DAVAO, Philippines – Sixty-five police officials and non-commissioned officers from the Davao City Police Office (DCPO) have been transferred to posts outside Mindanao, sparking speculation that it has something to do with the current political tensions in the country.
The latest directive, issued through a series of special orders from Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Rommel Francisco Marbil and signed by Police Major General Alan Okubo, acting chief of the directorial staff, has raised questions about its timing and intent, given the growing rift between President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and former president Rodrigo Duterte.
The sudden reassignment caught many officers off guard, with some expressing disbelief and frustration over the abruptness of the order.
“I was shocked! I don’t know what, again, we have done to deserve this reassignment. But what can we do?” said an officer, speaking on condition of anonymity.
The reassignments followed transfers in May and July, making this the third major reshuffle involving DCPO personnel this year.
The reassigned officers have been dispersed across four key regions outside Mindanao: Cagayan Valley, MIMAROPA (Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, Palawan), Bicol, and the Cordillera Autonomous Region (CAR).
Documents obtained showed no reason for their reassignments.
Vendetta?
The mass reassignment comes amid growing speculation that the rift between the Marcoses and Dutertes is influencing decisions in the PNP.
Davao City has long been a bastion of Duterte’s political power, and the frequent reassignments of its police officers – many of whom are believed to align with Duterte’s leadership style – have raised suspicions of political motives.
“This feels like a systematic effort to dilute Duterte’s influence in his stronghold,” an insider noted.
Davao City’s reputation as a symbol of Duterte’s strong governance is deeply tied to its police force, which was instrumental in enforcing his law-and-order platform. Frequent reshuffles could disrupt operational continuity and undermine the city’s crime management efforts.
Effects
For the affected officers, the reassignments mean more than just geographic displacement. Many have expressed concerns about the impact on their professional networks, operational familiarity, and morale.
“These repeated reassignments are disruptive. They destabilize operations and erode trust within the force,” said a retired police officer.
Additionally, Davao City’s law enforcement capability may be affected by the loss of experienced personnel. The city’s security apparatus, known for its efficiency during Duterte’s tenure as mayor, now faces challenges in maintaining stability.
Impact on families
The reassignments have also brought emotional distress to the families of the affected officers. With the holiday season approaching, many children and spouses face the prospect of celebrating Christmas and New Year without their loved ones.
“It’s heartbreaking. We are supposed to be together for the holidays, but now we have to deal with this sudden reassignment,” said a family member of one officer.
The move, critics say, underscores the human cost of decisions that may be politically motivated, as families are left to bear the brunt of the uncertainty and separation.
Political undercurrents
While some view the reassignments as a way to dilute Duterte’s influence in Davao City, others argue it could have the opposite effect. By dispersing the officers – many of whom embody the Duterte brand of discipline and governance – across the country, the administration might inadvertently spread the former president’s influence.
“This move might backfire. These officers will carry with them the good practices they learned in Davao City, further promoting Duterte’s legacy,” said a political analyst.
Duterte continues to enjoy high trust and acceptability ratings among Filipinos, and this reshuffle might reinforce his political brand rather than diminish it. His children, including Vice President Sara Duterte and Representative Paolo Duterte, could also benefit indirectly as the displaced officers share their stories and practices in their new assignments.
List
The complete list of those affected by the special orders and their regions of assignments is as follows:
Cagayan Valley (Tuguegarao):
- Lieutenant Colonel Ronald Lao
- Major Alberto Abella
- Major Jake Gole
- Major Carol Jabagat
- Major Antonio Luy
- Major Jack Tilcag
- Major Michael Uyanguren
- Major Leo Arvin Alce
- Major Jonnel Bonguyan
MIMAROPA:
- Major Rosario Aguilar
- Major Noel Villahermosa
- Major Jimmy Evangelista
- Major Jemuel Mamolang
- Major Joenel Perderio
- Captain Francisco Catabas Jr.
- Captain Rizalito Clapiz III
- Captain Julius Edpalina
- Captain Ronaldo Henson
- Staff Sergeant Allen Mabano
- Staff Sergeant Rudy Tomes
- Staff Sergeant Jito Yangco
- Staff Sergeant Rommel Bautista
- Staff Sergeant Bryan Sam Buscas
- Staff Sergeant Joefry Ganir
- Staff Sergeant Ryan Guerero
- Staff Sergeant Jerfred Pelegrino
- Staff Sergeant Jefferson Viloria
- Senior Master Sergeant Peterson Amaguen
- Staff Sergeant Michael Allado
- Staff Sergeant Eahrl Llavore
- Staff Sergeant Russel Salazar
- Corporal Hajejon Bete
- Corporal Kris Jane Pilapil
Bicol:
- Captain Medardo Baleros Jr.
- Captain Ronnie Batingal
- Captain Henry Calvo
- Captain Marlon Donquilab
- Captain Jefferson Escasinas
- Major Jonnel Bonguyan
- Major Marc Hedssel Culaste
- Major Kevin Lew Garing
- Major Marvin Hugos
- Major Ramil Rivera
- Major Manuel Kristian Salgado
- Captain Ferdinand Sonza
Cordillera Autonomous Region:
- Major Bernie Suaga
- Captain Louie Balmori
- Captain WelQuin Enciso
- Executive Master Sergeant Danilo Daquigan
- Staff Sergeant Mark Leo Conlu
- Staff Sergeant Charlie Lerin
- Staff Sergeant Joemar Lumanta
- Corporal Kent Nioda
- Patrolman Ramer Crismas
- Patrolman Jeston Gumanay
- Patrolman Antonio Micayabas
- Patrolman Antonio Teves
- Patrolman Sabanal Tibagon
- Chief Master Sergeant Sylvester Niñora
- Senior Master Sergeant Sim Alcontin
- Executive Master Sergeant Rico Vicien Adlawan
- Senior Master Sergeant Jonathan Cadens
- Corporal Xavier Aguitez
- Corporal Brian Marr Atuel
- Corporal Jayson Dela Cruz
- Corporal Jinemen Tianson
– Rappler.com