Following an internal investigation, a decision has been made to relieve 35 personnel from their posts in response to the deaths of seven individuals in anti-illegal drug operations conducted between March 23 and 26.
Major Catherine Dela Rey, spokesperson for PRO-Davao, revealed in a phone interview with SunStar on Sunday, May 25, that the recommendation for the relief of personnel came from RIAS Davao. Among those affected are six station commanders, five deputy commanders, 23 Police Non-Commissioned Officers (PNCOs), and former city director Colonel Richard Bad-ang, who had a brief tenure of two months at the Davao City Police Office (DCPO). These officers will now be reassigned to the Regional Personnel Holding and Accounting Section (RPHAS) headquarters.
Brigadier General Aligre Martinez, the director of PRO-Davao, emphasized that the decision aims to ensure a transparent and impartial investigation into the buy-bust operations. Martinez stated, "The PNP leadership, particularly in Region 11, is dedicated to fulfilling its responsibilities, which include law enforcement, crime prevention, maintaining peace and order, and safeguarding public safety and internal security – all in collaboration with the community."
On the evening of Saturday, May 24, Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte took to his Facebook account to denounce the incident, expressing concern over what he perceived as an abuse of power by higher authorities.
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