Unraveling the Davao Dilemma: Dishonorable Dismissals and the Duterte Altercation
Officers from Pulong, as depicted in the video, cease to carry out their duty responsibilities.
Two police officers from Davao found themselves in hot water, accused of providing unofficial bodyguard services during a controversy-laden incident involving Davao City First District Representative Paolo Duterte. The incident, broadcast online following an altercation at a local watering hole, prompted the Philippine National Police (PNP) to take action against these men for "moonlighting" - working off-duty without proper authorization, and going absent without leave (AWOL).
As the dust settled, the two police officers surrendered their firearms and credentials but stopped reporting for duty. The PNP, under its policy against dishonesty and disregard for official duties, initiated disciplinary proceedings. In a press conference, General Rommel Marbil, PNP Chief, affirmed the officers' dismissal and emphasized the potential for perpetual disqualification from any government position should dishonesty charges be upheld. The immediate superiors of the officers are also under investigation for possible dereliction of duty.
Unpacking the Charges and Consequences
- Administrative Charges: The core charge against these police officers is "dishonesty" due to their moonlighting activities and falsification of official records. The PNP stressed that such actions not only violate internal regulations but also create a fracture within the ranks and undermine the police force's integrity.
- Disciplinary Action: General Marbil confirmed the discharge of the two renegade officers on May 7, 2025. The PNP also announced that supervisors involved are under scrutiny for their role in this fiasco.
- Other Details: The police officers, as well as two members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), were identified in the video. Although Duterte is allowed to have military protection, the two police officers were not legitimately assigned to provide this service.
- Status: The exact timeline for filing the administrative case is still being examined by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), with the case remains under active investigation.
Key points for Consideration
| Aspect | Details ||-------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|| Officers Involved | 2 police officers, 2 AFP personnel (AFP personnel not charged by PNP) || Main Charges | Dishonesty (for moonlighting and falsifying reports) || Status | Officers discharged; administrative case ongoing; immediate superiors under investigation|| Possible Penalty | Perpetual disqualification from any government post if found guilty || Context | Unauthorized security detail for Rep. Duterte; altercation in Davao City establishment |
This turn of events underscores the PNP's unwavering commitment to enforcing accountability and strict adherence to rules that forbid private employment for police officers. In an effort to preserve the organization's integrity and enforce discipline, the police force is taking decisive action against offenders.
- The Philippine National Police (PNP) has imposed disciplinary proceedings on two Davao-based police officers who allegedly provided unauthorized bodyguard services to Davao City First District Representative Paolo Duterte.
- These officers were initially accused of moonlighting - working off-duty without authorization and going absent without leave (AWOL).
- The PNP's unraveling of this situation emphasizes their stance on ensuring accountability and strict adherence to rules, as these actions are seen as violations that can fracture the ranks and undermine the police force's integrity.
- On May 7, 2025, these police officers were discharged from the PNP, with their immediate superiors under investigation for possible dereliction of duty.
- Should the dishonesty charges against these officers be upheld in the administrative case, they could face perpetual disqualification from any government position.
- The ongoing investigation involves the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) examining the exact timeline for filing the case, and the Armed Forces of the Philippines personnel involved have not been charged by the PNP.
