BY ALEX ALAGON
DAVAO City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte clinched the top spot as the most trusted and highest-performing local chief executive in Region XI, according to the latest independent governance poll.
In the newly released “Boses ng Bayan” Index of Governance (IOG) Survey conducted by the RPMD Foundation Inc., Duterte outperformed his regional counterparts by securing a commanding 83.1% overall Index of Governance score.
Duterte’s chart-topping evaluation is backed by an 82.5% public trust rating and an 83.7% job performance rating, making it the highest combined score recorded among all city mayors across the region.
While Duterte maintained a comfortable lead, competition remained tight among Davao’s other key city leaders.
- Second Place (Tie): Panabo City Mayor Jose Relampagos and Tagum City Mayor Rey Uy both scored 81.8%.
- Third Place: Digos City Mayor Josef “JC” Cagas trailed closely behind with a strong 78%.
- Fourth Place: Mati City Mayor Joel Mayo Almario rounded out the list, posting a respectable 73% governance score.
The RPMD Foundation clarified that the Index of Governance is not a mere popularity contest. The comprehensive framework evaluates mayors through a rigorous matrix centered on public delivery and institutional leadership.
The evaluation covers crucial governance parameters, including: Execution of social services and peace and order initiatives, Infrastructure development and environmental protection, Disaster preparedness and digital governance transition, and Institutional transparency, accountability, and overall public responsiveness.
Methodology
The data reflects widespread public sentiment across the local demographics. The “Boses ng Bayan” survey was deployed between April 1 and April 8, 2026, utilizing a multi-stage random sampling methodology that interviewed 5,000 registered voters throughout the entire Davao Region.
THE 10TH Infantry Division (10th ID) has facilitated the formal surrender of 300 “lie-low” or inactive members of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) since January of this year.
Major Ruben Gadut, chief of the 10th ID Public Affairs Office, disclosed the figures during the Davao Peace and Security press briefing at The Royal Mandaya Hotel on Wednesday, July 1, 2026.
According to Gadut, the mass surrenders—which included seven individuals just last week—were accompanied by the seizure of a substantial arsenal.
Since the beginning of the year, authorities have recovered 169 assorted firearms and 19 improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
While Davao remains cleared of active communist insurgency, the military is focusing heavily on former rebels who had gone into hiding or integrated quietly into communities.
The goal is to prevent them from being re-recruited into the underground movement.
“The region is insurgency-free, but we are seeing surrenders from lie-low members, not active NPA combatants,” Gadut explained. “They are hiding, and we are exerting all efforts to formalize their surrender to prevent them from regrouping or initiating new threats.”
Gadut emphasized that the military is actively tracking down these inactive elements to ensure they undergo the government’s comprehensive transformation initiatives.
“They have not returned to the movement. However, we are facilitating their formal surrender so we can identify, locate, and engage them for their transformation,” Gadut said.
A cornerstone of the 10th ID’s strategy is a rigorous deradicalization program aimed at completely shifting the mindsets of former rebels.
“Deradicalization is very important for former rebels. It helps redirect their ideology, and we prepare them to receive crucial government interventions like technical skills training and financial management,” Gadut added, noting that these programs are vital for setting up sustainable livelihood projects.
The military official added that empowering these individuals through economic stability and the government’s amnesty program serves as a permanent shield against future recruitment.
“With deradicalization and the livelihood programs keeping them busy with their families, alongside the amnesty program, they are given a solid reason to refuse if the NPA ever attempts to recruit them again. That is the most important part of this effort,” Gadut concluded.
IN A major bid to harden campus security, the Davao City Police Office (DCPO) announced Wednesday that assistance desks are placed directly inside school grounds across the city.
Meanwhile, the DCPO said no bladed weapons were confiscated during the conduct of inspections.
The initiative, which deploys active officers and trainees past the school gates, aims to create an ironclad environment for students.
Speaking at the Davao Peace and Security press briefing at The Royal Mandaya Hotel on Wednesday, July 1, DCPO spokesperson PMAJ Maria Teresita Gaspan outlined a strict, zero-tolerance approach to unauthorized campus access.
“We implement strict security measures,” Gaspan said. “No ID, no entry—including those visitors who will fetch [students]. We will inspect bags and limit the entry and exit gates to properly record everyone who enters the school.”
The security crackdown isn’t limited to public institutions. Gaspan clarified that private schools will be expected to enforce the same rigorous screening standards.
Under the new directive, every local police station is mandated to establish and maintain an internal assistance desk at the schools within its jurisdiction.
The strategy relies on a multi-layered police presence to support existing school defenses:
- Internal Police Desks: Stationed right inside the main gates to actively assist security guards with screening.
- Field Training Police (FTP): Apprenticing officers are being deployed to reinforce guards and streamline bag inspections.
- External Roving Patrols: Dedicated units will continuously cruise the perimeters of schools and nearby commercial establishments to deter outside threats.
By embedding law enforcement directly onto campus grounds, the DCPO hopes to provide an immediate deterrent to crime and offer rapid response capabilities right at the schoolhouse door.
- Police file charges vs group behind ₱1.8-M gadget shop heist
THE DAVAO City Police Office (DCPO) filed robbery charges on Wednesday against at least six individuals linked to a million-peso gadget shop heist in Toril District last week.
Speaking at the Davao Peace and Security press briefing at the Royal Mandaya Hotel on Wednesday, July 1, DCPO spokesperson PMAJ Ma. Teresita Gaspan confirmed that while the investigation is ongoing, prosecutors are already reviewing the initial complaints.
“We have identified [the suspects] based on CCTV footage, and a case was filed earlier today against five individuals while our team continues its case build-up,” Gaspan told reporters.
“6, identified one John Doe and 1 Jane Doe,” she said.
Gaspan revealed that the suspects belong to an organized, transient crime syndicate operating in multiple provinces.
“They have a similar modus operandi to a robbery incident in Tagum. They are not from Davao City,” she said, adding that several members of the group already carry outstanding warrants for similar crimes in other regions.
“The documents are now with the Prosecutor’s Office. Hopefully, a warrant of arrest will be issued soon, so we can apprehend the suspects,” Gaspan added.
The 3 a.m. heist
The charges stemmed from an early-morning break-in on June 24 at RAD Gadgets, a prominent store in Toril. The criminals carted away 101 iPhones—consisting of 16 brand-new and 85 secondhand units—along with ₱24,500 in cash from the register.
The total value of the stolen merchandise and cash stands at a staggering ₱1,822,919.
According to initial police investigations, the store owner discovered the burglary around 9:40 a.m. after reviewing the establishment’s closed-circuit television (CCTV) feed.
The owner immediately alerted a store representative, identified only as John, who rushed to the scene. Upon arrival, John discovered that two heavy-duty padlocks securing the shop’s roll-up door had been cleanly sliced through.
A forensic review of the store’s security footage unmasked the precision of the operation. At around 3:13 a.m., three men armed with a heavy bolt cutter breached the entrance while a fourth stood watch outside as a lookout.
However, expanded tracking by Toril Police Station (PS8) personnel, led by commander PMAJ Sheryl Bautista, revealed an even larger network. Investigators discovered that a total of eight suspects—six males and two females—orchestrated the heist.
The group was captured on camera fleeing the scene along MacArthur Highway toward the national highway aboard a white Toyota Hiace Grandia getaway van bearing a tampered license plate (NB 788).
The Toril Police Station officially requested the assistance of the Davao City Forensic Unit XI to sweep the crime scene for latent fingerprints and digital evidence.
Massive follow-up operations, manhunts, and dragnet operations remain underway across key exit points in the region to intercept the getaway vehicle and capture the remaining members of the syndicate.
Seasoned legal and compliance leader returns to Manulife with more than 25 years of experience in the Philippine financial services sector
MANILA — Manulife Philippines, the local arm of leading international financial services provider Manulife, today announced the appointment of Edgar Tordesillas as General Counsel, effective July 1, 2026. He will be part of Manulife Philippines’ executive committee.
Tordesillas brings more than 25 years of legal and compliance leadership experience in the Philippine financial services sector, with deep expertise in life insurance and asset management. He is returning to Manulife Philippines, where he previously served as Vice President, Legal and Compliance from 2007 to 2011.
Most recently, he served as General Counsel for another multinational life insurer for 14 years, where he provided strategic legal and regulatory guidance to senior leadership and oversaw legal and corporate governance matters. He also led litigation, dispute resolution, contract negotiations, and compliance programs.
As General Counsel for Manulife Philippines, Tordesillas will advise the company on a broad range of legal matters and help identify legal risks and issues related to the company’s intended actions. He will also provide counsel to the executive leadership team on a range of strategic and operational matters, helping ensure that business decisions are legally sound and aligned with the company’s risk appetite.
“Edgar brings deep legal and compliance expertise, as well as a strong leadership track record that will be critical as we continue to strengthen governance and support the company’s strategic priorities,” said Rahul Hora, President and Chief Executive Officer, Manulife Philippines. “His extensive experience in the Philippine financial services sector—combined with his sound judgment and understanding of the regulatory landscape—will help us navigate complexity, manage risk effectively, and enable sustainable growth. He will play an important role in ensuring that our business decisions are aligned with our ambition to be the #1 choice for customers in the Philippines.” “Returning to Manulife Philippines is both meaningful and exciting for me,” said Edgar Tordesillas, General Counsel, Manulife Philippines. “I look forward to working closely with the leadership team and colleagues across the organization to support the company’s continued growth while upholding the highest standards of governance, integrity, and customer commitment. I am committed to helping strengthen the company’s legal and governance framework in a way that supports sound decision-making, prudent risk management, and disciplined execution across the business.”
BUTUAN CITY — Maxim Rides & Food Delivery recognized one of its driver-partners after a UNTV social experiment featuring his act of helping a student, originally aired in September 2024, recently resurfaced through a Facebook repost, drawing widespread attention and praise from viewers for his kindness. The video garnered more than 400,000 views, over 400 comments, and over 1,300 shares, with netizens commending Julius Ebardo for his compassion and generosity.
In the social experiment, Julius noticed a student who did not have enough money to buy a meal. Without being asked, he offered to pay for the student’s food. Reflecting on the encounter, he said, “Swerte pa nga tayo, nakakakain tayo nang tatlong beses sa isang araw. Yung nakita ko kanina, isipin natin kahit isang beses lang, masaya na siya.”
The video resonated with thousands of viewers, many of whom praised Julius for extending kindness to a stranger despite working hard to provide for his own family. His simple act served as a reminder that compassion can make a meaningful difference in someone’s day.
Inspired by the overwhelming public response, Maxim reached out to Julius to personally thank him for embodying the values of kindness and generosity. The company also presented him with a grocery package as a token of appreciation for his selfless act.
“We are proud of Julius for showing kindness without expecting anything in return. His action reflects the compassion and empathy that make a positive difference in our communities, said Marc Monsales, Head of Maxim Butuan. “We hope his story inspires more people to extend a helping hand whenever they have the opportunity.”
Maxim continues to recognize driver-partners who go beyond providing reliable ride-hailing and delivery services by making a positive impact in their communities. Through stories like Julius’, the company hopes to inspire more acts of kindness and celebrate people behind every ride and delivery.
A TOTAL of six metric tons of premium dried fermented cacao beans were shipped out to New Zealand from Panabo Port, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)- Davao del Norte announced on Tuesday.
“After more than a decade, the Province of Davao del Norte has officially marked its return to the international arena for premium dried fermented cacao beans,” DTI Davao del Norte said in a press release.
This ceremonial shipment is bannered by the Kapalong Cooperative, to Rautini Lmtd, a premium cacao bean trader based in New Zealand, operating primarily within the Asia-Pacific region to engage in offshore projects that improve farm returns and provide direct market access.
DA said Rautini’s partnership with the Kapalong Cooperative aims to connect local primary processors to New Zealand’s strict food safety and premium quality market standards.
“By capturing the taste of the international premium market, we aren’t just exporting beans—we are uplifting the livelihoods of our local farmers and solidifying Davao Del Norte’s status as a key player in the global cacao value chain,” the agency said in a statement.
Macario D. Gonzaga, PRDP project director and regional executive director of Department of Agriculture XI, said the international breakthrough was a long-term result of strategic networking.
”The seeds of this exact international linkage were sown during the National Cacao Congress in 2025. This shipment is a powerful testament to the cooperative’s slogan, ’empowering lives and communities,” Gonzaga said.
DA said the partnership was facilitated by public-private-cooperative collaboration.
Jerald S. Javison, Kapalong Cooperative value chain manager, lauded the PRDP I-REAP interventions for establishing sustainable market links that allow local cooperative members to access better livelihoods.
“Kapalong Cooperative is a major beneficiary and partner of the DA-PRDP, helping the organization transition from a struggling cooperative to a highly profitable entity,” Javison said.
In 2014, the cooperative received the P24.8-million Cacao Production and Beans Marketing Enterprise subproject from PRDP that includes production inputs, fermentation and drying facilities, and hauling trucks.
THE MUNICIPALITY of Sta. Maria recently marked a historic milestone during its 58th founding anniversary celebration, highlighted by a special visit from the Chinese Consul General in Davao, Zhao Xiuzhen, last June 17, along with the regional heads of the Department of Trade and Industry XI and the Department of Tourism XI. Sta. Maria Municipal Mayor Claude Benjamin II D. Bautista described the occasion as one of the standout moments of the celebration.
”It is a welcome departure from the norm where foreign dignitaries typically visit our municipality and province only during times of calamities or crises. This time, we’re happy that they’re here to celebrate with us,” said the young chief executive.
In her speech, Consul General Zhao Xiuzhen emphasized the deep ties between China and the Philippines, stating that their thousand-year history of exchanges proves that good neighborliness, mutual cooperation, and common development serve both nations’ fundamental interests. Noting that Filipinos and Chinese share similar qualities of kindness and a willingness to share, she added, “There is every reason for us to remain good neighbors.”
The visit also sparked discussions on economic partnerships and capacity building. Bautista confirmed that Sta. Maria welcomes Chinese investments, particularly in agriculture and manpower. To meet the anticipated demand for skilled labor, the local government is focusing on training its workforce.
Recognizing the province as a predominantly agricultural domain, Bautista also expressed a strong interest in adopting best practices from China’s advanced agricultural sector to boost local production and development.
Currently, Chinese investments in the municipality are relatively scarce and primarily concentrated in the agricultural sector, with the most notable being the production of coconut husk or “bunut.”
Both leaders voiced strong optimism for future cooperation. The Consul General highlighted past successes where participants from nearby provinces were sent to China to study bamboo planting and handicrafts, boosting regional industries and employment. Similarly, Bautista shared that Sta. Maria’s department heads have previously visited China for capacity building to prepare the local workforce for upcoming opportunities.
During the visit, Bautista showcased the municipality’s development sites to the Consul General and other guest officials, including the CECBA Coffee Farm, Southern Philippines Agri-Business and Marine and Aquatic School of Technology – Sta. Maria Extension, Bambusetum in Barangay San Agustin, Colagsing Beach in Barangay Tanglad, and the newly inaugurated Sta. Maria Pasalubong Center.
BY ERMARD JHON AYOC | DSSC Intern
A LAWMAKER stressed the significance of the city government taking advantage of the skills and experience of senior citizens and persons with disabilities by offering them work opportunities.
Councilor Lorenzo Villafuerte, chairperson of the committee on social services, said that despite the challenges they face, older residents and PWDs offer valuable skills and a desire to work. In this regard, the local government partnered with restaurant chains and commercial companies to create job opportunities for eligible PWDs and senior persons, enabling them to continue being financially independent and productive.
The councilor said that employment should be determined by an individual’s skills and credentials rather than their age or disability. He urged more companies, especially fast-food restaurant chains and companies, to implement inclusive hiring procedures and establish welcoming workplaces for all staff members.
He went on to say that providing these groups with employment enhances their quality of life, increases their self-esteem, and encourages equitable opportunities in the workplace. Inclusive employment also improves the community by proving that everyone can make a significant contribution to society, regardless of age or physical disabilities.
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