The move of the Police Regional Office-Davao (PRO-11) to relieve the 19 police station commanders in the city did not sit well with the city’s local chief executive.

In a statement, Mayor Sebastian Duterte said the mass relief ‘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.’

Duterte said the mass relief of police officials will not help in sustaining the peace and security of the city.

“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,” Duterte said.

Duterte argued that if the police officers in Davao City were perceived to be ineffective in their duties, the Davao City Police Office should not have been recognized consistently as top performing police office in the region.

He said Davao City has earned a reputation for its commitment to security and peace and order because of political will, dedicated law enforcers, and cooperation of the public.

“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,” Duterte said.

The 19 police station commanders were relieved on Monday, July 8, 2024, and were reassigned to the different offices in PRO-11.

PRO-11 said the mass relief is among the decisions made by the regional director who may assign and reassign officers.