Several police officers in Davao have undergone training on horseback riding to enhance police visibility, particularly in remote areas that are not accessible by vehicles.

Police Regional Office-Davao (PRO-11) said the training was conducted to address the challenges of patrolling rugged and heavily wooded terrains in the region.

“Na-create man gud ni siya nga specialized training kay naa man gu’y areas sa Davao Region nga lisod ang terrain, inaccessible siya sa mga four-wheeled vehicle or bisag motorcycle, maglisod kay heavily wooded and isolated areas,” PRO-11 Spokesperson, Major Catherine Dela Rey, said.

PRO-11 believes that horseback riding will enable police officers to respond more efficiently to crimes and emergencies in remote areas.

It is also considered an environment-friendly method of patrolling and can help strengthen the relationship between police officers and the community.

“Expected nga bisan katong mga hilit nga mga area, pwede ma-patrolan sa atong PNP personnel. Kung naa man galing request for assistance, dali na lang maadtuan kay ikumpara man gud nimo sa lakaw ug dagan sa kabayo ug lakwon lang sa tao, layo pud ang deperensya, mas mapaspas ang police response,” Dela Rey added.

Meanwhile, PRO-11 data shows that crime rates in the region went up in the first quarter of 2025 with 5,250, higher than the 4,673 crimes recorded in the same period in 2024.

However, the number of eight focus crimes (murder, homicide, physical injury, rape, robbery, theft, carnapping, and motorcycle theft) decreased to 323 from 390 during the same period last year.