PNP chief dismisses two officers moonlighting as Duterte’s bodyguards

Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil ordered the dismissal of two police officers and their commanders who were allegedly moonlighting as bodyguards for Davao First District Rep. Paolo Duterte.

The officers, identified as a Police Executive Master Sergeant and a Police Staff Sergeant from Davao City, surrendered their firearms and IDs but went absent without leave after being recognized in CCTV footage showing an alleged altercation involving Duterte at a Davao City bar.

PNP spokesperson Police Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo announced that the two officers will face charges of grave neglect of duty and grave irregularity of performance of duty, as they failed to act when Duterte allegedly threatened a man with a knife.

Marbil emphasized that commanders responsible for these officers would also face dismissal due to failure to properly account for their personnel, stressing that moonlighting wouldn't occur if reports were not falsified.

CCTV footage circulating online reportedly shows the two officers present during the altercation without taking action or de-escalating the situation.

The Department of Justice has filed a complaint against Duterte for physical injuries and grave threats over the incident at Hearsay Gastropub in Davao City on February 23, 2025.