Davao Police Officers Complete Intensive Horseback Riding Patrol Training
Thirty-one police officers from various units under the Police Regional Office-Davao Region (PRO-Davao) have successfully completed a rigorous 10-day, 80-hour Horseback Riding Patrol training program held in Mati City, Davao Oriental. This specialized training aims to strengthen police presence in remote and far-flung areas where traditional vehicles face accessibility challenges. PRO-Davao views horseback patrols as a practical and environmentally friendly solution to improve response times and deliver police services more effectively to residents in rural and hard-to-reach communities.
Significant Law Enforcement Gains Reported by Davao Oriental Police
The Davao Oriental Police Provincial Office (Doppo) has reported substantial achievements in maintaining peace and order through intensified law enforcement campaigns across the province. Under the leadership of Doppo Director Police Colonel Ritchie Bucol, these efforts are aligned with the directives of Police Regional Office 11 led by PBGen. Leon Victor Rosete and the Provincial Government headed by Governor Nelson Dayanghirang.
From July 7, 2025, to April 2, 2026, Doppo escalated its operations against various illegal activities, yielding impressive results:
- Anti-Illegal Drug Campaign: Conducted 273 operations, resulting in 298 arrests. Seized items included 1,604.2767 grams of shabu and 698.8627 grams plus 136 marijuana plants, with a total estimated value of ₱11,052,580.34.
- Loose Firearms Operations: Executed 342 operations, leading to 35 arrests, 44 firearms confiscated, and 307 surrendered, totaling 351 firearms removed from circulation.
- Campaign Against Smuggled Cigarettes (RA 10643): Carried out 67 operations and 67 arrests, confiscating 10,527 reams, 29,414 packs, 61 sacks, 54 cases, and 23 boxes of illegal cigarettes.
- Wanted Persons Drive: Served 289 warrants of arrest, including 166 for most-wanted persons and 173 for other wanted individuals.
- Anti-Illegal Gambling Operations: Recorded 177 operations, 160 arrests, and seizure of ₱79,342.25 in gambling proceeds.
- Environmental Enforcement: Six anti-illegal logging operations resulted in six arrests and confiscation of 10,176.143 board feet of illegally cut timber.
- Illegal Fishing Crackdown: Twelve operations led to 17 arrests and equipment worth ₱251,775.00 seized, with 12 cases filed in court.
- Traffic Enforcement (RA 4136): Conducted 943 operations, issuing 943 violations (TOP/MVIR).
- City and Municipal Ordinances Enforcement: Authorities conducted 2,582 operations, issuing 2,519 citation tickets and 63 warnings.
Community and Moral Initiatives
Colonel Bucol emphasized that these efforts have significantly contributed to improved public safety, strengthened law enforcement, and increased community confidence. Beyond operational campaigns, Doppo has focused on moral recovery programs for police officers and Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDL).
Bucol also launched Oplan Kahayag, a program designed to provide hope and academic opportunities for Children in Conflict with the Law (CICL). Additionally, Doppo has fostered strong partnerships with the private sector and key institutions, which are vital in reinforcing peace and order across the province.
