In an unprecedented move, 65 police officers from the Davao City Police Office (DCPO) have been reassigned to posts outside Mindanao, raising concerns about political motivations behind the directive. The order has sparked widespread speculation of a rift between President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and former President Rodrigo Duterte, whose political influence remains strong in Davao City.
Unexpected Reassignment Sparks Reaction
The reassignment, executed through a series of Special Orders issued by Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Rommel Francisco Marbil and signed by Police Major General Alan Okubo, Acting Chief of the Directorial Staff, caught many officers by surprise.
“I was shocked! I don’t know what we’ve done to deserve this reassignment. But what can we do?” an affected officer said on condition of anonymity, expressing frustration over the abrupt decision.
This marks the third major reshuffle of DCPO personnel this year, following similar movements in May and July. Documents obtained by Newsline revealed no official explanation for the reassignments.
Where Are They Going?
The officers have been redistributed across four key regions:
- PRO 2 (Cagayan Valley)
- MIMAROPA (Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, Palawan)
- PRO 5 (Bicol Region)
- Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR)
The complete list includes senior officers, captains, lieutenants, and non-commissioned personnel, highlighting the depth of the reshuffle.
Political Undertones and Speculation
Observers have linked the move to the growing tensions between President Marcos Jr. and former President Duterte. Davao City has long been synonymous with Duterte’s brand of strong governance, making the frequent reshuffling of its police force appear politically charged.
“This seems like an orchestrated effort to dilute Duterte’s influence in his stronghold,” said a political insider.
The reassignments come at a time when the PNP faces scrutiny over its impartiality, with critics questioning whether such decisions are based on operational needs or political strategy.
Impact on Morale and Operations
The sudden reassignments have raised concerns about their impact on both the affected officers and the operational efficiency of Davao City’s police force.
“These repeated reassignments are disruptive. They destabilize operations and erode trust within the force,” a retired officer commented.
The DCPO, known for its efficiency under Duterte’s leadership, faces the challenge of maintaining continuity in its crime management efforts. Meanwhile, the reassigned officers must adapt to new environments, build fresh networks, and navigate unfamiliar operational landscapes.
Families Bear the Emotional Cost
The reassignment has also taken an emotional toll on the officers’ families, particularly with the holiday season approaching.
“It’s heartbreaking. We were supposed to spend Christmas and New Year together, but now we have to deal with this sudden separation,” shared a family member of an affected officer.
The human cost of these decisions has not gone unnoticed, with critics arguing that the government’s actions seem to disregard the personal sacrifices made by the officers and their families.
Could It Backfire?
While some see the reshuffle as a strategic move to weaken Duterte’s influence, others believe it could unintentionally amplify it.
“These officers will bring the discipline and practices they honed in Davao City to their new assignments, potentially spreading Duterte’s legacy across the country,” noted a political analyst.
Former President Duterte continues to enjoy strong trust ratings among Filipinos. The dispersal of officers identified with his governance style may only serve to extend his political reach and bolster the reputation of his children, Vice President Sara Duterte and Congressman Paolo Duterte.
Conclusion
The mass reassignment of Davao City police officers underscores the complex interplay between governance and politics in the Philippines. As the officers settle into their new posts, the broader implications of this move—both for Davao City and for the national political landscape—will continue to unfold.
