Lived Experiences of the Chief Intelligence Officers of the Philippine National Police Second District Province of Bohol

This study explored the lived experiences of Chief Intelligence Officers assigned to the Philippine National Police (PNP) municipal police stations in the Second District of the Province of Bohol. Specifically, it examined their experiences in performing intelligence duties, the challenges they encountered, the strategies they employed to address these challenges, and their aspirations for improving intelligence operations. The study was anchored on Safety Culture Theory, Self-Efficacy Theory, and Team Performance Theory. A qualitative phenomenological research design, guided by Edmund Husserl’s transcendental phenomenology, was employed to capture the participants’ lived experiences. Ten Chief Intelligence Officers were selected through purposive–convenience sampling. Data were gathered using a validated interview guide through individual in-depth interviews and focus group discussions, supported by field notes and audio recordings. The data were analyzed using Colaizzi’s descriptive phenomenological method to identify significant statements, cluster themes, and emergent themes. The findings revealed that the participants experienced professional fulfillment through operational success, public service, teamwork, and community trust while encountering operational barriers, resource limitations, and psychological strain. To address these challenges, they relied on strategic collaboration, analytical decision-making, and personal resilience. The participants also expressed aspirations for continuous professional development, innovation, stronger institutional support, and ethical leadership to improve intelligence operations and public safety. The study concludes that effective intelligence-led policing depends on competent leadership, organizational support, ethical practice, and collaborative intelligence processes. It recommends strengthening ethical leadership, continuous professional development, resource allocation, inter-agency collaboration, and community partnerships to enhance operational effectiveness within the Philippine National Police. The study supports Sustainable Development Goal 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions) and Sustainable Development Goal 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) by promoting effective law enforcement, institutional strengthening, and collaborative governance. Its findings contribute to institutional, policy, and community sustainability by providing context-specific insights that may enhance intelligence leadership, organizational effectiveness, and public safety.