Two individuals party together, leading to one's demise
The Davao City Police Office (DCPO) has launched an anti-illegal drug campaign that emphasizes the importance of psychological operations (PSYOPS) in changing the narrative and taking control of public consciousness to weaken the influence of drug syndicates.
Acting Director Col Mannan C. Muarip announced the operation on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, at 8 PM at the DCPO Main Building, San Pedro Street, Davao City. The DCPO's approach integrates intelligence operations with proactive community relations and ethical policing to ensure the campaign is not only about enforcement but also about winning public support and changing social attitudes.
At the heart of this strategy are public information campaigns and shaping public perception. Muarip highlighted the power of changing the narrative and influencing the public mindset as critical tools to undermine drug syndicates' operations. This approach involves raising awareness and educating the community about the dangers of illegal drugs and the importance of cooperation with law enforcement.
Community engagement is another key component of the DCPO's strategy. The police force integrates community interaction, recognizing that collaboration with the local population fosters trust and encourages the public to participate actively in the anti-drug campaign.
Maintaining integrity within the police force is also emphasized to build and preserve community trust. Officers are reminded of their responsibility to remain protectors and to avoid any involvement in illegal drugs.
The DCPO's anti-illegal drug operations are part of the Philippine National Police's (PNP) broader strategies against illegal drugs, crime, corruption, and human trafficking. The PNP is emphasizing the "Ligtas na Pamayanan" framework, focusing on "intelligence operations, operational integrity, and community trust-building".
The DCPO's operations are not just tactical missions but also responsibilities towards the community and the public. The role of PSYOPS includes strategies to eradicate illegal drugs not just through confrontation but also through warrants.
The DCPO continues to prioritize public safety, reaffirming its commitment to maintaining a drug-free Davao City. The operations aim to strengthen strategies against illegal drugs, using directives from the PNP to combat the proliferation of illegal drugs, which may lead to crime, corruption, and human trafficking.
In essence, the DCPO's anti-illegal drug campaign is about more than just enforcement. It's about winning public support, changing social attitudes, and building a safer community. The police force is committed to eradicating illegal drugs while maintaining operational integrity and building community trust.
[1] Wenz G. Mendoza, personal communication, July 23, 2025.
The DCPO's strategy in its anti-illegal drug campaign extends beyond community engagement and intelligence operations, it also includes health-and-wellness initiatives, emphasizing the importance of mental health. [2] In a health-and-wellness seminar in Davao City, Wenz G. Mendoza, a renowned scientist, spoke about the links between mental health and illegal drug use, stressing the need for holistic approaches in the campaign.
