đź“· Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte | City Government of Davao
FOLLOWING the relief of 40 police officers on suspicion that the death of seven drug suspects were extrajudicial killings, Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte took a swipe at what he aptly described as an abuse of power from “higher authorities.”
Citing National Police Commission Memorandum Circular 99-010, Duterte finds it rather absurd for “higher authorities” to decide on behalf of the local chief executives whom he claims are deemed empowered as Napolcom deputies with a power to supervise and control police units within the locality and directly employ and deploy units or PNP elements.
Under such a premise, Duterte condemned the relief of 35 of the 40 police personnel (including Davao City police chief Col. Richard Bad-Ang) whom he said “have consistently shown remarkable effectiveness in maintaining peace and order in the city.”
“I condemn the recent decision to relieve thirty-five police personnel, including six station commanders, and city director Col. Richard Bad-ang from their duties,” said the mayor who happens to be the son of the Marcos administration’s most vocal critic.
In a statement posted on Facebook, the young Duterte cited records which tend to show a whopping 69 percent drop in local crime incidents covering the last 12 months as the mayor boasted of an effective partnership between his administration and the sacked policemen.
“The Davao City Police Office has consistently shown remarkable effectiveness in maintaining peace and order in our city. Our records indicate a significant 69% decrease in focus crimes comparing May CY 2023 to May CY 2024. This accomplishment reflects the dedication and competence of our police force, working hand in hand with my administration.”
“It’s disheartening to witness such disruptive actions within our law enforcement agencies. The officers implicated, including esteemed city director Col. Bad-ang and the station commanders have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to their responsibilities,” he added.
The local chief executive insisted that the anti-drug operations which resulted in the death of seven individuals were all legitimate and conducted “within the bounds of the law.”
“There is substantial evidence supporting the assertion that the buy-bust operations were conducted within the bounds of the law. Any insinuation of misconduct on their part is unfounded and unjust.”
He went on to cite Republic Act 6975, which allows city and municipal mayors to exercise operational supervision and control over the PNP units in their respective jurisdictions.
“My active involvement emphasizes my dedication to collaborating with law enforcement to maintain peace and order in Davao City. The recent actions taken against these relieved personnel contradict the spirit of cooperation and mutual trust crucial for effective governance and law enforcement,” Duterte explained.
In opposing the relief order, the mayor also insisted that the most recent move diminishes “the hard-earned trust between our community and law enforcement.”
“These recent developments serve as a stark reminder of the dangers of unchecked authority. I call for transparency and accountability in handling this matter and for the immediate reinstatement of the unfairly relieved officers,” he concluded. (ANGEL JOSE)
