Davao City Police Office Welcomes New Director with Focus on Performance and Ground Deployment
The Davao City Police Office (DCPO) has officially installed Police Colonel Peter Bauzon Madria as its new city director, marking a significant leadership transition aimed at reinforcing discipline, operational efficiency, and public safety. The turnover ceremony took place on March 30, 2026, at Sandigan Hall, where Madria succeeded outgoing acting city director Police Colonel Mannan C. Muarip.
Ceremony and Transition of Command
Police Brigadier Leon Victor Z. Rosete, the regional director of Police Regional Office-Davao Region (PRO-Davao), presided over the event, which was attended by police personnel, local officials, and community stakeholders. The ceremony featured the formal reading of designation and termination orders, followed by the signing of relinquishment and assumption documents. Additionally, there was a turnover of command and office property inventory to ensure a smooth transition.
During the proceedings, officials presented an award to Muarip in recognition of his dedicated service to the DCPO. Local government representatives also expressed their full support for Madria, emphasizing the importance of continued collaboration between law enforcement and the community.
Madria's Leadership Vision and Strategic Framework
In his inaugural address, Madria outlined a calibrated leadership approach centered on a performance-based evaluation system for police commanders. He confirmed that he has brought in a core team to assist with the transition but clarified that there will be no immediate large-scale reshuffle of personnel. "I have personnel coming with me," Madria stated, highlighting his focus on stability and gradual improvements.
A key component of his strategy is the introduction of a "90:10" deployment framework. Under this plan, station commanders are directed to deploy 90 percent of their personnel on the ground to act as an "active shield" against criminal activities, particularly illegal drugs and terrorism. The remaining 10 percent will handle administrative functions, ensuring that operational efficiency is maintained without compromising frontline presence.
Madria emphasized that station commanders will retain their posts, with their tenure being evaluated based on performance and conduct. This approach aims to foster accountability and motivate officers to excel in their duties.
First Command Conference and Operational Alignment
Following his installation, Madria convened his first command conference with key officials, including the command group, staff officers, station commanders, and heads of support units. The meeting was designed to align priorities, review current operations, and address operational challenges facing the DCPO.
During the conference, unit heads provided comprehensive updates on their areas of responsibility, giving Madria a detailed overview of the city's peace and order situation. He assured officers of institutional support and ordered all units to intensify anti-criminality efforts. Madria stressed the importance of proactive policing to sustain Davao City's security amidst evolving threats.
The DCPO noted that the conference reaffirmed its commitment to community-oriented policing, with a strong focus on visibility, rapid response, and enhanced coordination. "The change of command signifies not only a transition in leadership but also the continuity of service, discipline, and commitment to the mandate of maintaining peace and order in Davao City," the DCPO stated.
Ongoing Operations and Future Outlook
Madria's installation comes at a critical time as the police continue to conduct operations against illegal drugs, terrorism, and other criminal activities while maintaining routine law enforcement across the city. His leadership is expected to build on existing efforts, leveraging the new deployment framework and performance metrics to enhance public safety and community trust.
The DCPO remains dedicated to its mission of safeguarding Davao City, with Madria at the helm steering initiatives that prioritize ground-level engagement and strategic oversight. This transition underscores a renewed focus on adaptive and responsive policing in the face of contemporary security challenges.
