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Hunt down Bato

by Rhoda Grace Saron
written by Rhoda Grace Saron
  • 225,000-strong PNP mobilized after DOJ declares senator a ‘fugitive’

THE DEPARTMENT of Justice (DOJ) has officially ordered national law enforcement agencies to execute an International Criminal Court arrest warrant against Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa, prompting the Department of the Interior and Local Government to place the entire 225,000-strong Philippine National Police on active manhunt status.

The sweeping enforcement directive marks a total administration shift, occurring just two days after the Supreme Court denied Dela Rosa’s emergency prayer for a protective temporary restraining order.

In a definitive legal pronouncement, DOJ Secretary Frederick Vida declared the former PNP Chief a “fugitive,” effectively stripping away political buffers and greenlighting simultaneous operations by the PNP and the National Bureau of Investigation.

When questioned by reporters regarding the scale of the impending operation—specifically if a rumored 10,000-man elite task force would be deployed—DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla clarified that the scope of the manhunt encompasses the entire state apparatus.

“It is not just a 10,000-man task force. The entire 225,000-strong force of the Philippine National Police is now tasked with tracking down Senator Ronald Dela Rosa,” Remulla stated. “We will follow the lead of the Secretary of Justice.”

Following the DILG’s declaration, PNP Director General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. issued an official command statement confirming that the police force will immediately execute the DOJ’s operational order.

“The PNP respects the processes of the justice system and recognizes the authority of competent government agencies in the implementation of lawful orders,” Nartatez said. “As a law enforcement agency, the PNP shall perform its mandate in accordance with existing laws, due process, and established operational procedures.”

Nartatez assured the public that despite the highly charged political profile of the target, all actions undertaken by field units would remain “impartial, professional, and within the bounds of the law.”

The enforcement order creates a volatile standoff in Davao Region, which serves as the traditional stronghold of the Duterte political faction and Dela Rosa’s primary home base.

As of press time, TIMES has yet to receive a response from the Police Regional Office XI on whether it has already received operational directives to arrest or detain Dela Rosa the moment he is spotted within its territorial area of responsibility.

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Police in full force for Holy Week in Davao Region

by Rhoda Grace Saron
written by Rhoda Grace Saron

LAW ENFORCEMENT agencies across the Davao Region are shifting to high alert as they launch a comprehensive security sweep of churches, tourist destinations, and coastal resorts ahead of the Holy Week observance.

During a press briefing on Wednesday, March 25, Police Regional Office (PRO) XI spokesperson Major Catherine Dela Rey announced that the regional command is aiming for a “zero incident” goal.

Dela Rey confirmed that personnel deployment will not be limited to urban centers but extends to far-flung tourist spots across the region. 

To augment the regular police force, PRO XI is actively coordinating with barangay tanods to increase the frequency of patrols in residential and high-traffic areas.

“We are monitoring closely, and we hope the commemoration of Holy Week will be zero incident,” Dela Rey said, emphasizing a proactive stance against criminality during the long break.

In the regional capital, the Davao City Police Office (DCPO) is bracing for a massive influx of devotees.

DCPO spokesperson Captain Hazel Caballero revealed that security details have been finalized for 56 churches within the city limits.

Beyond the pews, Caballero noted that the police presence would be felt in recreational areas as well. 

“We will also deploy personnel in resorts and on beaches. Our officers will conduct active patrols near these areas to ensure the safety of vacationers,” Caballero said.

The mobilization comes at a critical time for the region, as authorities are already stretched thin monitoring the ongoing fuel supply issues and the “State of National Energy Emergency.”

The PNP is urging the public to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station or through the designated emergency hotlines as the Catholic faithful begin their annual pilgrimage and travel for the summer break.

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DCPO, PRO XI directors visit bereaved family of late police officer

by Rhoda Grace Saron
written by Rhoda Grace Saron

THE TWO top officials of the regional PNP and the Davao City Police Office paid their respect to the late Lt Col Deozar Almasa and also offered support for the family of their late colleague. 

Police Regional Office XI chief Brig Gen Leon Victor Rosete and Davao City police chief Col Mannan Muarip personally attended the wake in Almasa’s family home on Feb. 12, 2026.

The visit served as a formal recognition of Almasa’s service and his significant contributions to law enforcement and public safety within the Philippine National Police (PNP).

During the visit, both leaders extended their heartfelt condolences and assured the family of the organization’s continued assistance.

According to the DCPO, the gesture reflected the PNP’s core commitment to standing by its personnel and their loved ones during times of loss, while upholding the institutional values of service, honor, and integrity.

Almasa was found inside his barracks quarters in Camp Quintin M. Merecido in Buhangin on Monday morning, Feb. 9.

PNP Director General Jose Melencio Nartatez, who happened to be in Davao City to visit the regional command, confirmed he was briefed on the incident immediately upon his arrival.

“I gave a directive to investigate because these things don’t just happen,” Nartatez told reporters during a press conference. When asked if foul play is suspected, Nartatez remained cautious, stating only that the incident is under active investigation.

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PNP Returns to UAE SWAT Challenge, Carrying Filipino Pride and Strength

by Contributor
written by Contributor

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates – The Philippine National Police (PNP) will once again take part in the UAE SWAT Challenge 2026, one of the world’s most prestigious competitions for Police tactical teams held in Dubai.

The PNP team will compete against elite tactical units from various countries in five intense challenges designed to test strength, endurance, tactical proficiency, teamwork, and the ability to respond under extreme pressure.

The competition will take place from Feb. 7 to 11 at Training City in Al Ruwayyah, Dubai.

Invitation to the Filipino community in Dubai

Our fellow Filipinos in Dubai are invited to watch in person and support the PNP team. Tickets are free and can be obtained through Virgin Megastore. Let us come together to show our support and pride so that our delegation feels the strength and unity of the Filipino community.

For those who cannot attend in person, you can still show your support by watching the live coverage on the official UAE SWAT Challenge YouTube channel. Viewers are encouraged to watch, share, and cheer online for our police force.

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PRO XI operations lead to 88 arrests; P2.9-M in drugs seized

by Rhoda Grace Saron
written by Rhoda Grace Saron

THE POLICE Regional Office XI launched 68 anti-illegal drug operations resulting in the arrest of 88 individuals from Nov. 3 to 9, 2025.

The operations comprised 51 buy-bust operations, 10 implementations of warrants of arrest, two services of search warrants, two checkpoint operations, and three police responses.

Among those apprehended were 22 high-value individuals and 66 street-level individuals.

The operations likewise led to the confiscation of 428.2074 grams of shabu (methamphetamine hydrochloride) valued at P2,911,810.32 and 29.81 grams of dried marijuana leaves valued at P3,577.20. 

The total combined value of the seized illegal substances reached P2,915,387.52. Arguelles commended the relentless efforts of all operating units. 

He noted that the consistent results of these intelligence-driven and well-coordinated operations demonstrate PROXI’s firm commitment to the directives of the acting PNP chief Lt Gen Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., to sustain the campaign against illegal drugs and maintain a drug-free Davao Region.

“The consistent results of our operations show that PRO XI remains relentless and strategic in its approach to dismantling drug networks and protecting communities from the harmful effects of illegal drugs,” Arguelles said.

He further stressed that all operations were conducted with strict adherence to the rule of law and full respect for human rights, reinforcing the trust and confidence of the public in the continuing anti-illegal drug campaign of the Philippine National Police.

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Opinion

ROUGH CUTS | Fast becoming smugglers’ haven?

by Vic Sumalinog
written by Vic Sumalinog

LOCAL officials have warned the public of the proliferation of smuggled and counterfeit cigarettes in this part of the Davao Region, if not of the whole of Mindanao. 

Why has, in the first place, there is a sudden increase in smuggled and counterfeit cigarettes? What are our law enforcers doing that smugglers and counterfeiters are getting bolder and bolder to the point that they seem to have enough freedom to move their illegal merchandise?

Yes, for the past months we have monitored elements of the Philippine Coast Guard having intercepted shipments of smuggled cigarettes and policemen confiscating counterfeits.

While these are clear indicators of the successes of certain law enforcement groups, the frequency of interceptions and confiscations only show that there are ready suppliers of the merchandise. And we cannot fault some people if they think that there may exist a connivance between some ranking law enforcers and big-time smugglers and suppliers of counterfeit cigarettes in the city.

We do not wish to assume that the cooperation between the local government officials and the law enforcement groups, more specifically the members of the Philippine National Police (PNP), is still tinted with the political enmity now existing between the national administration and the Davao City-based Duterte-led (former President Rody and her daughter VP Sara) opposition.

The police is the primary group that had been blamed in the controversial arrest of close Duterte ally Pastor Apollo Quiboloy, and the former President’s arrest and hauling to the Netherlands, supposedly in compliance with an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC).

Yes, one very difficult thing to do is to restore trust to any person or even organization once it is lost due to very valid reasons.

As a consequence, certain aspects in governance and delivery of government services have to suffer. And there are scheming people or groups that are quick to take advantage of the situation. Illegal drug merchants, smugglers, and counterfeiters are among them.

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Some sectors are claiming that there are also “ghost projects” being undertaken by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

Of course, the AFP is quick to deny the allegations. And we are inclined to believe the Armed Forces. Why, because its budget is hardly enough to sustain its operation and for the payment of soldiers’ pay. Besides, if there are big projects like purchase of war planes, naval boats, or war tanks and artillery, usually these are on a government-to-government transaction.

These transactions are normally rigidly scrutinized by the supplier government even if the product or products are manufactured by private industries in that country.

And one allegation of this kind supposedly entered into by the Philippines with the South Korean industry guaranteed by its government that was strongly denied by those concerned was the military’s purchase of a frigate during the previous administration.

So, what possible military projects that can be “ghosted” just to benefit some high-ranking AFP officials?

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Is the City Government of Davao sending materials and other relief assistance to the earthquake hit Davao Oriental just like what it did to the victims of the 6.9 magnitude earthquake in Bogo, Cebu? We share the hope of many others, especially the residents of the most badly affected municipalities of that Eastern Davao Province because not only are they fellow Davaoeños but these areas are much nearer and accessible from Davao City.

So far, it has been four days since the strong temblor struck but we have not seen a convoy of vehicles representing the city government proceeding to Davao Oriental for the purpose. The person that has visited Davao Oriental with trademark Davao City is Vice President Sara Duterte. But she was representing her office – the OVP.

Has Davao City exhausted its relief resources in its mission to Bogo, Cebu that, so far, it has not made any pronouncement of a Davao Oriental caravan to distribute assistance?

Anyhow, no matter how fast or slow the assistance be delivered to the intended beneficiaries, it would still be most welcome by the residents who are presently suffering from deprivation and lack of livable shelter.

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Valencia City declared first insurgency-free zone in Region X

by Rhoda Grace Saron
written by Rhoda Grace Saron

VALENCIA City became the first local government unit in Region X (Northern Mindanao) to be officially declared an insurgency-free area on Friday, Oct. 10, a historic milestone achieved through a united front of local officials, military, police, and the community.

Under the leadership of Mayor Amie Galario, the local government unit, in coordination with the 89th Infantry Battalion, 1003rd Infantry Brigade, 10th Infantry Division, and their Philippine National Police (PNP) counterparts, made the declaration official. 

The ceremony, held at the Valencia City Hall, was graced by Major General Allan D. Hambala, commander of the 10th Infantry Division, along with local officials, representatives from partner agencies, former rebels, and the people of Valencia City. 

The declaration was made after the city successfully complied with all parameters set under the Joint Letter Directive and the Joint Peace and Security Coordinating Council (JPSCC). 

Crucially, all 31 barangays of Valencia City passed resolutions declaring the Communist Party of the Philippines–New People’s Army–National Democratic Front (CPP–NPA–NDF) as persona non grata. 

This united stance was further reinforced through Resolution No. 154-2025 of the 10th Sangguniang Panlungsod, officially condemning the presence and influence of the said groups.

Additionally, through Resolution No. 153-2025, the City Council formally declared Valencia City as insurgency-free, signifying the end of the local armed threat and the success of joint peace efforts.

This achievement stands as a testament to the unwavering collaboration between the LGU, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the PNP, and the local populace—including former rebels who have returned to the fold of the law—in fostering peace, unity, and progress for the people of Valencia.

Photos courtesy of 89th Infantry Battalion 

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Opinion

ROUGH CUTS | Colonel Muarip is showing his worth

by Vic Sumalinog
written by Vic Sumalinog

FORMER National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) National Director lawyer Jaime Santiago disclosed the other day that the contractor of the building undergoing construction for the agency’s central office is one of the firms owned by the Discaya couple.

Well, this one is a case of the country’s top sleuths blindsided by these days’ shrewdest of contractors. Imagine the NBI appears totally clueless that it is dealing with some people who they should have investigated or snooped upon a long time ago.

Or, like the case of contracts entered into by the DPWH, some of the probe agency’s top officials may have also been “beneficiaries” of the Discaya largesse?

Now the construction of the Bureau’s multi-million peso office building should better be investigated not by any agent of the NBI but perhaps by elements of the Criminal Investigation and Betection Group (CIDG) of the Philippine National Police (PNP).

For now, we can only hope that the NBI central office building construction by a Discaya-owned firm will not suffer the same fate as the many flood control projects the Discayas are now working on or have completed in the most substandard manner.

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Yesterday, the City Government of Davao posted on Facebook a demonstration run of one of the ten or so bus units that will be fielded in different routes in the city.

According to earlier reports, the fielding of the passenger buses is aimed at easing substantially the burgeoning vehicular traffic in the city’s major thoroughfares. The same buses are among those initially to be operated under the City’s Transport Modernization Program to address the lack of public transportation going to and from certain areas in the city.

Unfortunately, we are starting to entertain doubts as to the project’s success in achieving its primary objective. And why is this? Lately, the political enmity between the ICC-detained former President Rodrigo R. Duterte and incumbent President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. appears to have rubbed in on the project.

Imagine, even as the Bus Transport Modernization program of the city could take off, the national government has sent to Davao City passenger buses reminiscent of the public transportation project of former First Lady Imelda R. Marcos – the Love Bus – then operating in several routes in Metro Manila.

The Love Buses were later mothballed by the succeeding administrations after elder Ferdinand E. Marcos was banished from the Malacanang Palace.

And now its apparent resurrection, ironically fielded to help address the transportation lack in the very city that is the seat of power of the incumbent Malacanang tenant’s political enemy – the Duterte’s bastion.

But the Duterte and the incumbent President’s political animosity does not really matter at all. That is, if the final beneficiaries of the squabble are the people of Davao City.

Can the Davaoeños possibly hope for such situation to happen in the city within the next few weeks, months, or even years?

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 This one is indeed a very laudable project conceptualized by the Davao City Police Office.

We mean the ongoing development of computer application and website aimed at helping the public access to police services and information.

This was announced by no less than the Acting Davao City Police Office (DCPO) Director Col. Mannan Muarip during a press briefing it conducted to officially lunch the project.

Well, the acting DCPO director appears to have a penchant for innovations if only to improve the services of the police to the public that it is sworn to protect.

Muarip, a Muslim, appears to be the correct officer to lead the Davao City Police Office. The city government, headed by Acting Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte was not quite appreciative of the police officials who were designated to head the DCPO.

The mayor was seemingly suspicious of the previous designees’ capability in what appears a hostile relation between those police officials and the people of Davao City.

In the case of Colonel Muarip, he has not only shown his utmost respect to the city leadership but also presented himself as a trusted partner of the city officials l, led by Mayor Baste, in maintaining a safe and secured Davao. He also proves himself as an active partner in pursuing socio-economic development of the area.

We are now certain that Mayor Baste and the other officials are already aware of the acting police director’s noble intentions.

Good luck Colonel Muarip. May Allah bless and guide you in your journey as DCPO’s chief.

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DCPO flexes response time in SimEx

by Rhoda Grace Saron
written by Rhoda Grace Saron

THE DAVAO City Police Office (DCPO) conducted a comprehensive simulation exercise (SimEx) beginning 5:17 p.m. on Saturday, July 19, to test the immediate response capabilities of its respective stations. 

Acting city director Col Mannan C. Muarip said the SimEx commenced at the City Integrated Command Center to enhance operational readiness and ensure swift police action during critical incidents.

The exercise put three different police stations to the test with distinct simulated emergencies:

  1. Scenario 1: Vehicular Accident (Alarm 277) – The first simulated incident involved a vehicular accident at The Bloom Coffee & Start-Up Space on Ecoland Drive. Responding personnel from Police Station 15 – Ecoland, utilizing Mobile 2120, arrived on the scene in an impressive 3 minutes and 10 seconds.
  1. Scenario 2: Forcible Abduction (Alarm 247) – A forcible abduction scenario was staged at GKK Sr. San Miguel, Matarlo, Bunawan. Police Station 6 – Bunawan dispatched their mobile crew, Mobile J-33, who responded within 4 minutes and 21 seconds.
  1. Scenario 3: Abduction (10-83) – The final simulation took place at EMCOR Agdao, JVR Del Pilar St., involving another abduction scenario. Officers from Police Station 18 – Bajada, aboard Mobile K-30, reached the site promptly in 3 minutes and 12 seconds.

The entire exercise concluded at 5:35 p.m.

Muarip lauded the stations for their prompt action and professionalism, emphasizing the critical role such exercises play in strengthening the Philippine National Police’s commitment to public safety. 

“SIMEX is a vital tool to assess and improve our field performance,” stated Muarip. “Our goal is always to deliver quick and effective police service to our constituents.”

Photo courtesy of DCPO

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