DAVAO CITY – The relieved officers and personnel of the Davao City Police Office (DCPO) reported to the Regional Personnel and Accounting Section (RPHAS) on Monday morning, May 27, as part of an ongoing investigation. This development comes amid heightened scrutiny and public interest in police accountability and transparency.
The RPHAS office, designed to accommodate at least seven personnel, is now congested with the 35 officers and personnel from the DCPO. In addition, City Police Director Colonel Richard Bad-ang and other PNP personnel under investigation are also occupying the small space, leading to overcrowded conditions.
The administrative relief of these 35 officers and personnel from the DCPO was procedural and based on the recommendations of the Regional Internal Affairs Service (RIAS), according to a statement from the Philippine National Police Regional Office XI (PRO XI) on Sunday. This move is seen as part of broader efforts to address issues of misconduct and ensure that due process is followed in investigating allegations against police personnel.
A personnel jokingly told Newsline, “Kahit na-relieve kami, para na rin kaming isang platoon dito ang commander si Col. Bad-ang. Medyo masikip parang sardinas, pero ma-feel namin ang init ng aming samahan, haha.” This lighthearted comment highlights the camaraderie among the officers despite the challenging circumstances.
In the Sunday statement, PRO XI Regional Director Brigadier General 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.” Martinez’s statement underscores the importance of maintaining public trust through transparent and fair investigative processes.
However, Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte condemned the relief of the officers, stating, “The recent actions taken against these relieved personnel contradict the spirit of cooperation and mutual trust crucial for effective governance and law enforcement.” Mayor Duterte’s reaction points to potential tensions between local government officials and police authorities regarding the handling of internal investigations.
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The relieved police officers and personnel will complete their counter-affidavits today and submit them to the RIAS, the office in charge of investigating the involvement of the police in the death of seven suspected drug pushers in March 2024, days after Bag-ang assumed office. This investigation is critical in determining the accountability of the officers involved and ensuring justice for the deceased individuals.
As the investigation proceeds, the public and various stakeholders will closely monitor the outcomes, reflecting broader concerns about law enforcement practices and the importance of upholding human rights in police operations.-Editha Z. Caduaya
