Davao Region Graduates Excel as Topnotchers in 2026 Criminologist Licensure Exam
Four graduates from the Davao Region have achieved outstanding success by securing top positions in the February 2026 Criminologist Licensure Examination (CLE). This accomplishment highlights the region's strong educational standards and the dedication of its students in the field of criminology.
Top Performers from Davao Institutions
Mark Christian Inting Balangue of Davao Oriental State University earned fourth place with a score of 92.35 percent. Christelle Jane Burlaza Evarolo from the University of Mindanao (UM) Bansalan claimed ninth place with 91.90 percent. Additionally, Elruegenn Rivas Albiso of UM Tagum and Guil Shaira Indino Lomanta of UM Davao both secured tenth place with identical scores of 91.85 percent.
The Commission on Higher Education-Davao Region (Ched-Davao) extended heartfelt congratulations to these topnotchers, emphasizing that their achievements bring immense pride and honor to their respective institutions and the entire Davao Region. In a Facebook post, Ched-Davao praised their dedication, perseverance, and excellence, noting that these qualities serve as a powerful inspiration for aspiring criminologists to pursue their goals with integrity, discipline, and a strong commitment to public service.
National Rankings and Other Top Performers
Nationally, Khim Erole Batersal of Lanao School of Science & Technology led the CLE with a score of 93.05 percent, followed by Tony Ong Dinamling of Ifugao State University-Lamut at 92.70 percent. Third place was shared by Rinemel Castolo of Saint Theresa College-Tandag and Shiela Rose Nedera of Samar College, both scoring 92.45 percent.
Other notable rankings include:
- Fourth place: Balangue and Katrina Jean Jimenez of Phinma-Upang College Urdaneta Inc. with 92.35 percent.
- Fifth place: John Fred Parreño of North Eastern Mindanao State University-Cantilan and Tristian Earl Yarte of the University of Northern Philippines-Vigan with 92.20 percent.
- Sixth place: MC Mitchell Lodia of Buenavista Community College and Menrhyan Godwin Valdez of the University of Southern Mindanao-Kabacan with 92.15 percent.
- Seventh place: Joenibert Enterina of Cagayan de Oro College with 92.05 percent.
- Eighth place: Ailene Loria of North Eastern Mindanao State University-Cantilan with 92 percent.
- Ninth place: Mark Jether Eraña of PLT College, Evarolo, and Ahkiro Kevin Lzatin of Aisat College-Dasmariñas Inc. with 91.90 percent.
- Tenth place: Albiso of UM Tagum, Segundo Castañeda Jr. of the University of Northern Philippines-Vigan, and Lomanta of UM Davao with 91.85 percent.
Institutional Achievements and Exam Statistics
In terms of institutional performance, UM Tagum ranked seventh among schools with 200 or more examinees and at least an 80 percent passing rate. UM-Davao secured fourth place for schools with 101 to 199 examinees and the same passing threshold. Additionally, Kapalong College of Agriculture, Sciences and Technology (KCAST) achieved third place among Top Performing Schools with 51 to 100 examinees and at least an 80 percent passing rate, followed by UM-Digos in fifth and Southern Philippine Agri-Business and Marine and Aquatic School of Technology (Spamast).
The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) reported that out of 45,936 examinees who took the February 2026 CLE, only 30,320 passed. Approximately 54 examinees had their results withheld pending final determination of liabilities under government licensure examination rules, while 16 were withheld due to pending submission of required documents.
