BY ALEX ALAGON
September 2026
- PRO XI arrests 15 wanted persons, seizes ₱2.6-M in illicit drugs in 24 hours
POLICE units across Davao Region brought back 15 fugitives and seized over ₱2.65 million worth of illegal drugs, including marijuana vape pods in a synchronized 24-hour anti-crime operation.
POLICE units across the Davao Region seized over ₱2.65 million worth of illegal drugs, including marijuana vape pods, and arrested 32 individuals in a synchronized 24-hour anti-crime operation.
Police Regional Office XI chief PBGEN Leon Victor Z. Rosete said the operations started at 6 a.m. on Aug. 28 to 5:59 a.m. the next day.
Simultaneous manhunt operations against fugitives resulted in 15 separate operations, neutralizing court-issued warrants:
- 1 top ten most wanted person at the provincial/city level
- 3 most wanted persons at the municipal/station level
- 11 other wanted individuals facing various criminal charges
Over ₱2.6-M illicit drugs confiscated
In the campaign against illegal drugs, police launched 18 targeted operations that resulted in the apprehension of 17 individuals.
The police also confiscated illegal drugs valued at ₱2,650,967.60, comprising 212.017 grams of suspected shabu, 10,069.6 grams (approximately 10 kilograms) of marijuana, and 18 pieces of vape pens containing liquid marijuana oil.
Meanwhile, the police drive against unlicensed weapons led to the arrest of one suspect and the recovery, confiscation, or turnover of nine firearms and explosives.
Enforcement of local ordinances
The PRO XI executed 1,626 ordinance enforcement operations, citing 1,626 individuals across the region. Among those apprehended, 1,052 were fined while 574 received formal warnings.
Key violations included 1,060 traffic infractions, 222 smoking ban violations, 102 public drinking incidents, and 60 curfew breaches.
THE DAVAO City Police Office (DCPO) opened the training for the 4th batch of the Revitalized Pulis Sa Barangay (R-PSB) on Tuesday, Sept. 1, mobilizing 50 police officers to strengthen grassroots community partnerships.
The opening ceremony took place at Sandigan Hall in Camp Captain Domingo E. Leonor, San Pedro Street.
It was led by DCPO chief PCOL Peter B. Madria, deputy city director for operations PLTCOL Colonel Randy P. Sambalod, and R-PSB focal person PCAPT Rene A. Caras.
PCOL Vianney Ross Lagundi, chief of the Regional Education and Training Division of Police Regional Office XI, presided over the event.
The R-PSB training is designed to equip police personnel from various DCPO units and stations with specialized skills for direct community engagement.
Under the program, participating officers are assigned to interact closely with residents and barangay officials by identifying local security concerns through direct consultations to assess neighborhood safety and peace-and-order challenges.
Police will also relay community concerns and service delivery gaps to appropriate local government units and national agencies. Ultimately, the program will develop targeted preventive measures to address crime drivers before they escalate.
“By prioritizing community engagement and proactive policing, DCPO ensures that every barangay in Davao City receives responsive attention and that local issues are addressed through coordination with appropriate government agencies,” Madria said in a statement.
4ID Troopers Complete 12.7-KM Foot March to Honor Filipino Heroes in Cagayan de Oro
TROOPS of the 4th Infantry Division marked National Heroes Day on Monday, Aug. 31, by completing a 12.7-kilometer foot march across major thoroughfares in Cagayan de Oro City to honor the country’s freedom fighters and fallen soldiers.
The commemorative route began at Camp Edilberto T. Evangelista in Barangay Patag, passing through Barangays Bulua, Canitoan, and Iponan before looping back to the division headquarters.
The march served as both a test of physical discipline and a collective tribute to the heroism, selflessness, and historical sacrifices that shaped the nation.
The 12.7-kilometer march brought together military personnel from various units under 4ID, highlighting physical readiness, unit cohesion, and tactical discipline.

Division leadership emphasized that the activity allowed troopers to reflect on their oath of service and the constitutional mandate of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
The event reinforced the military’s core values of courage, patriotism, and commitment—qualities essential for personnel stationed across operational areas in Northern Mindanao and Caraga.
Addressing the division following the march, 4ID commander MGEN Marion T. Angcao emphasized that modern heroism is defined by daily dedication and disciplined service to the public.
“The strength of a soldier is not measured solely by physical endurance but also by the willingness to sacrifice, remain disciplined, and faithfully fulfill one’s responsibilities,” Angcao said. “Every act of service, no matter how small, contributes to the larger mission of safeguarding the peace, security, and welfare of the Filipino people.”
Angcao urged the soldiers to carry the legacy of past national heroes into their routine security duties, community assistance programs, and peace-and-development operations across the region.
DAVAO City Police Office (DCPO) director PCOL Peter Bauzon Madria led a multi-district night patrol sweep on Monday evening, Aug. 31, on high-density communities in six police jurisdictions.
Madria was joined by Traffic Enforcement Unit (TEU) chief PLTCOL Christian Antonio D. Garcia and members of the TEU Advisory Support Group during the coordinated midnight visibility operation.
The joint patrol covered Police Station 4 (Sasa), Police Station 6 (Bunawan), Police Station 13 (Mandug), Police Station 5 (Buhangin), Police Station 18 (Bajada), and Police Station 16 (Maa)
The operation forms part of the DCPO’s expanded night-shift deterrence strategy, aimed at preventing street crimes, monitoring late-night traffic compliance, and ensuring rapid law enforcement response during off-peak hours.
Madria noted that physically inspecting station boundaries and commercial strips allows top officials to assess real-time security postures and adjust tactical deployments as needed.
The DCPO also said that joint patrols, alongside civilian advisory groups, strengthen public vigilance and cooperative policing in local neighborhoods.
“Safety and security are most effective when supported by active citizen involvement,” the DCPO commander said. “This coordinated effort deters potential threats while fostering unity, vigilance, and shared responsibility in maintaining peace and security throughout Davao City.”
THE CULMINATION of the week-long 112th Kalivungan Festival emphasized that the legacy is grounded on the strength of its people.
North Cotabato Governor Emmylou “Lala” Taliño-Mendoza led the concluding ceremony of the Kalivungan Festival on Tuesday, Sept. 1.
Kalivungan Festival Drum and Lyre Corps competition headlined the culmination day at the Provincial Capitol grounds, in Amas, Kidapawan City, with the Municipality of Makilala emerging as champion and was awarded Best in Streetdance, Best in Choreography, and Best in Musicality.
It was followed by Municipality of M’Lang, which also received Best in Costume award, and the Municipality of Tulungan finishing third.
In her speech at The Basket, Capitol Compound, Taliño-Mendoza attributed the successful Kalivungan to the 2,300 employees of the provincial government.
“No matter how small or big your role is, from utility to engineer, it does not matter, what’s important is you give your best,” Taliño-Mendoza said “If you do it the right way, we can see our province progressing forward.”
Mendoza said the culmination celebrated the successful week-long activities that honored history, culture and unity as one people.
In his keynote speech, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian said the legacy of Cotabato is grounded in the strength of its people.
“What makes this legacy meaningful is not only the years, but the people of Cotabato who have helped shape the province along the way,” Gatchalian said in a message delivered by Usec. Fatima Aliah Dimaporo.
“The people of Cotabato have shown that when you choose to work together you can build a stronger, peaceful community that thrives prosperously. The legacy that you carry is the same legacy that will inspire the generations to come,” he added.
The secretary emphasized the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) that helps poor families keep their children in school and support their health and nutrition. “Investing in children’s education is an investment in Cotabato’s future,” he said.
He also mentioned the Sustainable Livelihood Program in the province that helped poor and marginalized households turn skills, resources and capabilities into sources of income.
“These are not separate efforts. They are part of a larger goal to help families to become secure, more capable and better prepared to build their own future,” he stressed.
He cited the peace-building efforts of the agency through the Pamana Program with the Office of the Presidential Advisor on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity.
To note, Makilala Integrated Peace Advocates in Malasila, Makilala, Cotabato recently received P300, 000 seed capital fund to strengthen livelihood enterprise.
“This is what peace building means. It is ensuring that people who have experienced conflict have a safe, peace and development of their own communities,” Gatchalian stressed.
DSWD committed to ensure social protection reaches families in the province who are in need of assistance.
Kalivungan Festival is coined from the Manuvu word “Kalivungan” which means “Gathering” or “Festival.” In Kidapawan City, the capital of Cotabato, the first Kalivungan Festival was held on May 8, 1974.
Rum, Rock, and Hip-Hop: Tanduay First Five Holds Successful Run in Visayas and Mindanao
MANILA — What happens when OPM rock veterans and today’s biggest hit-makers share the same stage? For thousands of concert-goers across Visayas and Mindanao, the answer is an unforgettable celebration of music, culture, and community as Tanduay First Five capped off its multi-city run with strong audience turnouts and memorable performances.
“This year’s Tanduay First Five is different in many ways from the previous ones we staged as we brought together new gen and old school bands and artists who collaborated live onstage. It attracted audiences of all ages, from millennials to Gen Z, and turned out to be one of the most memorable concert tours in the Visayas and Mindanao,” said Edzel Ty, Digital Brand Manager of Tanduay.
All concert venues were packed, from the Grand Capital Mall Open Grounds in Iloilo, to the SM Seaside City Cebu Concert Grounds in Cebu and the Davao Crocodile Park & Zoo in Davao.
Culture, Collaboration, and Community Through Music
One of the highlights of this year’s Tanduay First Five took place in Davao, where concert-goers witnessed the collaboration between hip-hop artists Skusta Clee and Flow G alongside rock bands Kamikazee and Parokya ni Edgar.
Zack Tabudlo and December Avenue also wowed the crowds in their performances in the other legs as they delivered hits that fans sang along to.




“Tanduay First Five reflects Tanduay’s commitment to being part of moments that foster creativity, self-expression, and lasting memories. We support spaces where people could connect and celebrate shared experiences,” Ty said, adding that the event wouldn’t be successful without the support of all the people who continue to love Tanduay and our OPM artists.
Organizing a multi-city tour for five acts was no walk in the park, though, but the Tanduay team pulled through and the concerts ran smoothly and saw exceptional attendance. In fact, many fans are already asking if there’s going to be another tour.
“When and where is the next TFF concert? This is the most common feedback we received on our social media pages along with some people requesting to have the Tanduay First Five in their own cities,” Ty shared.
And while the tour was initially planned to be a one-time event, Ty teased that there might be another Tanduay First Five by next year. For 2026, the public can look forward to the announcement of the new Tanduay Calendar Girl by the end of the year.
A Way of Giving Back
Tanduay First Five was conceived as Tanduay’s way of expressing it gratitude to its loyal customers.
“Tanduay wouldn’t be where it is at today without the support of all our loyal customers. We have been in the industry for more than one hundred years and continue to craft spirits that best represent our country and our heritage because of you,” Ty said.