I am writing to address the recent article titled “Crime Rate Rises in Manila: Worst in Southeast Asia: Numbeo Crime Index” (Inquirer.net, 10/30/24) by Antonio Iñares, which while raising important questions related to crime in Manila, largely depends on the Numbeo crime rate. While this index may provide some insights, there are significant concerns regarding its reliability and the implications of relying on a single source for such critical information.

Numbeo is a crowdsourcing platform that is not peer-reviewed and can be modified by anyone with internet access. This means that the information presented may be subjective and potentially misleading. For example, in 2017, a user manipulated crime statistics for Lund, Sweden, making it appear as the most dangerous city in the world based solely on negative ratings submitted during a time of low data volume. These incidents highlight the vulnerabilities inherent in relying on crowdsourced data to make serious assessments of public safety.

Furthermore, the methodology used by Numbeo to compile its crime index has faced criticism from both academics and the media. The index is derived from user surveys that do not represent a statistically valid sample of the population. Experts have noted that this approach does not provide an accurate picture of crime rates and can lead to erroneous conclusions about which cities are actually the most dangerous.

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Furthermore, while the article contrasts current crime rates with those of former Mayor Isko Moreno’s government, it does not consider broader contextual factors such as the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the prolonged lockdowns that affected the entire country in 2020. These unprecedented circumstances likely influenced both crime patterns and public perceptions of safety.

It’s critical to recognize that poorly thought-out articles can be just as damaging as outright fake news. When the media presents information without sufficient context or critical analysis, it risks perpetuating misinformation and fostering fear among the public. This not only undermines trust in journalism but also distracts from constructive debates about public safety and community well-being.

Arthur Bhenedict King,
lawyer