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DCPO to deploy 1,301 personnel to 444 schools for opening of classes

by Rhoda Grace Saron
written by Rhoda Grace Saron

THE DAVAO City Police Office (DCPO) will deploy 1,301 police personnel starting next week to secure hundreds of campuses across the city as students return for the opening of the 2026-2027 academic calendar.

The security deployment will cover 444 public and private schools throughout Davao City to ensure safety and order during the annual Brigada Eskwela and the formal resumption of classes.

Speaking at the Davao Peace and Security press briefing at The Royal Mandaya Hotel, DCPO spokesperson Captain Hazel Caballero announced that the security layout comes as a direct order from the leadership.

“During the opening of the classes, our city director instructed the personnel to assist and help the 444 schools in Davao City,” Capt. Caballero stated during the media forum. “We have 1,313 PNP personnel to be deployed for the Brigada Eskwela and the opening of our 2026-2027 classes.”

To provide immediate security intervention and address localized complaints on the ground, the DCPO will establish dedicated law enforcement hubs within school vicinities.

“We also asked everyone if there is a problem; we have police assistance desks that the City Director directed to place if there are concerns from parents, students, and teachers,” Caballero added.

The deployment announcement coincides with broader regional efforts to synchronize campus safety strategies. 

Also, the Department of Education (DepEd) spearheaded the “Oplan Balik Eskwela 2026 Interagency Convergence Meeting” on Wednesday morning, June 3, 2026, at the Apo View Hotel.

The security contingent from the DCPO will work alongside these converging government agencies and community stakeholders to manage traffic, deter crime near school gates, and maintain orderly school zones throughout the opening week.

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Davao police ready to enforce order as legal row erupts over Bato’s firearms; defense counsel warns of ‘constitutional crisis’ 

by Rhoda Grace Saron
written by Rhoda Grace Saron

THE DAVAO City Police Office (DCPO) on Wednesday expressed readiness to coordinate with national law enforcement agencies and enforce directives regarding Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa, as a fierce legal battle erupted over the cancellation of the lawmaker’s firearms licenses.

Speaking at the Davao Peace and Security Press Briefing at The Royal Mandaya Hotel on Wednesday, DCPO spokesperson Captain Hazel Caballero confirmed that local police are prepared to assist the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) if formal coordination takes place.

“Per instructions from our city director, Police Colonel Peter Baunzon Madria, we will coordinate with the National Bureau of Investigation and provide personnel support if they need the Davao City Police Office to implement orders just in case,” Caballero said.

The firearms dispute

The briefing came amid rising tensions after national authorities moved to cancel Dela Rosa’s 118 firearms licenses, citing pending legal developments. 

Addressing the issue, Caballero warned that carrying the weapons would become a criminal offense if the revocation is finalized.

“If revoked, [the firearms] can no longer be used anywhere—whether inside or outside your premises,” Caballero explained. “Failure to comply will constitute illegal possession of firearms.”

Caballero added that the local police command is awaiting official documents from the Philippine National Police (PNP) national headquarters under Chief General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. regarding the senator’s status.

“We have instructions coming from our National Headquarters, especially from the Chief PNP, regarding our situation with Senator Ronald Dela Rosa. Once the Davao City Police Office receives the proper documents—especially if the licenses are officially revoked—we will follow and implement those instructions,” she stated.

However, Caballero declined to comment on the NBI’s recent classification of the former PNP chief turned lawmaker as “armed and dangerous.”

“Many here respect him and we know his personality. We have no comment on the statement of the NBI, but the Davao City Police Office will strictly execute whatever instructions come from the Chief PNP, our Regional Director, and our City Director, Colonel Madria,” Caballero said.

Defense slams ‘constitutional crisis’

Meanwhile, Dela Rosa’s legal counsel, Atty. Israelito Torreon fiercely contested the weapon license cancellations, describing the executive branch’s aggressive posture as a “constitutional crisis executed in stages.”

In a statement posted on Facebook, Torreon argued that the PNP Firearms and Explosives Office (PNP-FEO) committed a fundamental legal error by citing Section 4(g) of Republic Act 10591 to cancel the licenses.

“Section 4 is titled ‘Standards and Requisites for Issuance and Obtaining a License.’ It tells you who can get a license. Section 39—separately titled ‘Grounds for Revocation’—tells you when you can lose one,” Torreon pointed out, adding that a pending criminal case is not a ground for revocation unless there is a final conviction or a direct order from a Philippine court.

Torreon also rejected the NBI’s invocation of the Doctrine of Incorporation to validate the International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant, arguing that international treaties do not automatically turn foreign tribunals into domestic Philippine courts.

 He further distinguished Dela Rosa’s situation from that of Pastor Apollo Quiboloy, noting that Quiboloy faced charges filed unambiguously within domestic courts.

The defense counsel raised alarms over the security implications of the government’s simultaneous moves.

“The NBI has classified Senator Dela Rosa as ‘armed and dangerous’—activating protocols that authorize lethal approach—while stripping him of his legal authority to be armed,” Torreon said, pointing out that the Supreme Court has yet to resolve the actual enforceability of the ICC warrant.

“The Executive’s answer to those open questions is not to wait for the Court. It is to act before the Court can answer. That is not law enforcement. That is a constitutional crisis,” Torreon concluded.

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‘No drug labs in Davao’: DCPO says illegal supply smuggled inside borders 

by Rhoda Grace Saron
written by Rhoda Grace Saron

THE DAVAO City Police Office (DCPO) maintained on Wednesday that no illegal drug laboratories are operating within its bounds, attributing recent high-value seizures to the command’s intensified anti-criminality campaign and strict border controls.

During the weekly Davao Peace and Security Press Corps media briefing at The Royal Mandaya Hotel, DCPO spokesperson Captain Hazel Caballero explained that while illegal drugs are still being intercepted, the supply originates from outside.

“Let us be clear: there is no illegal drug laboratory here in Davao City. These substances are smuggled into our area through controlled borders or via the sea,” Caballero said. “We are doing our best to, if not zero out, at least minimize the presence of illegal drugs in the city.”

Caballero noted that the crackdown on drugs is a top directive from the city police director, as drug use is often a primary driver of “focus crimes” or index crimes.

The spokesperson addressed public concern following a series of successful operations last week, where police seized over P1.5 million worth of suspected shabu in back-to-back buy-bust operations in Barangay San Antonio, Matina, and Barangay Ma-a.

“The success of our anti-drug campaign does not mean that drug activity is rampant. It means our information dissemination is working,” Caballero explained. “Residents are now reporting suspicious activities to the nearest police station. We should not be worried; instead, this is a result of our intensified campaign.”

The police official credited the recent string of arrests to the “trusted intelligence” provided by the community and local barangay officials, who are often the first to detect illegal personalities in their neighborhoods.

Caballero emphasized that the high cost of illegal drugs in Davao is a reflection of the difficulty smugglers face in bringing supplies into the city.

Regardless of the quantity seized—whether a large volume or mere drug paraphernalia—the DCPO maintains a “no-nonsense” policy in filing cases under Republic Act 9165 (The Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002).

“In our series of operations, we target both small-scale and large-scale players to ensure the safety of our communities,” she added.

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Davao City Fire District  strengthens Oplan Ligtas ng Pamayanan  program

by Contributor
written by Contributor

BY KRISTINA CRUJIDO/DNSC INTERN 

THE DAVAO City Fire District announced its Oplan Ligtas ng Pamayanan, a program aimed at strengthening coordination with the city government and the barangays.

During the Davao Peace and Security Press Corps briefing at The Royal Mandaya Hotel on Wednesday, Feb. 11, Fire Senior Inspector Frances Marie Sendrijas said the program focuses on community-based fire prevention, hazard identification, and training of barangay fire brigades.

According to Sendrijas, the agency continues to implement the program in partnership with barangays. One of the initiatives includes identifying and recording narrow roads and high-risk areas to improve fire response planning.

However, one of the main challenges the agency faces is budget constraints, which make it more difficult to host community initiatives.

“One of our challenges there is really the budget and how to invite the community to join our lectures,” she said.

For example, she said that their community lectures tackle subjects like giving way to emergency vehicles and avoiding illegal parking. The agency coordinates closely with the local government and the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office to enforce these regulations.

Despite this, she assured the public that the program remains a priority and is closely monitored by the national headquarters.

The enforcement and community awareness are crucial, particularly in densely populated areas where access for large fire trucks remains a challenge.

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PDEA XI chief: ‘Success measured by drug-free barangays, not body count’

by Rhoda Grace Saron
written by Rhoda Grace Saron

THE NEWLY designated director of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) XI declared on Wednesday that the true benchmark of the government’s anti-drug campaign is the number of rehabilitated communities rather than the total arrests or fatalities.

Speaking at the Davao Peace and Security press briefing at The Royal Mandaya Hotel, Atty. Benjamin Gaspi emphasized that the Barangay Drug Clearing Program (BDCP) remains the agency’s primary holistic strategy.

“We cannot measure the success of the illegal drug program by the number of persons killed, the number of convictions, or the volume of seizures confiscated by enforcement agencies,” Gaspi told reporters.

 “The success of the government’s program is measured by the number of barangays, municipalities, and provinces officially declared as drug-cleared.”

A “preservation-based” approach

Gaspi noted a significant shift in the operational philosophy of the current administration compared to the previous “bloody” drug war.

 He highlighted that under the leadership of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., the focus has pivoted toward prevention, rehabilitation, and reformation.

“There is a difference in the program,” Gaspi explained. “The current administration seeks to preserve life through rehabilitation for those involved in drugs, while maintaining aggressive, intelligence-driven operations to ensure that those in illegal transactions are caught and successfully convicted in court.”

Intensified Intelligence and Border Security

As the new regional director, Gaspi outlined a roadmap to tighten the net around drug syndicates in the Davao Region through enhanced inter-agency cooperation. Key priorities include:

  1. Intelligence Workshops: Collaborative sessions with other law enforcement agencies to map out and locate high-value drug personalities.
  2. Border Controls: Intensified monitoring and operative presence at seaports and airports to intercept drug shipments.
  3. Urban Operations: Scaled-up surveillance, buy-bust operations, and the execution of search warrants to control the local drug supply.

Gaspi maintained that by combining “surgical” law enforcement with community-based clearing, the agency can achieve a lasting, “insurgency-free” and “drug-free” status for the region.

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Business

BUILD Mindanao: AI & Blockchain Week 2025 sets 2026 agenda

by Contributor
written by Contributor

DAVAO CITY, Philippines – BUILD Mindanao: AI & Blockchain Week 2025 concluded with major announcements that move Davao’s AI and blockchain work from “concepts and training” into institution-level deployments across education and city services.

The organizers thanked the event’s partners and sponsors for making the free public program possible: Gold Sponsors – Peaq, CoWorq, and SUMEX; Silver Sponsors – OpenxAI and Caffeine AI; and Media Partners – Max Media and Reverion Studios.

The week ran on two tracks: a government-exclusive hackathon and build sessions at Davao City Hall (Dec 17-19), and a free public program at The Royal Mandaya Hotel (Dec 19) focused on practical AI workflows, blockchain fundamentals, cybersecurity, and a mini-hackathon format (grouping → build → pitch → winners).

1) Davao’s college registrar-issued transcripts are going on-chain

Reverion Technologies announced that Davao Central College (DCC) and the University of the Immaculate Concepcion (UIC) will move forward with putting official academic transcripts on the blockchain through the kick-off by Maubert Yretarino with support of Reverion Technologies founder, Rod Albores, positioned as a permanent verification layer for credentials, designed to reduce fraud risk, eliminate manual back-and-forth for verification, and modernize how schools prove records are authentic.

This places Davao’s higher-education institutions in a small global cohort operationalizing verifiable academic records via blockchain. BUILD Mindanao’s announcement emphasizes broader institutional momentum in Davao, with other partner schools already preparing to follow through on their own MOUs with Reverion.

2) DCitizen ID: from a completed build to cross-department adoption conversations

Following the build of DCitizen ID, Reverion shared that additional city departments have begun discussions to integrate AI and blockchain into their programs, signaling a shift from a single flagship system to a wider city modernization pipeline.

DCitizen ID has been publicly positioned as a unified identification system to streamline access to local government services and transactions, with rollout plans discussed by the Davao City LGU. City Government of Davao+1

3) National visibility: Davao’s AI and blockchain push recognized at major ICT gathering

Organizers highlighted that Davao’s direction is getting higher-level attention, citing the Vice President’s remarks calling for digital transformation in government at a major ICT gathering in Davao. Tribune+1

Reverion Technologies also noted that Rod Albores of Reverion Technologies was recognized in connection with the city’s push toward AI and blockchain adoption.

4) Free public AI + blockchain events will continue with the U.S. Embassy-backed American Corner

Reverion Technologies confirmed it will continue hosting free AI and blockchain programs with the American Corner (the U.S. Embassy’s educational and cultural arm), keeping public access to upskilling as a standing commitment, not a one-off event cycle. Luma+1

5) LGU developer capacity milestone: Davao City developers are now proficient in Rust

From the government-exclusive track at City Hall, organizers announced that Davao City LGU developers are now proficient in Rust, a security-oriented systems language widely used across modern infrastructure and increasingly common in blockchain engineering, an upskilling milestone framed as a practical foundation for building safer, more reliable systems over the long term.

Speaker recognition

The organizers also recognized speakers and facilitators who delivered practical, grounded sessions, including: Rjay Solamo (Core DAO Philippines), Christian Macion and Niel Recinto (Ledger 51), Ravin Chavez (DOST Scholar), John Forfar (OpenxAI), Nina Laluna (CoWorq), Ferdie James Nervida (international cybersecurity expert and TEDx speaker), Harold Banggay (USGAA Davao), and Maubert Yretarino (Edu Seal unveiling).

Special mentions were also given to Christine Erispe (ETH PH) and Kevin Gutierrez (American Corner Davao–ADDU). Also, thanks to our partner ConnectWeb3 Philippines and sir Ken Berry for helping us make this event possible.

About BUILD Mindanao: AI & Blockchain Week

BUILD Mindanao is a Davao-based event series by Reverion Technologies focused on builders and upskilling initiatives that accelerate the practical adoption of AI, blockchain, and cybersecurity across public institutions, academia, and the general public. The 2025 edition ran Dec. 17–19 with a government-exclusive track at Davao City Hall and a public program at The Royal Mandaya Hotel.

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Security set

by Rhoda Grace Saron
written by Rhoda Grace Saron
  • DCPO mobilizes more than 16,000 personnel for ‘Pasko Fiesta’ security

THE DAVAO City Police Office (DCPO) will deploy a massive security contingent of over 16,000 personnel to ensure peace and order during the annual ‘Pasko Fiesta’ celebrations.

Captain Hazel Tuazon, spokesperson for the DCPO, revealed part of the comprehensive security plan during the Davao Peace and Security Press briefing held at The Royal Mandaya Hotel on Nov. 19.

Tuazon clarified that the figure—exceeding 16,000—is solely composed of DCPO personnel, including both regular Philippine National Police (PNP) officers and Police Auxiliaries.

“DCPO lang na nga personnel composed of PNP and Police Auxiliaries,” Tuazon said, emphasizing the strength of the force dedicated to the festivities.

The extensive deployment is scheduled to begin on Nov. 21, 2025, ahead of the peak activities of the month-long holiday celebration.

The mobilization of thousands of police and auxiliary personnel aims to proactively manage crowds, prevent crime, and ensure a safe and secure environment for all residents and tourists participating in the various “Pasko Fiesta” events across Davao City.

The DCPO’s proactive measure underscores its commitment to public safety, allowing Davaoeños to celebrate the Christmas season securely. 

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EastMinCom:  Insurgency-free status for NPA-influenced areas underway

by Rhoda Grace Saron
written by Rhoda Grace Saron

THE EASTERN Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) said its insurgency-free areas are underway, with the remaining provinces and municipalities now under the joint operational area of EastMinCom. 

During a peace and security briefing held at The Royal Mandaya Hotel in Davao City on Aug. 6, Lt. Col. Salvacion Evangelista, spokesperson for EastMinCom, said while the declaration of insurgency-free status is underway, soldiers continue their campaign of eradicating communist presence in the communities.

These efforts are concentrated within the areas of the 10th Infantry Division, covering Regions XI and XII, and the 4th Infantry Division, which encompasses Regions X and XIII.

“We are working on the declaration of insurgency-free and also the sustainment activities of the soldiers continue under the area of 10th Infantry Division, Region XII and XI, and for 4th ID are Regions X and XIII,” Evangelista said.

 She added that “focus military operations continue and other partnerships, projects, and developmental activities through our local government units.”

This ongoing commitment includes sustained military operations and collaborative developmental projects with local government units, ensuring that peace and order are maintained and further strengthened in the liberated areas. 

The declaration marks a crucial step forward in the region’s security landscape, allowing for greater focus on community development and stability.

Photo courtesy of Rhoda Grace B Saron

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11th RCDG says no militarization as it camps near UP Mindanao 

by Rhoda Grace Saron
written by Rhoda Grace Saron

THE 11TH Regional Community Defense Group (RCDG) is firmly standing its ground against allegations of militarization and abuse at its camp near the University of the Philippines-Mindanao in Bago Oshiro, Davao City. 

This comes amidst calls from some university students and a resolution from the student council urging the relocation of the camp to respect academic space.

The student council’s social media post indicated that the resolution was an initiative of the All Students Council Assembly (ASCA), prompted by student complaints. 

It also aligns with the ongoing national campaign against campus militarization. 

The resolution is reportedly set to be presented to the House of Representatives as part of this broader campaign to remove military presence from academic spaces.

Despite the student-led efforts, which the 11th RCDG acknowledges as part of academic freedom, Colonel Reandrew Rubio, director of the 1105th, 11th RCDG, stressed during the Davao Peace and Security press briefing held at The Royal Mandaya Hotel on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, that they will not vacate their camp.

 He maintained that they have committed no violations against any group or organization, particularly the university.

Historical presence and mandated duties

Rubio clarified that their camp has been established in Barangay Mintal since 1957, originally known as the Regional Home Defense Unit.

 He emphasized that their presence is in line with their mandate to train, motivate, and organize reservists for national defense.

“Our unit, the RCDG, is extremely important because we’re the only army unit in the region capable of conducting and developing our reserve forces for national defense security,” Rubio explained.

Addressing militarization claims

Regarding the militarization issue, Rubio pointed out that there are no recorded complaints with the police, barangay, or any other authority concerning abuses by ROTC cadets and reservists trained at their camp.

He reiterated that the 11th RCDG’s office is open 24/7 for any individual or organization with complaints against them, and they are prepared to conduct investigations if violations are found.

“If there are any violations committed by our troops, or what they call militarization or whatever, we are open 24/7. They can just come to our office. Maybe there’s a lack of explanation or enlightenment on what our existence or presence is there, not just for the UP community or any organization that wants to know,” he added.

Currently, discussions are ongoing between the university and the Philippine Army regarding the matter.

Photo courtesy of Rhoda Grace B Saron 

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Deployment-ready

by Rhoda Grace Saron
written by Rhoda Grace Saron
  • Nearly 7-K personnel to secure Kadayawan activities: DCPO

THE DAVAO City Police Office (DCPO) is set to deploy a massive security force of nearly 7,000 personnel to ensure the safety of visitors and Davaoeños in the upcoming Kadayawan Festival.

During the Davao Peace and Security press briefing held at The Royal Mandaya Hotel on Wednesday, July 23, spokesperson Capt. Hazel Caballero-Tuazon, said the DCPO alone has already briefed 6,990 of its personnel to secure all activities of the annual festival.

While the main deployment for the core events of Kadayawan will officially commence on Aug. 7, “soft deployments” involving K9 units and Explosive Ordnance Division (EOD) teams will be conducted earlier for all events.

“We will check secluded areas within the venues to ensure nothing is hidden,” Tuazon stated, emphasizing proactive security measures.

A crucial aspect of the security plan, Tuazon highlighted, is the strict implementation of the “culture of security,” which includes a ban on backpacks within venues. 

She appealed to the public to strictly adhere to this policy to avoid unnecessary alarms and the diversion of resources.

“If backpacks are not allowed inside the venue, please do not just leave bags unattended on the side,” Tuazon urged. 

She explained that vigilant residents are quick to report unattended baggage to Central 911, which then triggers a response from PNP personnel, including the SWAT team.

“It’s a waste of effort if our PNP personnel, especially our SWAT team, respond only to find that the backpack just contains personal belongings,” she noted, while simultaneously expressing gratitude for the public’s vigilance.

Tuazon underscored the significant impact of the “culture of security” on the city’s peace and order, especially during the festival.

 “We request that our culture of security be always practiced because it has a big impact on the peace and order of the city. Let’s not forget it because it’s a great help, especially this coming Kadayawan festival,” she reiterated.

While there is currently no specific advice for augmentation from other units, Tuazon confirmed that Police Regional Office XI, particularly the Regional Mobile Force Battalion (RMFB), is on standby to provide additional manpower should the need arise.

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