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cctv

Masked duo strips Davao coffee shop of ₱51-K cash

by Rhoda Grace Saron February 17, 2026

written by Rhoda Grace Saron

A LOCAL coffee hub became the latest target of an early-morning robbery, as two motorcycle-riding suspects escaped with over ₱51,000 in cash and electronic equipment on Monday.

The heist was captured on CCTV at approximately 3:30 a.m. on Feb. 16, revealing a motorcycle carrying two individuals that pulled up along the bypass road.

While one suspect stayed on the bike as a lookout, the passenger—wearing a bull cap and a handkerchief to mask his face—approached the shop on foot.

The suspect was seen forcibly prying open a glass window to gain entry. Once inside, he ransacked the cashier’s drawer, emptying the previous day’s earnings, according to the report.

The crime went unnoticed until 10:30 a.m., when the shop’s caretaker and cashier arrived to open for the day. Upon discovering the destroyed drawer and the missing funds, they immediately alerted the authorities.

The two rode off with ₱51,270.00 in shop earnings and one Huawei tablet valued at ₱15,000.

Under the supervision of station commander Maj Philip Dave A. Uddin, investigators PSMS Noel M. Burden and PSSg John Jecor A. Mancera conducted an on-site inspection and are currently reviewing broader CCTV feeds along the bypass road to track the getaway route.

The suspects are described as wearing sweatshirts and pants, with the primary intruder partially concealed by a cap and a handkerchief.

February 17, 2026 0 comments

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Construction firm supervisor wounded in Matina ‘riding-in-tandem’ shooting

by Rhoda Grace Saron January 20, 2026

written by Rhoda Grace Saron

A 49-YEAR-OLD department head is recovering in the hospital after being shot by unidentified assailants in broad daylight along MacArthur Highway, Matina, on Monday afternoon, Jan. 19.

The victim, identified only by the Davao City Police Office as Melfred, a resident of Cabantian and supervisor at BMQ Builders and Supply Corporation, was driving his red Hyundai Accent toward the downtown area at approximately 5:09 p.m. when attacked.

According to the Talomo Police Station report, the victim was at the corner of Pag-ibig Drive in front of Jev Inn when two individuals on a red XRM motorcycle pulled alongside his vehicle.

The back rider, described as wearing a white t-shirt and shorts with his face concealed by a dark cloth, reportedly fired thrice using a silver pistol before speeding off. Investigators recovered three spent shells at the scene.

Responding officers from Mobile Patrol 931 rushed the victim to the Seventh-Day Adventist Hospital before transferring him to the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC). The attending physician, Dr. Ma. Eleanor Guiani, declared the victim to be in stable condition.

Police said that a hot pursuit operation was launched immediately following the incident, although the suspects managed to evade arrest. Authorities are currently reviewing CCTV footage to identify the perpetrators.

Meanwhile, the motive for the shooting remains under investigation.

Photo courtesy of DCPO

January 20, 2026 0 comments

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City to purchase 150 HD CCTVs for proposed AI facial recognition law

by Nova Mae Francas November 26, 2025

written by Nova Mae Francas

THE CITY aims to order 150 high definition CCTVs equipped with AI facial recognition software to reinforce border control and crime prevention.

This, after the 21st City Council approved on Tuesday the AI-Powered Border and Public Safety Surveillance Ordinance of Davao City.

During the Pulong Pulong sa Dabawenyos, proponent Councilor Bonz Andre Militar said the measure will modernize border surveillance through the installation and integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) facial recognition systems at strategic locations including seaports, airports, land terminals, shorelines, and other identified entry and exit points.

The AI surveillance system will have features such as automated flagging of matches against watchlists from law enforcement databases, real-time alerts transmitted to the PSSO to be integrated to the existing border control systems.

It will also have a secure storage and audit-tracking of all recognition logs and matches.

The AI facial recognition system is designed to interface with national law enforcement databases to detect and alert authorities about individuals flagged for arrest or surveillance which aids to crime prevention.

In terms of database, the City will enter into data-sharing agreements with the Davao City Police Office, National Intelligence Coordinating Agency, Task Force Davao, Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines, National Bureau of Investigation Region XI, Bureau of Immigration Region XI, Philippine Coast Guard-Davao Station, Bureau of Customs Region XI, Philippine Ports Authority Region XI, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Region XI, and Criminal Investigation and Detection Group Region XI, and other concerned agencies for real-time access to updated watchlist and criminal databases.

Militar said the system proposed has a high accuracy level so that only those in the database are the ones to be detected.

“There will be a series of verification but we will make sure that the AI facial recognition is very accurate,” he said.

The ordinance will cover the government buildings such as the City Hall, Sangguniang Panlungsod and Hall of Justice.

It also includes parks such as People’s Park, Magsaysay Park, parks within coastal area; air transport terminals such as Davao International Airport; and Old Sasa Airport; water or port transport terminals such as Sasa Mini Pier (Km. 11); Davao Fishport Complex (Toril Fish Port); Sta. Ana Wharf; Philippine Ports Authority; DAVSAM Wharf; and MaeWess Wharf.

For land transport terminals, the Davao City Overland Transport Terminal (DCOTT); bus stops identified by the Davao Bus System and private van terminals.

Also, it includes existing control checkpoints in Lasang, Sirawan and Lacson and 5 sub border control points in Eden, Malagos; Dacudao; Bunawan; and Mahayag.

Other convergence areas such as public markets, night markets, and other public access points as may be identified by the Public Safety and Security Office are also covered.

PSSO will serve as the lead implementing agency and will oversee the enforcement and monitoring.

Militar said to protect data privacy, the biometric data and facial scans will only be retained for periods necessary for processing and investigation and will be securely deleted after.

The measure entails corresponding penalties to violation with a fine of up to P5,000 and/or imprisonment for a period not exceeding one year or both.

The prohibited acts include intentional obstruction, disabling, damaging, tampering with, or interfering with any AI facial recognition device, monitoring equipment, or data transmission system; unauthorized access or data breach; possession of any unauthorized, leaked, or misused, or illegally accessed surveillance data; unauthorized entry or exit such that any person evading or violating lawful security protocols at designated entry and exit points, including refusal to undergo scanning, use of falsified identities, or obstruction of inspection procedures.

Militar said several firms have expressed intent, including local suppliers and foreign providers but the city government will still undergo a public bidding process to select the supplier of the technology.

Photo courtesy of Konsehal Bonz Militar FB page

November 26, 2025 0 comments

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DCPO confident in sustaining ‘safest city’ reputation

by Rhoda Grace Saron September 1, 2025

written by Rhoda Grace Saron

THE DAVAO City Police Office (DCPO) remains confident in its ability to maintain the city’s reputation as one of the safest in the country despite recent changes in national police leadership.

Acting city director Col Mannan Muarip on Monday emphasized the command’s commitment to its “5-Minute Response Time Policy.”

He stated that this is consistently achieved through daily simulation exercises, maximizing mobile patrols, and coordinating with barangay officials and other force multipliers.

The DCPO also utilizes an extensive network of CCTVs and emergency hotlines to ensure swift response even in far-flung areas.

The command implements 36 different “Oplans,” or operational plans, targeting specific community concerns and fostering a good rapport with various stakeholders, partner agencies, local government units, and non-governmental organizations.

Muarip also addressed the recent appointment of the new PNP Chief, PLtGen. Melencio Nartatez Jr.

He affirmed that the DCPO remains steadfast in its mandate to serve and protect, regardless of leadership transitions.

He stressed that negative comments related to the issue will be addressed through transparency, consistent performance, and open dialogue, reinforcing the strong relationship the DCPO has built with the community over the years.

The DCPO has identified theft as a prevailing crime trend for the current quarter, largely attributed to the heightened foot traffic in public spaces as the Christmas season approaches.

In response, the DCPO is urging business owners to formally file cases to prevent repeat offenses and has engaged in dialogues with mall security and management to address the issue.

September 1, 2025 0 comments

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Davao del Norte police allay fears, credits community in solving recent crimes

by Rhoda Grace Saron July 17, 2025

written by Rhoda Grace Saron

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

July 17, 2025 0 comments