LOCAL authorities revealed that Davao City has been enjoying “zero-crime” days, particularly on eight focus crimes, classified as murder, homicide, rape, robbery, physical injury, theft, car theft, and motorcycle theft.
During the Davao Peace and Security Press Corps briefing at The Royal Mandaya Hotel on Wednesday, Davao City Police Office spokesperson Capt. Hazel Caballero attributed these gains to a strengthened partnership between law enforcement and local barangay officials.
“We are doing our best to decrease the eight focus crimes,” Caballero said.
Capt. Caballero clarified the distinction between the “eight focus crimes”—which serve as the PNP’s primary barometer for peace and order—and the “four focus directives,” which refer to specific operational guidelines issued by the PNP to guide station commanders.
According to Caballero, DCPO city director Col. Peter Madria has prioritized face-to-face engagement with barangay captains and peace and order councils.
By meeting personally with local leaders, the police are better able to address neighborhood concerns before they escalate into larger issues.
“The DCPO cannot do it alone in maintaining peace and order,” Caballero said. “We are grateful to the community. When incidents happen, citizens report them to the police immediately. This cooperation, alongside the support of our barangay officials, has a big impact on the decrease of these crimes.”
In April alone, the DCPO recorded 138 arrests related to illegal drug campaigns and nearly 200 arrests of wanted persons. Caballero noted that the drop in crime incidents has reached a point where it occasionally leaves the local media with little “bad news” to report—a milestone the department welcomes.
“We are thankful when things are quiet,” she added. “It shows that our collective efforts are paying off in keeping Davao City secure.”
