Public safety is everybody’s business and everyone’s concern, so is peace and order. Though there are agencies that are primarily mandated to perform such a duty, it does not change the fact that without the support and active participation of the community and the people themselves, these things would not be easily sustained. Indeed, a collective effort between and among the government through the different law enforcement agencies, together with the general public is vital to keep our society generally safe and secure. This is what the Police Regional Office 11 continuously does as it religiously performs its mandate within the Davao Region, effectively collaborating with its stakeholders and Local Government Units (LGUs) for a shared duty and commitment towards peace and progress.
As such, on February 13, 2025, Police Brigadier General Leon Victor Z. Rosete, the Regional Director of the Police Regional Office 11, together with other PRO 11 senior officials, had another visit with the local government officials of Davao de Oro as part of the desire to strengthen collaboration on peace and security initiatives in the said province, as well as in the entire region. PBGen Rosete made sure to discuss face to face with the local government officials of Davao de Oro, the need for a strong coordination between law enforcement and LGUs in the maintenance of peace and order. He had also reiterated PRO 11’s commitment to work closely with local leaders in addressing crime and public safety concerns. Among those he met was Governor Dorothy M. Gonzaga; Congresswoman Carmen S. Zamora, Davao de Oro 1st District Representative; Congressman Ruwell Peter S. Gonzaga, Davao de Oro 2nd District Representative; and Mayors Myrocel C. Balili and Levi S. Ebdao, Municipal Mayors of Nabunturan and Compostela, respectively.
Following the engagement with select local government officials, the Regional Director had proceeded to Nabunturan Municipal Police Station, where he personally checked the station’s facilities, personnel discipline, and adherence to PNP protocols. He had reminded the police officers of their sacred duty to uphold utmost professionalism and integrity in enforcing the law, fostering public trust and support, enhancing police efficiency.
On February 19, through the continuous community engagement collaboratively spearheaded by local government officials and police officers, a concerned citizen identified as alias “Gang-gang” voluntarily turned over one dismantled M16 rifle, one round magazine of AK47, and an alleged CTG black propaganda tarpaulin in Barangay Malibago in Cateel, Davao Oriental. Four days later, on February 23, a Top 1 Most Wanted Person, at the same time a former CTG member, was arrested at Purok Upper Bintuin, in Barangay Fatima, Paquibato District, Davao City. He was identified as Larry Sulla Cabunilas who has four pending warrants of arrest for cases such as arson, grave threat and homicide. During the operation, the following evidences were recovered: A 33-inch defaced homemade shotgun, a camouflage chest bag; a .38 caliber firearm; two MK2 grenades; and an e.45 caliber Federal 1911 A1 loaded with one hollow point live ammo with a magazine inserted having six live ammos.
For the entire month of February, PRO 11 had implemented a total of 400 warrants of arrest, leading to the apprehension of 397 wanted individuals, some of whom had committed multiple crimes. These included high-profile criminals listed among the top 10 high-priority targets at the regional, provincial, municipal, city and station levels. Such numerous apprehensions of Wanted Persons were results of intensified manhunt operations across the region, made possible through the efforts of PNP Tracker Teams, coordinated intelligence operations, strategic planning and active community support.
PRO 11 remains steadfast in its mission, under the directives of the PNP Chief, Police General Rommel Francisco D. Marbil, emphasizing proactive policing and extensive law enforcement operations and a strengthened collaboration with the public, founded on the PNP mantra: “Sa Bagong Pilipinas, Ang Gusto ng Pulis, Ligtas Ka!”
