- New Davao City police director faces administrative probe
JUST TWO months into his post, Col. Richard Bad-ang was relieved as the Davao City Police Office (DCPO) director effective Thursday, May 23.
The relief stemmed from the ongoing investigation into the deaths of seven individuals during police operations conducted between March 23 and 26.
In an interview over the Davao City Disaster Radio online program on Thursday, Police Regional Office (PRO) XI spokesperson Major Catherine Dela Rey confirmed that Bad-ang’s relief was based on a recommendation by the Regional Internal Affairs Office (RIAS) XI.
“It was done to ensure that there will no doubt in the conduct of the investigation and an independent and credible investigation and to prevent that personnel involved in the operation from possible influence on the witnesses and evidence,” Dela Rey said.
Bad-ang was assigned to the Regional Personnel Holding and Accounting Unit (RPHAU).
Meanwhile, Col. Rolindo Suguilon, PRO XI’s deputy regional director for operations, has been designated as officer-in-charge of the DCPO.
She said the PRO XI director only acted on the recommendation and had no axe to grind against Bad-ang.
“Col. Bad-ang can be retained in his position but depends on the decision of the command,” Dela Rey further said.
She also said the morale of the DCPO personnel remains high despite the sudden announcement.
Bad-ang assumed as city police director last March 21 during a turnover ceremony at the DCPO headquarters in Camp Leonor Domingo along San Pedro Street.
During his assumption ceremony, Mayor Sebastian Duterte delivered a speech where he warned criminals to leave the city or lose their lives. Following his fiery speech, a series of buy-bust operations resulted in the deaths of seven suspects.
However, according to DCPO data during that time, more buy-bust operations led to arrests than fatalities from March 22 to 26.
For instance, during the same five-day span, police arrested 17 individuals from 21 buy-bust operations. While resistance led to deaths, it was only because the suspects tried to shoot the arresting officers.
She also said the DCPO filed 22 cases with the prosecutor’s office against the arrested suspects.
Authorities seized a significant amount of illegal drugs, including 242.64 grams of shabu and 60. 36 grams of marijuana for a total estimated street value of P1,385,195.20.
Photo: Bing Gonzales
