Vice Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte has commended the creation of the Metropolitan Davao Police Task Force (MDPTF) as it contributes to effective coordination in crime-busting and maintaining peace and order in the Davao region.
At the launch of the (MDPTF) at Camp Sgt. Quintin Merecido on Friday, VM Baste, who is also currently the city’s Acting Mayor, highlighted MDPTF’s contribution to ensuring peace and order in the region.
“The launch of the MDPTF is vital as it will help in strengthening the capacity of local police forces while preparing for the eventual activation of the Metropolitan Davao Police Office, which in turn, will ensure the maintenance of peace and order that is integral to the development of Metro Davao,” he said.
Philippine National Police (PNP) Regional Office (PRO) XI Director P/Brig. Gen. Filmore B. Escobal has designated P/Colonel Edgar Alan Okubo as the Commander of the MDPTF.
Metropolitan Davao comprises the cities of Davao, Tagum, Panabo, the Island Garden City of Samal, and Digos, and the Municipalities of Carmen Davao del Norte and Sta. Cruz of Davao del Sur.
Also, VM Baste led the send-off ceremony for the additional personnel for the Davao City Police Office (DCPO) on Friday.
“To our new personnel at the Davao City Police Office, please know that so much is expected of you. We hope that you will not only be able to suppress criminal activities and respond to threats to peace and order to your respective areas of assignment, but that you will serve as exemplars to the public, especially to proper police conduct, and adherence to local and national laws,” VM Baste said.
During the ceremony, DCPO Director P/Colonel Kirby John Kraft received the 175 additional police officers from PRO XI. They will be assigned to the newly-created police stations in the city.
“Malaking tulong ito sa DCPO, especially sa maintenance sa peace and order. Specifically, pupunta ito dun sa tatlong newly created police stations (This is a big help to the DCPO, especially in the maintenance of peace and order. Specifically, they will be assigned to the three newly-created police stations),” Kraft said.
Kraft was referring to Mandug Police Station, Ecoland Police Station, and Baliok Police Station. According to Kraft, these police stations will be operational on Monday, October 26.
The other five (5) new police stations still under construction are Police Station Bajada, Torres, Maa, Catigan Toril District, and Los Amigos, Tugbok District. (City Information Office)