights, Americans reacted in the only manner they known how:

with increasing fear and avoidance of dangerous circumstances. They withdrew

to their homes for safety, installing locks, bars, alarms, and, in some cases,

guards. According to new research, such behavioural constraints and safety

purchases are often helpful in lowering an individual's risk of property loss,

although the cost may have been higher than planned. Concerned about this

type of restrictive crime prevention behavior, the National Advisory Commission

on Criminal Justice Standards and Goals stated that "while these preventative

measures may indeed be stages toward self-protection,

they can result to a weakening of the debt securities of greater cooperation and

neighbourliness." (Crime Prevention and Community, 2020).

Furthermore, community-based prevention researchers have asserted that

among the key explanations for high rates of crime, disruption, and apprehension

about criminal activity in specific neighborhoods is a paucity of neighborhood. In

any case, a nationwide call for collective crime prevention activities was issued.

Given the public's preference for "personal" anti-crime tactics aimed at

safeguarding individuals, their private possessions, and their families, local

 16

officials saw an obvious necessity to get individuals out of their homes and

engaged in the process of neighborhood defense. As a consequence, the

community and its individual members should profit from this "public-spirited"

policy. The explanation for these anticipated benefits can be found in

criminological ideas about why and how crime happens in a community context,

which will be discussed in the following section of this essay. Contrast the two

major neighbourhood crime prevention measures. Describe the various theories

of crime connected with each, the stages of theoretical analysis, and the

assumptions each makes regarding crime causes. Given perceived dangers

such as crime, harmful chemicals, noise pollution, traffic safety, and other

environmental pressures, community organizations have attempted to mobilize

and empower local communities. When the public considers that traditional,

official solutions from government and social institutions have been (or will be)

ineffective at best, or destructive to the community at worst, collective grassroots

action is considered necessary (Crime Prevention and Community, 2020).

There are numerous techniques to empowering communities. Dreier

(2018) identified three distinct strategies for empowering the community and its

strengths: (1) "community organizing" efforts to mobilize people against specific

problems and increase their voices in decisions affecting their lives; (2)

"community-based development" to improve physical and economic conditions

through job creation, business development, housing, and so on; and (3)

"community-based service provision." Collective responses to crime can take

many different shapes and be conceived in a variety of ways. Programs differ in

 17

terms of their emphasis on preventing offending or victimization, whether they

are initiated by efforts indigenous or exogenous to the neighbourhood whether

they address social problems at the root of crime or opportunities for crime and

whether they engage in social action to advocate for the cause of disadvantaged

groups. Many of these differences are mutually exclusive ( Crime Prevention and

Community, 2020).

Cullen (2019) goes on to argue that character traits of high-crime

communities that are traditionally interpreted as signs of social disorganization,

such as family disruption, weak friendship networks, and low rates of citizen

participation in charitable organisations, could just as easily be understood as

signs of insufficient peer assistance in these environments. In essence, the

absence of coercive control can promote to crime in the area just as much as the

absence of informal helping networks. These theories can provide several

solutions to neighbourhood crime and disorder issues by focusing on either the

restoration of social control or the enhancement of social support mechanisms

required to prevent antisocial and dysfunctional conduct. However, as Cullen

points out, the solutions might be mutually reliant because social support, trust,

and respect are frequently required before exercising social control in a

relationship. Nonetheless, volunteer community groups tend to prioritize social

control strategies. The opportunity reduction strategy is possibly the most

relevant framework for understanding community crime prevention measures. In

a nutshell, opportunity theories propose that criminal behaviour is motivated by

the opportunity to commit crime presented by a specific location, time, and set of
 18

circumstances. According to this model, removing or reducing these

opportunities should result in a reduction in crime in that specific setting and

under those conditions. A crime must have four essential elements: criminal law,

an offender, a target or victim, and a place or environment. The opportunity

models arose as a result of research concentrating on various facets of the

criminal event. Environmental criminology, informed by the works of Jeffrey and

Newman (2020), assisted in understanding how modifications to the physical

environment (urban planning and architecture) influenced crime and perceptions

of safety in certain communities.

Recent research on perpetrators' ideologies has led to development of

main opportunity theories of crime, including such standard information and

offender decision-making or rational choice. The routine activities theory

illustrates one of most obviously how opportunity plays an important role in the

execution or crime prevention method. Crime is more probable to appear if there

is a concentration of "potential offenders," "suitable targets," and an absence of

"protectors" who could really prevent the offense, according to this hypothesis.

The limited rational choice decision making theories help us understand how

criminals end up choosing specific neighborhoods, plan their acts, and select

their targets, but the most important factor is the offender's personal judgement

of whether the opportunity to achieve maximum advantage and reduce costs

exists. Matter of fact, studies have discovered a link between environmental

opportunity/risk and illegal conduct (Clarke, 2018). The implications of

 19

opportunity theories for community crime prevention are self-evident ( Crime

Prevention and Community, 2020).

Community groups and concerned citizens must take all necessary steps

to make criminality more difficult or impossible for offenders by eliminating or

restricting opportunities in specific locations. Clarke and his workmates had also

identified and categorized the various approaches (Clarke, 2018). In general,

opportunity reduction tactics have the following advantages: (1) enhancing the

amount of effort done to commit a crime, (2) increasing the risk of sensing and

arrest, or (3) reducing the advantages involved in crime. Despite the fact that

consenting adults civic groups occasionally engage in strategies to increase the

effort required to commit a felony (for instance, attempting to enlighten local

residents about goal reinforcing or effectively connecting universal precautions)

or tactics to decrease the benefits for offending (For instance, real estate marking

as well as street art removal), their own traditional action plan has been to begin

encouraging a person's supervision of common spaces in order to recognize and

prevent criminal behavior. Local residents strive to boost the amount of

"guardians" who will protect the community and reduce the amount of

"appropriate targets" by monitoring the behavior of children through

neighborhood watches and patrols, in the language of opportunity theory.

Offenders should be less likely to commit crimes in a specific neighborhood or on

a given block if they believe the risk of detection and apprehension is higher as a

result of human surveillance (Crime Prevention and Community, 2020).

 20

The most effective approaches to crime prevention are community policing

and reducing opportunities for crime through indicators including such block

watch, attack strengthening, or encouraging extra cautious behavior. These

could result in lower crime rates, less crime anxiety, fewer neighborhood

hazards, and a higher standard of living. Previously, the criminal law system's

goals have included both crime prevention and the prosecution of criminal

offenders. Neighborhood Watch has been adopted at both the local and federal

levels in the USA as well as other countries such as the UK as among the most

efficient crime prevention measures. (Crime Prevention Theories and Concepts:

Neighborhood Watch - Law Essays, 2020, p. 4).

It also acts as a foundation for building transitional areas and enhancing

relationships between both the police department and the community.

Neighborhood Watch encompasses block watches, intended toughening,

survivor aid, safety safety checks, intervention, social service, Procedure

Classification, education programs for kids and teens, and society enhancement

are all examples of community-oriented policing. In the United States, there is a

program called Neighborhood Watch. The National Sheriffs' Association

sponsors S., which debuted in 1972. It is among the earliest and most successful

methods of involving the community in law enforcement, reducing crime,

peacemaking, and security in all neighbourhoods. Neighborhood Watch was

created purpose of providing night watchers to watch over the streets, but it has

now spread to other countries. The Neighborhood Watch program was created in

its modern form to engage residents in helping to solve the growing amount of
 21

thefts in cooperation with both the local cops and police chiefs in control of the

crime prevention program (Crime Prevention Theories and Concepts:

Neighborhood Watch - Law Essays, 2020, p. 5).

 22

Principles of Crime Prevention

At the point when you are taking a gander at utilizing the standards of

wrongdoing counteraction to further develop security around your home or

business, the most ideal way to move toward it is to view at your home or

premises as though you were the guilty party. Recognize the points of concern,

weak regions and covering focuses and focus on the areas for development.

These are the principles of crime prevention; Target Hardening, making your

property harder for a wrongdoer to get to. Overhauling the locks on your

entryways, windows, sheds and storehouses, fitting scarf jammers to weak

entryways and windows. Utilizing secure passwords to forestall crooks hacking

your internet based accounts. Target Removal, guaranteeing that a potential

objective is out of view. Not leaving things visible through your windows - for

example PCs, telephones, keys, sacks. Placing your vehicle in the carport on the

off chance that you have one and not leaving resources in plain view. Being

mindful about what you post online as it could be utilized to recognize or find you

disconnected. Reducing the Means, eliminating things that might assist with

committing an offense. Not leaving devices and stepping stools in the nursery

and clearing up any rubble/blocks, keeping wheelie receptacles far off, as they

might be a climbing help or assist with moving things. Ensuring that blocks and

rubble are cleared up. Lessening the Result, or decreasing the benefit the

lawbreaker can make from the offense, security denoting your property, denoting

your property so that others won't have any desire to purchase from the cheat.

Not accepting property you accept or think to be taken. Access Control, or taking
 23

a gander at measures that will control admittance to an area, an individual or

item, locking your entryways and windows to both your home and your vehicle.

Guaranteeing that fencing, supports, walls and other limit medicines are in a

decent condition of fix. Setting up a security framework at a business site

(passage obstructions, safety officers, ID cards). Surveillance, further developing

observation around homes, organizations or public spots to stop lawbreakers,

eliminating high supports/walls at the front of your home that permits a

wrongdoer to work inconspicuous. Consider adding CCTV to a business site or

public spot. Laying out a Local Watch Plan in your road. Environmental Change,

guaranteeing your property and more extensive local area looks really focused

on, guaranteeing that spray painting and home grown/business squander is

cleared up, announcing issues with fly-tipping or broken streetlamps to the

applicable power. Working with the police and nearby power to close a pathway.

Rule Setting, improving on our propensities by setting rules and situating signage

in proper areas. Presenting a standard that the last individual entering/leaving

ought to lock the entryway and eliminate the keys. Illuminating guests to

business destinations that they should answer to gathering on appearance,

illuminating clients that a specific site is shut between specific times and ought

not be gotten to. Increase the chances of being caught, or improving the

probability that a wrongdoer will be gotten to forestall wrongdoing happening.

Utilizing sunset to day break security lighting is set up and ready to rock 'n roll,

utilizing great quality CCTV as well as alert frameworks, particularly on business

destinations and public spots. Updating security to defer a guilty party, meaning
 24

they need to invest more energy to get entrance. Discouraging a wrongdoer or

redirecting their expectation, utilizing clock changes to make our homes look

involved if empty after the long periods of murkiness, running youth diversionary

plans with accomplice organizations. Alluding guilty parties to tranquilize

recovery programs (West Yorkshire Police, 2019).

Community Preparedness Principles

Collaboration of government should team up with local area pioneers from

all areas for successful preparation and limit building. Integration: Non-legislative

resources and assets should be completely coordinated in government plans,

arrangements, and calamity reaction. Volunteer Service because everybody

should be completely mindful, prepared, and rehearsed on the most proficient

method to forestall, secure, moderate, plan for, and answer all dangers and risks.

Volunteer Help resident activism and volunteer assistance offers progressing

help for local area wellbeing and basic flood limit accordingly and recuperation. In

every aspect of the country security mission space, the US can never be

absolutely safe to current and forthcoming dangers and risks. Bureaucratic, state,

metropolitan, ancestral, and regional legislatures, the business area, non-

administrative gatherings, and the American public all have responsibilities

regarding readiness. Networks will not generally have the option to deal

with each fiasco; thus, the central government should be prepared to answer

catastrophic events, physical and cyber-attacks, assaults utilizing weapons of

 25

mass annihilation, key framework disturbances, and misery signals for search

and salvage. The central government should be prepared to give long haul

recuperation help to nearby networks directly following debacles. By completely

getting ready neighbourhoods, rapidly in the midst of emergency, and aiding

recuperation, the US can oversee crises and reduce the effect on American

people group (Emergency Preparedness - Community Preparedness, 2022).

 METHODOLOGY

This chapter presents the research method, respondents of the study,

research locale, sampling procedure, research instrument, data gathering

procedure, and statistical analysis.

Research Design

The researcher conducted quantitative research, and the

researchers used numerical data. This study had employed a descriptive survey
approach in order to measure criminality and community preparation in Dungo-
an, M'lang, Cotabato. In research investigations, descriptive-correlational design
is utilized to present static depictions of situations while also establishing the
relationship between distinct variables.

Respondents of the Study

The respondents of the study were 100 residents of legal age of the

community, specifically in Barangay Dungo-an, M’lang, Cotabato.

Research Locale

This study was conducted at M’lang, Cotabato, specifically in Barangay

Dungo-an. Since the study aims to determine the Criminality and Community

Preparedness in Dungo-an, M’lang, Cotabato.

 26

Sampling Procedure

The researcher used snow-ball method, wherein the respondents from the

list of barangay residents reported from the barangay secretary in which such

names will be drawn.

Research Instrument

The data collection technique in this study was a survey questionnaire

modified from the internet, which has a series of questions designed for

individual and independent responses by several respondents in order to get

statistical information.

Data Gathering Procedure

The researcher made a lot of researching from various websites, after

finding questionnaire that was obtained from internet, the researcher modified it

to suit with the objectives, then went through validation of questionnaire. After

that, the researcher seek permission from the dean and from the Barangay, the

study had also approved ethics review.

 27

Statistical Tool

The data was analyzed by using descriptive statistics. Frequency and

weighted mean was used to the treatment of the data. A frequency is particular

value in the number of times the data value occurs. A weighted mean is a kind

of average. Instead of each data point contributing equally to the final mean,

some data points contribute more "weight" than others. If all the weights are

equal, then the weighted mean equals the arithmetic mean. Weighted mean is

enough in statistics, especially, when studying populations. Chi-Square test of

independence was used to determine if there is a significant relationship

between two supposed (definite) variables.

Formula for Percentage

%= f x 100

Where:

%= Percent Frequency

N= Frequency

F= Number of Respondent

Weighted Mean

x= ∑ ❑ fx
n

Where:

∑ ❑ fx = Sum of the Product of f and x Scores

x= Weighted Mean
 28

Rating scale

Interval Descriptive equivalent

3.50-4.49 Very High

2.50-3.49 High

1.50-2.49 Seldom

0.50-1.49 Never

Interval Descriptive equivalent

3.50-4.49 Highly Prepared

2.50-3.49 Prepared

1.50-2.49 Moderately Prepared

0.50-1.49 Not Prepared

 30

LITERATURE CITED

Alvarez, Justine & Hadjiri, Fahad & Alfaro, Rina & Book, Cheezel & Pelisan,
Kayle & Bechavez, Robert & Molina, Romenick & Kong, Jocelyn &
Pelisan, Charloth. (2021). Crime Rate in Zamboanga City: Before and
During Quarantine Period. International Journal of Research in Business
and Social Science (2147-4478). 11. 1184-1199. 10.6007/IJARBSS/v11-
i3/8935.

Everret, D.P., Berrueta-Clement, J. R. Attempted Homicide. (n.d.). Victim

Support Services. Retrieved September 23, 2022, from
https://victimsupportservices.org/help-for-victims/crime-types/attempted-
homicide/

Broadley & Scott, Geo & Cawthorne, Clyde & Ross (2019).
TheFreeDictionary.com. Attempted Murder. Retrieved September 23,
2022, from https://encyclopedia.thefreedictionary.com/Attempted+murder

Stern & Marshall, Watts & Alvarado, Chilicky & Seeger, Snepp & Churchill, Sabri
& Waters. (2020, June 6). Crime Prevention and Community.
LawAspect.com https://lawaspect.com/crime-prevention-community/

Aos, S., Phipps, P., Barnoski, R., & Lieb, Welsh, D. P. Farrington, & L. W.
Sherman Crime Prevention Research Paper - EssayEmpire. (n.d.).
Retrieved September 21, 2022, from https://research-
paper.essayempire.com/examples/criminal-justice/crime-prevention-
research-paper/

Boisjoli, R., Vitaro, F., Lacourse, E., Barker, E. D., & Tremblay, R. E. (2020, July
20). Crime Prevention Theories and Concepts: Neighborhood Watch -
Law Essays. LawAspect.com https://lawaspect.com/crime-prevention-
theories-concepts-neighborhood-watch/

Crime Prevention Tips. (n.d.). Pro10.Pnp.gov.ph. Retrieved September 24, 2022,

from https://pro10.pnp.gov.ph/pro10/index.php/public-relations/public-
safety-tips/87-crime-prevention-tips

Chamberlain, P. Maguire, R. Morgan, & R. Reiner, Caplinger, T. E., & Wodarski,

J. S (2019, July 5). Strengthen Preparedness and Resilience
Department of Homeland Security. https://www.dhs.gov/strengthen-
preparedness-and-resilience
 31

Gumarang. A, Carroll S. (2018). Effectiveness of Crime Prevention Strategies |

PDF | Crime Prevention | Police. (n.d.). Scribd.
https://www.scribd.com/document/185604608/Effectiveness-of-Crime-
Prevention-Strategies

Greenwood, P.W., Tonry M., Harrell, A.V., Cavanagh S. E., & Sidharan, S. (April,
2019) Europe: homicide rate by count. (2019) Statista Research
Department. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1268504/homicide-rate-
europe-country/

Emergency Preparedness - Community Preparedness. (n.d.). Dps.mn.gov

Retrieved November 16, 2022, from
https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/hsem/emergencypreparedness/Pages/comm
unity-preparedness.aspx
‌
Jollife, D. Introduction To Criminology Terms PDF Criminology Organized
Crime. (n.d.). Scribd. Retrieved November 15, 2022, from
https://www.scribd.com/doc/247903573/Introduction-to-Criminology-Terms

Kapur, R. (2018, March). Crime Prevention Strategies. ResearchGate.

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/323733776_Crime_Prevention_
Strategies

Murphy, L. (2022, September 26). What Is A Home Security System Forbes

Home. https://www.forbes.com/home-improvement/home-security/what-is-
a-home-security-system/

‌Vicente, J., Ammiyao, G., Mae, P., Arud, T., Asiaben, C., Balunos, N., Bangsara,
U., Cacap, A., De Vera Esther, J., Dela, J., Dogui-Is, C., Fianitog, J.,
Wilson, M., Lagan, C., Leocadio, M., Liwayan, F., Mallari, V., Nayosan, V.,
Leen, M., & Pagulayan, M. (n.d.). Community Crime Prevention: the Case
of a Barangay in the Northern Philippines. In International Journal of
Advanced Research. https://garph.co.uk/IJARMSS/June2020/G-2815.pdf

Kosterman, R., Abbott, R., & Hill, K. G. Henggeler, S. W., Schoenwald, S. K.,
Borduin, C. M., Rowland, M. D., & Cunningham, P. B. What is a Police
Report. (n.d.). My Law Questions. https://www.mylawquestions.com/what-
is-a-police-report.htm

West Yorkshire Police. (2019). The 10 Principles of Crime Prevention | West

Yorkshire Police. Police.uk.
https://www.westyorkshire.police.uk/advice/10-principles-crime-
prevention/10-principles-crime-prevention/10-principles-crime-prevention
APPENDICES
 32
Appendix A. Application for Research for Adviser

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN MINDANAO

Kabacan, Cotabato
Philippinen
APPLICATION FOR RESEARCH ADVISER

ERNESTO A. BUENAVENTURA JR.

Department of Social Sciences and Philosophy
College of Arts and Social Sciences
USM, Kabacan, Cotabato

Sir:

I would like to request that you will be my Research adviser effective 1 ST semester, SY
2022-2023. I intend to work on”CRIMINALITY AND COMMUNITY PREPAREDNESS IN
DUNGO-AN, M’LANG, COTABATO”.

I am hoping for your most favorable approval on this request. Thank you very much.

Very truly yours,

MAARNA B. AMINO
Printed Name and Signature of Student

RECOMMENDING APPROVAL NOTED

RICHARD T. CAMARA, PhD MARIZ P. BALQUIN, MSCJ

Department Research Coordinator Department Chairperson

_______________ _______________
Date Date
APPROVED

ERNESTO A. BUENAVENTURA JR. MPA, JD

Adviser
____________________
Date

USM-EDR-F01-Rev.3.2020.02.24
 33
Appendix B. Application for Research Title

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN MINDANAO

Kabacan, Cotabato
Philippinen

APPLICATION FOR RESEARCH TITLE

MARIZ P. BALQUIN
Chairperson, Department of Criminal Justice Education

Madam:
I would like to request your office to allow me to research on the study entitled
”CRIMINALITY AND COMMUNITY PREPAREDNESS IN DUNGO-AN, M’LANG,
COTABATO”.
The study has the following objectives:
1. Determine the socio-demographic characteristics of the respondents in
terms of: a. Name b. Age c. Sex d. Occupation
2. Determine the crime incidents in the community in the period of year 2021
to 2022.
3. Determine the preparedness of the community for crime prevention in
terms of: a. Police Report b. Home Security c. Barangay Policing
4. Determine the significant relationship between socio-demographic
characteristics and community preparedness.

Very truly yours,

MAARNA B. AMINO
Printed Name and Signature of Student
NOTED

ERNESTO A. BUENAVENTURA JR. MPA, JD ________________

Adviser Date

RICHARD T. CAMARA, PhD ________________

Department Research Coordinator Date

ESTELLA B. BARBOSA, MEAL ________________

College Research Coordinator Date
APPROVED

MARIZ P. BALQUIN, MSCJ ________________

Department Chairperson Date

USM-EDR-F02-Rev.4.2021.11.04
 34

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN MINDANAO

Kabacan, Cotabato
Philippinen

ESTIMATED BUDGET OF THE RESEARCH

Appendix C. Estimated Budget of the Research

Title of the Study

Criminality and Community Preparedness in Dungo-an, M’lang, Cotabato

ITEMS/DESCRIPTION ESTIMATED COST_______

Outline Adviser 350.00
Outline Department Research Coordinator 125.00
Outline Examining Committee 300.00
Print 1000.00
Transportation 1000.00
Load for Internet 900.00

Grand Total 3,675.00 ____

Prepared and submitted by:

MAARNA B. AMINO
Printed Name and Signature of the Student
NOTED

ERNESTO A. BUENAVENTURA JR. MPA,JD ___________________

Adviser Date

RICHARD T. CAMARA, PhD __________________

Department Research Coordinator Date

MARIZ P. BALQUIN, MSCJ __________________

Department Chairperson Date

USM-EDR-F06-Rev.3.2020.02.24
 35

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN MINDANAO

Kabacan, Cotabato
Philippinen

APPLICATION
Appendix D. Application for FOR
ThesisTHESIS OUTLINE DEFENSE
Outline Defense

Name MAARNA B. AMINO

Degree/Major BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN CRIMINOLOGY
Thesis Title CRIMINALITY AND COMMUNITY PREPAREDNESS IN
DUNGO-AN, M’LANG, COTABATO
Date of Examination 2022-10-22
Time 8:00 AM-5:00 PM
Place DCJE OFFICE, CASS BUILDING, USM

MEMBERS OF THE EXAMINING COMMITTEE

Name Signature Date
MARIZ P. BALQUIN, MSCJ __________________ __________
ESTELLA B. BARBOSA, MEAL __________________ __________
VICENTE T. DELOS REYES, PhD __________________ __________

RECOMMENDING APPROVAL:

ERNESTO A. BUENAVENTURA JR. MPA,JD

Adviser

APPROVED:

______________________________________ MARIZ P. BALQUIN, MSCJ

College Statistician Department Chairperson

RICHARD T. CAMARA, PhD

Department Research Coordinator

REPORT ON THE RESULT OF EXAMINATION

Name Signature Remarks

MARIZ P. BALQUIN, MSCJ __________________ ___________________
ESTELLA B. BARBOSA, MEAL __________________ ___________________
VICENTE T. DELOS REYES, PhD __________________ ___________________
APPROVED:

RICHARD T. CAMARA, PhD

Department Research Coordinator
_____________________
Date
Appendix E. Permission Letter

USM-EDR-F07-Rev.3.2020.02.24
 36

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN MINDANAO

Kabacan, Cotabato
Philippinen

PERMISSION LETTER

Dear Sir,

I am Maarna B. Amino, a 4 th year BS Criminology student of University of

Southern Mindanao. I am reaching out to request your permission to conduct a
survey in Barangay Dungo-an, M’lang, Cotabato. My research paper entitled
“Criminality and Community Preparedness in Dungo-an, M’lang, Cotabato.” The
goal is to gather important data and information that can help to improve the
overall well-being of the community.

The survey includes a total of 100 individuals, and the researcher will ensure that
all responses remain completely anonymous and confidential.

I will be very grateful if you could grant this request.

Sincerely Yours, Approved by:

MAARNA B. AMINO PATUTIN SAGADAN JR.

Student Barangay Captain
 37
Appendix F. Survey Questionnaire

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN MINDANAO

Kabacan, Cotabato
Philippinen

Survey Questionnaire

CRIMINALITY AND COMMUNITY PREPAREDNESS IN

DUNGO-AN, M’LANG, COTABATO

PROFILE OF RESPONDENTS

PART I: Determine the socio-demographic characteristics of the respondents

Instruction: Please put a check (√ ) in the items that best describe you or write
the responses to the items in the blank space as provided.

1. Name (optional)
________________________

2. Age
_____ 18 – 20 years old
_____ 21 – 25 years old
_____ 26 – 30 years old
_____ 31 years and above

3. Sex
_____ Male
_____ Female

4. Occupation Bracket

_____ Farmer
_____ Housewife
_____ Tricycle driver
_____ Teacher
_____ Student
__________ Others, please specify
 38
PART II: Determine the crime incidents in the community

Instruction: Please evaluate the level of crime incidents in your community. Use
the following scale as guide to your evaluation: Check ( √ ) only one (1) option.

Scale Level of Incidents

4 = (3.50 – 4.49) = Very High (VH)

3 = (2.50 – 3.49) = High (H)
2 = (1.50 – 2.49) = Seldom (S)
1 = (1.00 – 1.49) = Never (N)

VH H S N
CRIME INCIDENTS 4 3 2 1

1. Murder

2. Homicide

3. Attempted Murder

4. Attempted Homicide

5. Grave Threats

6. Violation of RA 9165 (Comprehensive

Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002)

7. Violation of RA 9516 (Illegal

Possession, Manufacture,
Acquisition, of firearms, ammunition
or explosives)

8. Theft

9. Others, please specify:

___________________

PART III: Determine the Community Preparedness for Crime Prevention

 39
Instruction: Please determine the level of preparedness in your community. Use
the following scale as guide to your evaluation: Check ( √ ) only one (1) option.

Scale Level of Preparedness

4 = (3.50 – 4.49) = Highly Prepared (HP)

3 = (2.50 – 3.49) = Prepared (P)
2 = (1.50 – 2.49) = Moderately Prepared (MP)
1 = (1.00 – 1.49) = Not Prepared (NP)

HP P MP NP
COMMUNITY PREPAREDNESS 4 3 2 1

Police Report
1. Being alert to report suspicious persons and
unusual activities to the police.
2. Call for assistance at the first sign that something
unusual is happening.
3. Call for help by sounding a motor horn or blowing a
whistle.
4. Cooperate to the authorities and provide factual
information about the crime you have witnessed.
5. Personally report at the nearest police station  after
the crime incident has occurred.

Home Security
1. Ensure all doors and windows have locks in working
condition especially at night before going to sleep.
2. Leave lights on inside the house when going out
for the evening.
3. Never give out information on the whereabouts of
family members to just anyone.
4. Use curtains or drapes to protect your house from
prying eyes.
5. Inform trusted neighbour when planning to go out of
town for a period of days.
 40

HP P MP NP
4 3 2 1

Barangay Policing

1. Regular conduct of foot patrol at night.

2. BPAT/Barangay Tanod security during Barangay

activities.

3. Seminars to topic including drug abuse

prevention.

4. Observed both patrolling and checkpoints at the

outpost regularly.

5. Advocacy regarding crime prevention and

engagement of community for awareness of
criminality.
 41

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN MINDANAO

Kabacan, Cotabato
Philippinen

CURRICULUM VITAE

NAME: MAARNA BANTAS AMINO

Address: Purok-8, Bialong, M’lang, Cotabato
Contact #: 09389601933
Email: [email protected]

PERSONAL INFORMATION
Last Name AMINO
First Name MAARNA
Middle Name BANTAS
Nickname TATA
Age 22 YEARS OLD
Nationality FILIPINO
Religion ISLAM
Civil Status SINGLE
Father’s Name UNTING SANDAY AMINO
Mother’s Name ENSIA BANTAS AMINO
Educational Background
Elementary BIALONG ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Junior High School M’LANG NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
Senior High School M’LANG NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN
Tertiary
MINDANAO