DAVAO CITY— The Police Regional Office-Davao (PRO-11) has ushered in a new era of leadership with the appointment of Brigadier General Joseph Arguelles, who assumed command during a formal turnover ceremony at Bagani Hall, Camp Quintin Merecido, on Monday, June 23.
Arguelles replaces Brigadier General Leon Victor Rosete, who served the region for over nine months before being reassigned to the Office of the Chief PNP at Camp Crame. The event was graced by PNP Directorial Staff Chief Lt. Gen. Edgar Alan Omas Okubo, underscoring the significance of the transition in one of the country’s key police regions.
As he took command, Arguelles outlined a forward-looking vision centred on enhanced police visibility, rapid response times, and the integration of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, to improve public safety across the region.
Three-Minute Response: Top Priority
One of Arguelles’ foremost goals is to enforce the Philippine National Police’s (PNP) three-minute response policy, an initiative championed by PNP Chief General Nicholas Torre III. The policy aims to ensure that law enforcement officers respond to incidents within three minutes, a benchmark that requires meticulous coordination and ample field presence.
“We will stretch the deployment of our personnel para ma-cover natin ang mga strategic areas,” said Arguelles, emphasising the importance of strategically placing personnel across critical zones in the Davao region.
To make this goal a reality, Arguelles stressed that deployment efforts would not only be intensified but also modernised, taking full advantage of technological tools.
Tapping Into AI for Smarter Policing
In a bold move signalling PRO-11’s embrace of innovation, Arguelles announced plans to integrate artificial intelligence into the unit’s operations. While still in its early stages, the proposed use of AI includes developing mobile applications to support real-time crime detection, resource deployment, and predictive policing.
“We could take advantage of the artificial intelligence for that matter para mas lalo ma-enhance ang response,” Arguelles explained. “We will make apps; that is why I am encouraging our human resources to recruit computer enthusiasts. Do we need more budget for that? Yes, but that’s just enhancement.”
This initiative marks a significant step towards digital modernisation within the police force. Arguelles acknowledged that such a shift would require additional funding but emphasised that the investment would serve as an enhancement, not a replacement, for traditional policing methods.
Safety and Stability for Growth
Arguelles also highlighted the broader socio-economic importance of his public safety mandate, particularly in maintaining investor confidence in Davao’s cities and provinces.
“Sustaining this programme is vital not only for public safety but also for boosting investor confidence in the region,” he said, linking security to the region’s development goals.
In addressing the public and stakeholders, Arguelles was clear about the apolitical nature of his assignment. “I would like to remind everyone that I was posted here to do police work, not to do politics,” he said. “We will just do our jobs as police officers, and we assure the people of the Davao region that we will keep you safe; you will feel it and you will experience it.”
Focus on Morale and Welfare
Beyond technology and tactics, Arguelles committed to supporting the men and women under his command. He emphasised the need to uplift the morale and welfare of police personnel to ensure that the force remains motivated and effective.
With his background and leadership style, Arguelles brings a balance of operational rigour and forward-thinking strategy to PRO-11. His appointment signals a new chapter for law enforcement in Davao, one marked by both tradition and transformation.
As the region grapples with evolving challenges in crime prevention and public order, all eyes are on how PRO-11 will turn its ambitious AI-driven vision into reality.
