DAVAO CITY – An additional 150 police officers from the Caraga Region Police Regional Office (PRO XIII) and newly graduated Special Action Force (SAF) personnel arrived in Davao City on March 10, 2025, to support security operations during the Araw ng Davao celebration and assist in the ongoing anti-criminality campaign.
Acting Davao City Police Office (DCPO) Director Colonel Hansel Marantan confirmed that the officers have been deployed to reinforce local police efforts in maintaining peace and order.
“PRO XI sent them, they arrived yesterday. I also told the press conference that there will be reinforcements to help with the anti-criminality campaign, especially as we continue to pursue the suspects in the Ilustre Pawnshop robbery. More importantly, their presence will enhance security for the Araw ng Davao celebration,” Marantan told Newsline.
During major city celebrations such as Araw ng Davao and Kadayawan Festival, PRO XI sends additional forces to strengthen security measures and ensure public safety yearly.
A memorandum issued by PCol. Jovito Canlapan formalized the deployment of 150 additional officers from PRO XIII to PRO XI. The document specified that these officers would be deployed across various police units in Region XI as an additional security force. However, the memorandum did not clarify their roles, only stating that they were being sent for law enforcement operations.
The sudden police deployment follows a separate incident on March 9, when Civil Disturbance Management (CDM) Team members were spotted at Davao International Airport, raising public concerns over heightened security measures.
According to Police Major Catherine Dela Rey, spokesperson of PRO XI, the airport deployment was simply part of a simulation exercise (SIMEX) and had no connection to any specific threat.
However, City Councilor Luna Acosta expressed concern that Davao City officials were not informed about the SIMEX beforehand. She stated that the lack of prior coordination raised unnecessary alarm among the public.
With Araw ng Davao in full swing, local authorities continue to tighten security protocols to ensure a safe and orderly celebration. The deployment of additional police personnel is expected to enhance law enforcement visibility, deter crime, and assist in high-profile cases, including the ongoing pursuit of the Ilustre Pawnshop robbery suspects.
The public is encouraged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to authorities as law enforcement secures the city.
Edith Z Caduaya studied Bachelor of Science in Development Communication at the University of Southern Mindanao.
The chairperson of Mindanao Independent Press Council (MIPC) Inc.
