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Davaoeños Express Concern Over Middle East Conflict
Davao City, Philippines — The University of Mindanao-Institute of Popular Opinion (UM-IPO) recently conducted an online survey to gauge public sentiment in Davao City regarding the ongoing conflict in the Middle East involving Iran, Israel, and the United States. The survey ran from March 11–22, 2026, reaching 1,200 residents across the city’s three congressional districts.
Conducted via sponsored ads on Facebook, Messenger, and Instagram, the survey targeted online users aged 18 and above with valid email addresses who reside within Davao City. The study was executed with a 95% confidence level and a +/- 2.83% margin of error. Respondents were asked about their awareness of the conflict, perceptions of its potential impacts, and their stand on military actions taken by the United States and Israel against Iran.
The survey revealed that nearly all respondents (99.0%) are aware of the ongoing conflict, while only 1.0% reported being unaware.
Table 1. Awareness About Middle East Conflict (Iran vs. US-Israel)
Are you aware about the ongoing conflict in the Middle East | f | % |
|---|---|---|
Yes | 1,188 | 99.0% |
No | 12 | 1.0% |
When asked about their position on the military actions taken by the United States and Israel against Iran, 8 out of 10 Davaoeños said they did not support these actions, while 15.2% equivalent to about 2 in 10 respondents indicated their support.
Table 2. Stands Towards the Military Actions of United States and Israel against Iran
Do you support the military actions taken by the United States and Israel against Iran | f | % |
|---|---|---|
Yes | 182 | 15.2% |
No | 1,018 | 84.8% |
Among the minority who expressed support for the military actions by the United States and Israel against Iran, most respondents cited key reasons: 52.2% said such actions were necessary to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons, 23.6% pointed to regional security concerns, and 19.3% cited the protection of allies in the Middle East.
Table 2.1. Reasons from those who said ‘Yes’ (n=182)
Reasons for saying Yes | f | %* |
|---|---|---|
To prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons | 95 | 52.2% |
It is necessary for regional security | 43 | 23.6% |
To protect allies in the Middle East | 35 | 19.3% |
Others | 9 | 4.9% |
*Over total respondents who said YES
On the other hand, respondents who opposed the military actions cited humanitarian concerns as their main reason. Nearly 7 out of 10 Davaoeños believe these actions result in unnecessary destruction and civilian casualties, while almost 3 out of 10 expressed concern that the conflict could escalate further.
Table 2.2. Reasons from those who said ‘No’ (n=1,018)
Reasons for saying No | f | %* |
|---|---|---|
It causes necessary destruction and civilian casualties | 690 | 67.8% |
It may escalate the war | 294 | 28.9% |
Others | 34 | 3.3% |
*Over total respondents who said NO
When asked about the potential impacts of the Middle East conflict, Davaoeños expressed greatest concern over rising oil prices (95.2%), followed by global economic instability (89.5%) and the safety of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in the region (89.5%). Approximately 8 of 10 Davaoeños were concerned about the possible increase in prices of imported goods (81.0%) and the escalation of the ongoing war (79.0%).
Table 3. Perception of the Possible Effects of the Middle East Conflict
Possible effects of the conflict that worry Davaoeños the most | f | % |
|---|---|---|
Increase in oil prices | 1,142 | 95.2% |
Increase in prices of imported goods | 960 | 81.0% |
Global economic instability | 1,074 | 89.5% |
Safety of the OFWs in the Middle East | 1,074 | 89.5% |
Possible war escalation | 948 | 79.0% |
Others | 58 | 4.8% |
Note: Multiple responses allowed