DAVAO CITY – The decision of the Philippine National Police (PNP) to relieve the chief of police and 19 other police officers here did not sit well with Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte.
MAYOR Duterte
Duterte said in a statement that the extensive reassignment of the head of the DCPO, the Special Operations Group, and the station commanders would impact this city’s peace and security.
“PNP chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil and Police Regional Office-11 Regional Director Nicolas Torre’s move undermines the hard work not only of these police officials but also of every police personnel who is truthfully fulfilling their mandate, that instead of being recognized, are being relieved and questioned,” Duterte said.
Duterte said Torre's perception and conclusion on the peace and order situation in Davao City, a few days after he set foot here, is rather fascinating given that he has only been at PRO-11 for less than a month.
"If Gen. Torre thought that the Davao City police personnel were ineffective in their duties, then how come the very institution he leads has consistently recognized the Davao City Police Office as the top performing police office in the region?" he said.
Duterte said Davao City has earned a longstanding reputation for its commitment to peace and order and security for the people. He added that such did not come by accident, but through a combination of political will, commitment, and dedication of law enforcers and citizens’ cooperation.
Through the years, Duterte recounted that this reputation was nurtured by a constant commitment to the strict implementation of initiatives such as Patrol Rehiyon Onse, crime prevention programs, anti-criminality efforts, and Oplan Kalakinhan, Kababayenhan, and Kabataan Igiya Laban sa Pagpanglugos (OPLAN Men, Women, and Youth Guidance Against Rape) among others, all carried out in close collaboration with the city government.
"I believe we all have the same aspirations where laws are obeyed and where public servants enjoy the trust and respect by the people they serve. This is what we will always work for," the mayor said.
Duterte emphasized that the relieved police officers have dedicated their lives to serve their fellow Filipinos and do not deserve such treatment. He said he stands with every member of the DCPO.
The PNP reassigned the relieved police officers to new positions in the Davao region effective on Monday, July 8.
PRO-11 spokesperson Police Major Catherine dela Rey said the police officers were reassigned to the provincial offices of Davao Occidental, Davao del Sur, Davao del Norte, Davao de Oro, and Davao Oriental.
On Wednesday, July 10, the newly installed acting director of the DCPO, Police Col. Lito E. Patay, was relieved more than four hours after he assumed his post.
Dela Rey confirmed in a text message that Patay was relieved from his position. However, she did not provide further details on the decision.
Police Col. Sherwin Butil, head of the Regional Information and Communication Technology Management Division, was named to lead the DCPO effective July 10.
Two months ago, the PRO-11 relieved 35 Davao City police personnel following the recommendation of the Regional Internal Affairs Service and a motu proprio investigation on the deaths of seven individuals during anti-illegal drugs operations from March 23 to 26.