THE DAVAO del Norte Police Provincial Office (DNPPO) reassured residents that they are in control following a series of “viral crime incidents.”
In an official statement on Thursday, the DNPPO acknowledged that recent high-profile crimes may have caused alarm, but asserted these do not define the overall peace and order situation in the province.
Instead, the police highlighted the rapid and successful resolution of these cases, crediting not only the professional response of their personnel but, more significantly, the active participation of the community.
“Our deepest gratitude goes to our concerned citizens, who stepped forward to report suspicious activities, and to those who willingly shared crucial CCTV footage from their establishments and residences,” DNPPO director Col Alexander Serrano Jr said in a statement.
The DNPPO underscored the pivotal role of CCTV systems, describing them as “powerful tools” in hot-pursuit operations, investigations, and overall crime-solving efforts.
The timely access to CCTV recordings provided by owners was crucial in identifying suspects and reconstructing event timelines.
Building on this success, the DNPPO announced the launch of Project CCTV123, a proactive initiative designed to create a more integrated and responsive crime monitoring system across Davao del Norte.
The program aims to map, link, and coordinate with private CCTV owners, encouraging businesses and residents to register and voluntarily share their footage with nearby police stations. The DNPPO believes that it will significantly enhance its capability to deter, detect, and respond to criminal activities.
Tagum ‘killer’ arrested
Meanwhile, authorities arrested a 49-year-old man believed to be responsible for the fatal shooting of a 26-year-old woman in Tagum City.
The suspect was apprehended during a hot pursuit operation at around 12:30 p.m. Wednesday at an inn in Barangay San Pedro, Panabo City.
Police reports indicate that the victim was shot dead early Wednesday morning inside her apartment in Barangay Madaum, Tagum City.
During the arrest, authorities seized from the suspect an estimated ₱360,000 worth of suspected shabu and a firearm believed to have been used in the crime.
While the exact relationship between the victim and the suspect is still under investigation, initial findings suggested that jealousy may have been the motive for the killing.
Photo courtesy of DNPPO
