Authors : Christopher D. De Castro Jr.

Volume/Issue : Volume 11 - 2026, Issue 7 - July

Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/mxtfz7hd

Scribd : https://tinyurl.com/44akhtu5

DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/26jul279

Note : A published paper may take 4-5 working days from the publication date to appear in PlumX Metrics, Semantic Scholar, and ResearchGate.

Abstract : This study aimed to develop the best-fit model of social vulnerability among marginalized sectors in Region XII. Specifically, it examined the levels of community policing, public safety and law enforcement, crime prevention strategies, and social vulnerability. The study employed a quantitative research design using the Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) approach. A total of 400 respondents from marginalized sectors in Region XII participated in the study. The findings revealed that the levels of community policing, public safety and law enforcement, crime prevention strategies, and social vulnerability were all high. The results also showed significant relationships between community policing and social vulnerability, public safety and law enforcement and social vulnerability, and crime prevention strategies and social vulnerability. Furthermore, community policing and crime prevention strategies significantly influenced social vulnerability, while public safety and law enforcement did not have a significant direct influence. Moreover, the best-fit model revealed that public safety and law enforcement significantly predicts community policing and crime prevention strategies. However, community policing did not significantly predict crime prevention strategies and social vulnerability. Crime prevention strategy emerged as the strongest factor influencing social vulnerability among marginalized sectors. This suggests that strengthening crime prevention programs and preventive community-based initiatives can help reduce vulnerability and improve the safety and well-being of marginalized populations. Finally, the best-fit model of social vulnerability among marginalized sectors was anchored on public safety and law enforcement and crime prevention strategies, with crime prevention strategy serving as the primary pathway influencing social vulnerability.

Keywords : Social Vulnerability, Community Policing, Public Safety and Law Enforcement, Crime Prevention Strategy, Marginalized Sectors, Structural Equation Model, Philippines.

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