DAVAO CITY – The chief and 34 officers of the Davao City Police Office (DCPO) have been removed from their posts as the investigation continues on the deaths of seven suspected illegal drug offenders during police operations from March 23 to 26 this year.
Police Regional Office-11 Director Police Brig. Gen. Aligre Martinez issued an order on Friday, May 24, relieving 11 DCPO station commanders, deputies, and 23 non-commissioned officers effective May 22.
The relieved officers were city police director Police Col. Richard Bad-ang, Police Lt. Col. Ronald Lao, Police Major Rosario Aguilar, Police Major Jimmy Evangelista, Police Major Joenel Pederio, Police Major Noel Villahermosa, Police Major Jemuel Mamolang, Police Capt. Henry Calvo, Police Capt. Marlon Donquilab, and Police Capt. Jefferson Escasinas.
PRO-11 spokesperson Police Major Catherine dela Rey said in a phone interview that they had been administratively relieved following a recommendation from the Regional Internal Affairs Service-11 in line with the ongoing investigation on the deaths of these drug offenders.
“As the disciplinary authority, the regional director has command prerogative, so he approved the recommendation while there is an investigation,” Dela Rey said, adding that the recommendation has nothing to do with political and personal issues.
PRO-11 Deputy Regional Director for Operations Police Col. Rolindo Suguilon has been designated officer-in-charge of the DCPO. The PRO-11 also assigned officers-in-charge of the relieved commanders’ stations.
“If proven that the police officers had no administrative and operational involvement on the issue and the operatives followed police operational procedures, they can return to their position,” she said, adding that they are all at the Regional Personnel Holding and Accounting Section (RPHAS).
Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte here condemned the decision to relieve the 35 police personnel of the DCPO, including the six station commanders and the city director, from their duties.
“The move to relieve the 35 police personnel, supposedly in connection with an investigation into a buy-bust operation, appears to be an abuse of power from higher authorities,” Duterte said in an official statement without a signature.
Duterte said the DCPO has consistently shown remarkable effectiveness in maintaining peace and order in Davao City and the records indicate a significant 69 percent decrease in focus crimes from May 2023 to May 2024.
“This accomplishment reflects the dedication and competence of our police force, working hand-in-hand with my administration. It is disheartening to witness such disruptive actions within our law enforcement agencies,” he said.
Duterte added that the relieved police officers have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to their responsibilities.
“There is substantial evidence supporting the assertion that these policemen conducted the buy-bust operation within the law’s bounds. Any insinuation of misconduct on their part is unfounded and unjust,” Duterte said.
He said that Republic Act 6975 states that “city and municipal mayors shall exercise operational supervision and control over the PNP units in their respective jurisdictions.”
Duterte said his active involvement showed is dedication to working with law enforcers for peace and order.
“The recent actions against the relieved personnel contradict the spirit of cooperation and mutual trust crucial for effective governance and law enforcement. I oppose any efforts to undermine the hard-earned trust between our community and law enforcement,” he said.
Duterte said these recent developments are a stark reminder of the dangers of unchecked authority. He called for transparency and accountability in handling this matter and the immediate reinstatement of the relieved officers.