Good day my fellow Davaoeños,

I am addressing you today regarding the recent mass relief of our police officials ordered by Chief PNP General Rommel Francisco Marbil and implemented by Police Regional Office XI Regional Director PB General Nicolas Torre.

Davao City has earned a longstanding reputation for its commitment to peace and order and security for our people. This did not come by accident. It came about by a combination of political will, committed and dedicated law enforcers and, most of all, citizens’ cooperation.

Through the years, this reputation was nurtured by a constant commitment to the strict implementation of initiatives such as Patrol Rehiyon Onse, crime prevention programs, anti-criminality efforts, and Oplan Kalakinhan, Kababayenhan, and Kabataan Igiya Laban sa Pagpanglugos (OPLAN Men, Women, and Youth Guidance Against Rape) among others, all carried out in close collaboration with the City Government.

This move by General Marbil and Police Regional Office XI Regional Director Nicolas Torre undermines the hard work not only of these police officials but also of every police personnel who is truthfully fulfilling their mandate, that instead of being recognized, are being relieved and questioned. The mass relief of police officials, including the City Police Director, the head of the Special Operations Group, and 19 station commanders, assigned in Davao City will not help in sustaining the city’s peace and security situation.

PBGen Torre’s perception and conclusion on the peace and order situation of Davao City a few days after he set foot in the city is rather fascinating given that he has only been assigned in PRO XI in less than a month.

If General Torre thought that Davao City police personnel were ineffective in their duties, then how come the very institution he leads has consistently recognized the Davao City Police Office as the top performing police office in the region?

I believe we all have the same aspirations where laws are obeyed and where public servants enjoy the trust and respect by the people they serve. This is what we will always work for.

These police officers who have dedicated their lives to serve their fellow Filipinos do not deserve this treatment. I stand with every member of the Davao City Police Office.

Daghang salamat.

Mayor Sebastian Z. Duterte
Davao City

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