Mati City, Davao Oriental — In a bid to improve law enforcement in remote and mountainous areas, the Philippine National Police (PNP) has launched the first “Cavaliers” Horseback Riding Patrol in Davao Oriental—an innovative approach aimed at enhancing police visibility and service delivery in far-flung communities.
The initiative, spearheaded by the Police Regional Office XI (PRO11) in partnership with the Davao Oriental Police Provincial Office (DOPPO), was formally launched on April 29, 2025, at Menzi Beach Park in Dahican, Mati City.
Rooted in the PNP Memorandum Circular No. 2014-046, which outlines the standards for in-service training, the program trained 31 police officers from various units under PRO11 through a 10-day, 80-hour intensive course. The training focused on developing horseback riding skills and patrol tactics tailored to the rural terrain of Davao Oriental.
During the closing ceremony, the newly trained horseback patrol officers showcased their discipline, riding skills, and teamwork in a field demonstration, highlighting the effectiveness of this new community policing strategy.
“This horseback patrol is a strategic addition to our peacekeeping efforts, especially in areas that are difficult to reach by conventional vehicles,” said a DOPPO representative. “It also serves as a platform to strengthen community engagement and promote eco-tourism in the province.”
The launch complements ongoing security and development initiatives under the leadership of Davao Oriental Governor Niño Uy. The provincial government has intensified collaboration with law enforcement and disaster response units to ensure the safety and well-being of residents.
Governor Uy emphasized that maintaining peace and order requires the collective effort of all sectors. “Security is not the sole responsibility of one person or group—it is a shared commitment driven by cooperation, perseverance, and genuine love for the community,” he said.
As Davao Oriental pioneers this horseback patrol model, it hopes to set a precedent for other provinces seeking sustainable, community-based approaches to security and development.