THE newly appointed chief of the Police Regional Office–Davao (PRO-Davao) is setting his sights on integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into law enforcement to significantly cut police response times across the region.
Brigadier General Joseph Arguelles, who officially assumed command on June 23, 2025, said he plans to mobilize resources and collaborate with tech experts to explore how AI can enhance operational efficiency. His initiative aligns with the Philippine National Police’s (PNP) nationwide goal of achieving a three-minute response time to crime incidents, particularly in urban centers.
Arguelles said he not only aims to meet that benchmark, but to exceed it. By improving personnel deployment and adopting new technologies, he hopes to make rapid response a deterrent to crime itself.
To support this vision, he is also considering bringing in IT specialists to upgrade the region’s information and communication systems. He underscored the importance of daily coordination between ground units and commanders to ensure round-the-clock readiness.
During the turnover ceremony at Camp Sgt. Quintin M. Merecido in Buhangin, Davao City, Arguelles underscored values-based leadership rooted in integrity, professionalism, and visibility. He also vowed to continue the reforms and progress initiated by his predecessor, Brigadier General Leon Victor Rosete, a former colleague from the Southern Police District.
Under his leadership, Arguelles said PRO-Davao will focus on three main pillars: intensified police visibility and patrol presence, stronger morale and unity within the force, and the modernization of police systems—starting with communications and crime-response technologies. DEF