VOWING to transform the city’s police force into an “active shield,” Colonel Peter Madria officially assumed command of the Davao City Police Office (DCPO) on Monday, March 30, 2026, bearing the trust of Mayor Sebastian Duterte.
Madria, the former chief of PRO XI’s Regional Operations Division, succeeded Col. Mannan Muarip, who served as acting director for eight months.
In his first media interview as city director, Madria thanked Duterte for the opportunity to lead the country’s largest city.
“I am deeply grateful to Mayor Sebastian Duterte for giving me the chance to serve our fellow Davaoeños. We will repay that trust with excellent service,” Madria told reporters.
The 100-day blueprint
For his first 100 days, Madria is banking on a high-visibility strategy to deter lawlessness. Central to this is the 90:10 rule, where 90% of the police force will be pulled from offices and deployed to the streets.
“We will ensure our police are properly deployed in crowded areas where people frequent, ensuring they feel the protection of the law,” Madria said. “Our goal is to lower crime as much as possible, and if an incident does occur, we must solve it immediately within our AOR (area of responsibility).”
Madria emphasized that his administration would not “reinvent the wheel” but would instead sustain and intensify existing programs that have benefited the city.
Despite having spent much of his career in Luzon before his assignment to PRO XI, Madria said he is unfazed by the challenges of securing Davao. He noted that the city’s culture of discipline is his greatest advantage.
“There is nothing to be nervous about because we are just doing our jobs,” Madria stated. “Our only enemies are those who commit crimes and violate the law. We know that Dabawenyos are law-abiding and disciplined citizens.”
The five pillars
Madria’s “Fast, Honest, and Truly Felt” roadmap is anchored on five non-negotiable pillars:
- Enhanced Operations: Relentless, data-driven campaigns against drugs, illegal firearms, and terrorism.
- Resource Transparency: Every centavo and vehicle must reach the frontlines.
- Personnel Welfare: Prioritizing the well-being of officers to foster passion for service.
- Internal Cleansing: A strict “zero-tolerance” policy for corruption and abuse, including a total ban on alcohol consumption within police premises.
- Community Partnership: Co-creating security solutions with barangays and faith-based groups.
The new director is expected to formally meet with Mayor Duterte as soon as the latter’s schedule permits. “I will coordinate with his staff for a courtesy call so we can discuss our shared goals for the city,” Madria added.
In presiding over the change of command, PRO XI director Brig Gen Leon Victor Rosete set high expectations for Madria.
“We want a police service that is fast, honest, and truly felt,” Rosete said, echoing the PNP’s national agenda.
Rosete commended the outgoing Muarip for his eight months of service as acting director, noting that the transition to Madria was designed to maintain the momentum of Davao’s existing anti-criminality campaigns.
