DAVAO CITY — The administrative relief of 35 officers and personnel from the Davao City Police Office (DCPO) was procedural and based on the recommendations of the Regional Internal Affairs Service (RIAS), the Philippine National Police Regional Office XI (PRO XI) said on Sunday.
Police Regional Director Brigadier General Aligre Martinez issued an official statement two days after the controversial May 24 order, and hours after Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte condemned the mass movement of DCPO personnel.
“The recent actions taken against these relieved personnel contradict the spirit of cooperation and mutual trust crucial for effective governance and law enforcement,” Duterte emphasized.
However, Martinez clarified, “It must be noted that this is in accordance with the observance of procedural due process aimed at ensuring transparency and accountability of public officers.”
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“The relief of the 35 DCPO personnel was based on the recommendation of RIAS 11. This action was not taken lightly, but with thorough deliberation and profound consideration of all facts and circumstances of the RIAS 11 investigation, with the goal of ascertaining the truth,” the statement added.
The PRO XI and PNP Internal Affairs Service, through their regional office, assured the public that the investigation will be conducted justly and fairly.
“Upon conclusion of the investigation and a finding of non-culpability, this PRO may, among other actions, reinstate them to their previous designations,” the command stated.
Martinez assured that the PRO remains committed to upholding the law with integrity, accountability, and transparency in accordance with existing laws, policies, and guidelines.
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“We also acknowledge the support of the local government of Davao City to this PRO and we will maintain this strong partnership for lasting peace and order and public safety in the community,” the regional command added.
Republic Act 6975 states that city and municipal mayors shall exercise operational supervision and control over the PNP units in their respective jurisdictions.
Over the years, the City government has consistently supported the operations of the DCPO, from providing office supplies to gasoline and lubricants, a support that neither PRO XI nor the national headquarters has consistently provided.
