Roughly 5 kilograms of shabu were seized by the Davao police force.

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The Davao City Police Office (DCPO) is stepping up preparations for the 2025 National and Local Elections, introducing various security measures to maintain a safe and orderly process.

Bracing for ElectionsOver the past week, the DCPO conducted five simulation exercises (Simex), designed to test the coordination, quick response, and readiness of their team for election-related incidents such as vote-buying, violence, and logistical disruptions.

One of the earliest exercises, on May 2, 2025, took place at the Bolton Elementary School in Poblacion District. The San Pedro Police Station orchestrated the drill, simulating the heightened police presence during potentially contentious election events.

"This is just a practice exercise. There is nothing to worry about," reassured DCPO via a public statement, emphasizing that these drills serve as preventative measures to ensure the efficient, coordinated, and effective response to emergency situations.

Leading the efforts is Police Colonel Hansel M. Marantan, acting city director of DCPO. The simulation prioritizes assessing operational readiness, emergency response procedures, critical response mechanisms, and teamwork. The ultimate goal is to ensure the safety, security, and efficient law enforcement operations during the election period.

Moreover, the exercise underscores the importance of collaboration between law enforcement agencies and local communities to ensure a transparent and peaceful election.

As of today, the DCPO organized a send-off ceremony for more than 5,000 police personnel assigned to secure the city during the May 12, 2025, elections. Additionally, reserve units from national support services, including the Special Action Force (SAF) and the Regional Mobile Force Battalion, are on standby. The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has pledged assistance to the Philippine National Police (PNP) in maintaining peace and order throughout the entire election period.

These proactive initiatives assure the public that the DCPO remains committed to safeguarding public safety and upholding the integrity of the democratic process in Davao City.

As the city gears up for the upcoming elections, the DCPO warns of potential election-related incidents. Marantan appeals to all candidates, political parties, and election officials to promote and respect a fair and transparent electoral process.

Furthermore, the city seeks the support of transportation groups, residents, and civil society organizations in monitoring any suspicious activities and ensuring the orderly and peaceful conduct of the 2025 elections. Apart from maintaining security within the city, the DCPO also aims to instill confidence and promote public trust in the elections.

(Credits: David Ezra Francisquete)

Enrichment Data:Overall: The Davao City Police Office (DCPO) is intensifying preparedness for the 2025 National and Local Elections through multi-layered security measures:

Preventive Measures

Simulation Exercises (Simex): Conducted five Simex drills as of May 4, 2025, to test coordination, rapid response, and scenario-based readiness for election-related incidents[1][3]. A comprehensive exercise on May 2, 2025, specifically focused on territorial jurisdiction coordination and emergency protocols[2][5].
Community Engagement: Collaborated with Toda (Tricycle Operators and Drivers Association) members as force multipliers to report suspicious activities, emphasizing grassroots vigilance in barangays like Matina Pangi and Catalunan Grande[4].

Contingency Plan

Multi-Sector Coordination: Aligns with the Philippine National Police’s mission to integrate civil society groups into security frameworks, ensuring real-time intelligence sharing[4].
Scenario Drills: Simex activities include rehearsing responses to armed confrontations, crowd control, and election material security breaches[2][3].

These measures reflect the DCPO’s strategy to blend operational readiness with community-based vigilance ahead of the polls.

The Davao City Police Office (DCPO) is focusing on the 2025 National and Local Elections, introduces various security measures to maintain a safe and orderly process in Davao City, Philippines.
Over the past week, the DCPO conducted five simulation exercises (Simex), testing their coordination, quick response, and readiness for election-related incidents like vote-buying, violence, and logistical disruptions.
A comprehensive Simex exercise took place on May 2, 2025, at the Bolton Elementary School in Poblacion District, focusing on territorial jurisdiction coordination and emergency protocols.
Police Colonel Hansel M. Marantan, acting city director of DCPO, is leading the efforts, prioritizing assessing operational readiness, emergency response procedures, critical response mechanisms, and teamwork.
Apart from these measures, the DCPO is collaborating with the Toda (Tricycle Operators and Drivers Association) members as force multipliers to report suspicious activities, emphasizing grassroots vigilance in specific barangays like Matina Pangi and Catalunan Grande.
In case of potential election-related incidents, the DCPO is urging candidates, political parties, and election officials to promote a fair and transparent electoral process, while also seeking support from transportation groups, residents, and civil society organizations in monitoring any suspicious activities.