DAVAO CITY – Police Regional Office-11 Director Police Brig. Gen. Joseph Reyes Arguelles has praised the peace and order situation here 10 days since assuming the position.

Arguelles described the situation as very peaceful and calm, a stark contrast to Manila.

“Davao City is indeed beautiful. The peace and tranquility here are far different from Manila. It is a very peaceful and calm place where anyone can peacefully sleep at night,” he said, following his visit to the police offices and government agencies in the region since taking over.

Arguelles commended the character and professionalism of police officers in Davao. He said the police here are “very different, very respectful, kind, and welcoming.”

He added that they assured him of their full support.

Arguelles reaffirmed his commitment to implementing the strategies of PNP chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III who he described as “practical and reasonable.”

He said one of his top priorities is enforcing the five-minute response policy through more police visibility.

“We will take full advantage of the Davao region’s excellent peace and order situation. To sustain this and attract more tourists and business activities, we must implement PNP policies that ensure safety and public trust,” Arguelles said.

Aside from the five-minute response policy, they would also implement adjustments, including modernization efforts, accountability measures, utilizing the power of artificial intelligence (AI) in their jobs, and strengthening police morale.

Arguelles stressed the importance of visible and accessible law enforcement following the mantra: “Don’t look for the police in the precinct – they are now in your phones. Call 911, and we’ll be there in three to five minutes.

Arguelles directed provincial and city police directors to map out areas where the rapid response time is realistically achievable, excluding remote areas that require boats or mountain travel.

He assured people that even in distant barangays, police response would still be prompt and reasonable. Arguelles said he has actively prepared station and substation commanders through daily communication drills and leadership reinforcement.

Arguelles urged police chiefs to establish constant communication with barangay chairpersons, especially since they know what is happening in their areas of responsibility, who’s new in the area, whether there are suspicious activities, or any rising issues.

“I warned them that if members of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency or the National Bureau of Investigation conduct an operation without their knowledge, I will automatically relieve them,” he said, adding that there is no room for lazy policemen in the organization.

Arguelles called for mutual accountability, stating that close coordination with barangay officials is essential for effective local policing, as he reaffirmed the continuity of the Revitalized Pulis Sa Barangay (RPSB) program in all barangays in the region.

“The Armed Forces of the Philippines must focus on territorial defense, especially given the situation in the West Philippine Sea. Internal security will be our responsibility,” Arguelles said, expressing confidence in his personnel’s integrity and the Davao community’s resilience.

Corporate lawyer and businessman Jude Ralph Villacin Yap, in his courtesy visit to the Arguelles on Wednesday, July 2, expressed full support to the government and law enforcers as a citizen of Davao City.

The PRO-11 welcomed Arguelles during a change of command ceremony on June 23. He succeeded Police Brig. Gen. Leon Victor Rosete.