65 Davao City Police Officers reassigned outside Mindanao: A political vendetta?

DAVAO CITY — In a shocking order, Not just eleven (11) but 65 police officers from the Davao City Police Office (DCPO) have been reassigned to posts outside Mindanao, sparking speculation of political vendetta.

The latest directive, issued through a series of Special Orders from Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Rommel Francisco Marbil and signed by Police Major General Alan Okubo, Acting Chief of the Directorial Staff, has raised questions about its timing and intent, given the growing rift between President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and former President Rodrigo Duterte.

The sudden reassignment caught many officers off guard, with some expressing disbelief and frustration over the abruptness of the order.

“I was shocked! I don’t know what again we have done to deserve this reassignment. But what can we do?” said an officer, speaking anonymously.

The reassignments follow earlier movements in May and July, making this the third major reshuffle involving DCPO personnel this year.

Documents obtained by Newsline showed no reason for their reassignments.

Where Are They Going?

The reassigned officers have been dispersed across four key regions outside Mindanao: PRO 2 (Tuguegarao), MIMAROPA (Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, Palawan), PRO 5 (Bicol Region), and the Cordillera Autonomous Region (CAR). The complete list of names and their assignments are as follows:

TO PRO 2 (Tuguegarao Region )

To MIMAROPA:

To PRO CAR (Cordillera Autonomous Region):

A Vendetta?

The mass reassignment comes amidst growing speculation that the rift between President Marcos and former President Duterte is influencing decisions within the PNP.

Davao City has long been a bastion of Duterte’s political power, and the frequent reassignments of its police officers—many of whom are believed to align with Duterte’s leadership style—have raised suspicions of political motives.

“This feels like a systematic effort to dilute Duterte’s influence in his stronghold,” an insider noted.

Davao City’s reputation as a symbol of Duterte’s strong governance is deeply tied to its police force, which was instrumental in enforcing his law-and-order platform. Frequent reshuffles could disrupt operational continuity and undermine the city’s crime management efforts.

Morale and Operational Impact

For the affected officers, the reassignments mean more than just geographic displacement. Many have expressed concerns about the impact on their professional networks, operational familiarity, and morale.

“These repeated reassignments are disruptive. They destabilize operations and erode trust within the force,” said a retired police officer.

Additionally, Davao City’s law enforcement capability may be affected by the loss of experienced personnel. The city’s security apparatus, known for its efficiency during Duterte’s tenure as mayor, now faces challenges in maintaining stability.

Impact on Families

The reassignments have also brought emotional distress to the families of the affected officers. With the holiday season approaching, many children and spouses face the prospect of celebrating Christmas and New Year without their loved ones.

“It’s heartbreaking. We are supposed to be together for the holidays, but now we have to deal with this sudden reassignment,” said a family member of one officer.

The move, critics say, underscores the human cost of decisions that may be politically motivated, as families are left to bear the brunt of the uncertainty and separation.

Political Undercurrents: A Boomerang Effect?

While some view the reassignments as a way to dilute Duterte’s influence in Davao City, others argue it could have the opposite effect. By dispersing the officers—many of whom embody the Duterte brand of discipline and governance—across the country, the administration might inadvertently spread the former president’s influence.

“This move might backfire. These officers will carry with them the good practices they learned in Davao City, further promoting Duterte’s legacy,” said a political analyst.

Former President Duterte continues to enjoy high trust and acceptability ratings among Filipinos, and this reshuffle might reinforce his political brand rather than diminish it. His children, including Vice President Sara Duterte and Congressman Paolo Duterte, could also benefit indirectly as the displaced officers share their stories and practices in their new assignments.