Davao City — The Police Regional Office 11 (PRO 11), under the leadership of Regional Director Police Brigadier General Joseph R. Arguelles, has intensified its campaign against criminality across the Davao Region, yielding significant results in just over two weeks since he assumed command on June 19, 2025.
In a comprehensive report released from Camp Sgt. Quintin M. Merecido in Buhangin, Davao City, PRO 11 detailed the results of its wide-ranging anti-crime operations. From June 19 to early July, police units carried out 244 anti-illegal drug operations, including buy-busts, checkpoint inspections, and service of warrants.
These operations led to the confiscation of over 2,600 grams of shabu with an estimated street value of ₱17.7 million, more than 6,800 grams of marijuana leaves, 293 marijuana plants, and a staggering 120 kilograms of dried marijuana from a single major operation. The total value of all seized illegal drugs surpassed ₱18 million.
A total of 283 individuals were arrested in relation to illegal drug activities. Among them were 57 high-value targets and 226 street-level suspects, indicating the breadth and reach of the campaign.
In parallel with its anti-drug operations, PRO 11 also intensified efforts to apprehend wanted individuals. A total of 138 warrants of arrest were successfully served, leading to the capture of 53 most wanted persons, including 8 listed in the Top Ten Most Wanted, and 87 other suspects.
The police also cracked down on illegal gambling, conducting 49 operations which resulted in 62 arrests and the filing of 48 criminal cases. In the campaign against loose firearms, PRO 11 conducted 17 operations, resulting in the surrender of 20 firearms, the confiscation of 29 more, and the arrest of 7 violators.
Furthermore, police operatives responded to 7,018 local ordinance violations, demonstrating the agency’s ongoing commitment to maintaining peace and public order at the community level.
One of the most notable accomplishments under PBGEN Arguelles’ leadership was a major smuggling interdiction. On July 3, 2025, PRO 11 operatives intercepted 431 master cases of smuggled cigarettes during a checkpoint in Purok 19, Barangay Ilang, Davao City. The contraband was estimated to have a market value of ₱8.62 million.
These efforts bring the total value of contraband and illegal items seized during PBGEN Arguelles’ early leadership to more than ₱26 million.
In a statement, PBGEN Arguelles commended the dedication and professionalism of PRO 11 personnel and emphasized that the accomplishments reflect the police force’s unwavering commitment to public safety.
“These achievements are a testament to the diligence and commitment of every police officer under my command,” said Arguelles. “We will continue to work tirelessly to ensure the safety of the Davao Region.”
He also called for continued public support in helping law enforcement sustain these gains and assured the public that PRO 11, under the direction of PNP Chief PGEN Nicolas D. Torre III, remains steadfast in its mission to combat all forms of criminal activity.