OFFICERS of the Police Regional Office (PRO) XI and Davao City Police Office (DCPO) appeared at Tuesday’s regular session on June 4 upon the invitation of lawmakers to shed light on the recent relief of 35 personnel.
However, PRO XI regional director Brigadier General Aligre L. Martinez could not attend Tuesday’s session as he was on bereavement leave. He was represented by acting head Brigadier General Wilson D. Soliba.
Martinez took over as acting regional director of the Police Regional Office (PRO) XI effective April 26 upon the retirement of his predecessor.
Soliba said the PRO XI maintains a status quo despite the controversy.
“As a matter of fact, every day we have a discussion with our RD (regional director) on how to improve further the services that we are providing our fellow Davaoeños,” Soliba said.
To recall, the City Council approved a resolution backing the statement of Mayor Sebastian Duterte slamming the removal of DCPO officers, including city director Col. Richard Bad-ang, and 34 others on May 25.
Councilor Luna Acosta, committee chair on peace and public safety, proposed a resolution during suspended rules, that highlighted the council is one with the City Mayor’s call for transparency and accountability in handling the matter.
Councilor Conrado Baloran manifested that the courtesy call of PRO XI was a show of faith in the police’s willingness to cooperate with Davao City.
For his part, acting DCPO chief Col. Rolindo Suguilon said he would continue to do his duty to maintain peace and order.
“Hoping and aspiration that when I may step down from the Davao City Police Office, because I know that this may be very short term only, I hope my stay in the city will be productive and I will gain the full trust of the city government,” Suguilon said.
Suguilon, PRO XI’s deputy regional director for operations, replaced the relieved Col. Richard Bad-ang on May 25.
DCPO spokesperson Captain Hazel Tuazon told reporters after the courtesy call, that the support of LGU boosts the morale of the police personnel.
“Nakikita natin na concern sila kasi bago na yung nalagay na officer-in-charge, pero ipapakita namin na ipapatuloy ang programa na nasimulan ng previous city director,” Tuazon said.
The official added the DCPO shows professionalism amid changes in the leader and is still firm and in place as big events in the city are fast approaching.
