PNP denies political motive behind Davao police reshuffle

The Philippine National Police (PNP) has denied that the reshuffle of 19 police commanders in Davao City is politically motivated, with spokesperson PCol. Jean Fajardo stating it is "far from reality" to link the transfers to current political issues.

PNP chief Police General Rommel Marbil defended the reassignments as a "normal process" aimed at meeting performance indicators and ensuring police are closer to the people.

The reshuffle, ordered by Davao Police Regional Office Director Brig. Gen. Nicolas Torre III, is intended to improve police performance by "infus[ing] new blood" to make the local police force more dynamic.

Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte had described the administrative changes as "mass relief" and "extraordinary and unwarranted," suggesting they were politically motivated and would not help maintain the city's peace and security.

Duterte specifically mentioned the relief of the City Police Director, the head of the Special Operations Group, and 19 station commanders, stating these moves will not help sustain the city's peace and security situation.

Fajardo acknowledged that political issues may have "given color" to the situation but reiterated the PNP's assurance that the transfers are not politically motivated.

This action follows previous reliefs in May and June, which were related to investigations into drug-related killings and alleged violations in serving an arrest warrant against Pastor Apollo Quiboloy.