The Davao City Police Office (DCPO) will deploy drones to strengthen surveillance and response efforts.

The “Eye in the Sky” patrol is part of the modernization program of the Philippine National Police (PNP).

During a simulation exercise, police responded quickly to a robbery incident on Libby Road in Barangay Baliok after receiving information from the Davao City Central 911.

DCPO then deployed drones to support police officers on the ground in tracking the fleeing suspects. Through aerial surveillance, authorities located the motorcycle-riding suspects and arrested them.

DCPO said the “Eye in the Sky” will serve as a force multiplier.

DCPO said using advanced aerial technology can speed up surveillance, provide real-time intelligence, and monitor key areas such markets and parks.

“Even before this launching, we ensured that our drone operators underwent the necessary training. In fact, there were 62 drone operators who were trained by DCPO,” DCPO Director, Col. Mannan Muarip, said.

DCPO said the drone operations are coordinated with the Integrated Command Center to ensure lawful and responsible use.

“Ang ating tungkulin ay hindi lamang ang pagpapalipad ng mga drones kundi gawin din itong responsable at naayon sa batas,” Muarip added.

The Police Regional Office-Davao (PRO-11) lauded the initiative and highlighted its potential to enhance collaboration with other sectors in the city.

“Tayo dito sa law enforcement side, we have all the time to innovate. We have all the opportunity to upgrade our strategy,” PRO-11 Director, Brigadier General Joseph Arguelles, said.