CHAPTER 1

THE PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND

Background of the Study

Global Context
Crime has remained one of the most pressing issues across the globe, threatening peace,
security, and social order. According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime
(UNODC, 2020), crime prevention is a vital aspect of governance, as it reduces victimization,
enhances public safety, and improves the quality of life within communities. Different
nations have adopted crime prevention programs ranging from community policing to
rehabilitation-based approaches, but their success varies depending on local
implementation and community participation. Scholars have argued that community-based
initiatives, when properly executed, create sustainable environments where citizens and
local authorities work hand-in-hand in reducing crime (Johnson, 2019).

National Context
In the Philippines, crime prevention remains a cornerstone of national security strategies.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) has launched multiple campaigns such as Oplan
Tokhang, Oplan Katok, and community-based anti-criminality operations (Cruz, 2021).
These initiatives are anchored on Republic Act 6975, which emphasizes the role of local
government units (LGUs) in maintaining peace and order. Moreover, the Local Government
Code of 1991 strengthens barangay officials’ responsibilities in implementing crime
prevention programs, including peacekeeping efforts, crime reporting systems, and
barangay justice mechanisms (De Guzman, 2020). Despite these frameworks, crime
incidence in the country remains a concern, with the Philippine Statistics Authority (2022)
reporting continued cases of theft, illegal drugs, and physical assault.

Local Context
At the local level, barangays serve as the frontline units of crime prevention. San Jose, a
barangay in Koronadal City, faces challenges typical of growing urban communities—youth
delinquency, drug-related incidents, property crimes, and interpersonal disputes. Barangay
officials are mandated to implement crime prevention programs such as community patrols,
barangay tanod mobilization, curfew enforcement, and mediation mechanisms (Lopez,
2019). However, questions remain about the actual effectiveness of these programs in
reducing crime and fostering a safer community. Residents’ perceptions and the consistency
of program implementation are essential indicators of whether these initiatives meet their
intended goals.

Rationale for the Study

While global and national frameworks highlight the importance of community-driven crime
prevention, there is limited localized research that evaluates how these programs actually
perform on the ground, particularly at the barangay level in Koronadal City. San Jose’s
barangay officials have invested resources in implementing various crime prevention
programs, yet there is no systematic assessment of whether these initiatives effectively
reduce crime, enhance community participation, and increase residents’ sense of security.
Therefore, this study is timely and relevant, as it seeks to bridge this gap by evaluating the
effectiveness of crime prevention programs in Barangay San Jose, Koronadal City. Findings
will provide evidence-based insights that can guide barangay officials, policymakers, and
community stakeholders in improving their crime prevention strategies.

Statement of the Problem

This study seeks to evaluate the effectiveness of crime prevention programs implemented
by barangay officials in San Jose, Koronadal City. Specifically, it aims to answer the following
problems:

1. How effective are the crime prevention programs of barangay officials in terms of
reducing crime incidence?
2. How effective are the programs in promoting community participation in crime
prevention efforts?
3. How effective are the programs in increasing the sense of safety and security among
residents?
4. What challenges do barangay officials face in implementing crime prevention programs?

Hypothesis
The study is guided by the following hypotheses:

H₀ (Null Hypothesis): There is no significant relationship between the implementation of

barangay crime prevention programs and the perceived effectiveness in reducing crime,
fostering community participation, and improving residents’ sense of safety.

H₁ (Alternative Hypothesis): There is a significant relationship between the implementation

of barangay crime prevention programs and the perceived effectiveness in reducing crime,
fostering community participation, and improving residents’ sense of safety.

Review of Related Literature

This review explores three main variables with their indicators:
1. Effectiveness of Crime Prevention Programs – measured by crime incidence reduction,
program sustainability, and measurable outcomes.
2. Community Participation – measured by residents’ involvement, awareness campaigns,
and trust in local authorities.
3. Perceived Safety and Security – measured by residents’ satisfaction, reduced fear of
crime, and confidence in barangay officials.

Community policing has long been identified as one of the most effective models of crime
prevention (Skogan, 2019). Countries like the United States and Japan emphasize
collaboration between law enforcement and local communities, focusing on proactive
rather than reactive approaches. In the Philippines, however, crime prevention remains a
complex issue due to structural limitations such as lack of funding, personnel, and training
(Santos, 2020).

Other studies highlight the role of barangay officials in peacekeeping. Villanueva (2021)
stressed that barangay officials act as 'street-level bureaucrats' whose implementation of
crime prevention programs directly influences community trust and cooperation. Similarly,
Garcia (2018) found that barangay-led curfew and patrol programs in Quezon City reduced
petty crimes, though long-term sustainability remained a challenge.

Theoretical Framework
This study is anchored on two theories:

1. Social Control Theory (Hirschi, 1969) – This theory posits that individuals are less likely
to commit crimes when they are strongly bonded to society through family, peers, and
institutions. It supports the study by explaining why barangay programs that promote
community engagement and social bonds may effectively reduce crime.

2. Routine Activity Theory (Cohen & Felson, 1979) – This theory suggests that crime occurs
when a motivated offender, a suitable target, and the absence of a capable guardian
converge. Crime prevention programs such as patrols and curfews act as guardianship
mechanisms that disrupt crime opportunities.

I chose these theories because they provide a strong framework to analyze both the social
and situational aspects of crime prevention programs. They allow the study to evaluate not
only whether crimes were reduced but also how community involvement and local
governance contribute to prevention.

Conceptual Framework
Independent Variable (IV): Crime Prevention Programs of Barangay Officials
- Patrol and visibility programs
- Curfew and ordinance enforcement
- Mediation and dispute resolution
- Awareness campaigns

Dependent Variables (DV): Effectiveness as measured by:

- Reduction in crime incidence
- Level of community participation
- Residents’ sense of safety and security

These relationships are illustrated in the conceptual paradigm where the independent
variable (crime prevention programs) directly influences the dependent variables (program
effectiveness).
Significance of the Study
This study will benefit the following:

- Barangay Officials: It provides evidence-based insights into which programs are effective,
guiding resource allocation and policy-making.
- Community Residents: They benefit from improved safety and trust in local governance.
- Local Government of Koronadal City: The findings can support city-wide policy
formulation on peace and order initiatives.
- Criminology Students and Researchers: The study adds to the academic discourse on
community-level crime prevention in the Philippines.
- Future Policymakers: Results can serve as a reference in designing effective grassroots
crime prevention strategies.

Definition of Terms
Crime Prevention Programs: Initiatives implemented by barangay officials such as patrols,
curfews, awareness campaigns, and mediation aimed at reducing crime.
Barangay Officials: Elected or appointed leaders of Barangay San Jose, including the
barangay captain, councilors, and barangay tanods, responsible for local governance and
peacekeeping.
Effectiveness: The degree to which crime prevention programs achieve their intended
objectives in reducing crime, engaging the community, and improving safety.
Community Participation: The active involvement of residents in crime prevention
activities, including cooperation with officials and attendance in barangay assemblies.
Perceived Safety and Security: The level of confidence and comfort residents feel regarding
their protection from crime within the barangay.