DAVAO CITY POLICE CHIEF – The Police Colonel Richard Bad-ang has been relieved from his position as the Davao City Police Office (DCPO) director after an internal investigation into the deaths of seven individuals allegedly involved in the illegal drug trade last March. Bad-ang, who served as DCPO chief for only two months, was removed as part of an ongoing motu proprio (own initiative) investigation by the PRO-11 Regional Internal Affairs Service.
These deaths occurred during police anti-drug operations between March 24 and 26, under Bad-ang’s watch.
Mayor Sebastian Duterte declared a war against illegal drugs during the DCPO city director turnover ceremony on March 23. Hours later, the first casualty occurred in a buy-bust operation in Barangay Communal, Buhangin. Duterte had vowed to kill those who continue to sell or use drugs, or who do not leave the city. In response to the controversy, Col. Rolindo Soguilon, PRO-11 deputy regional director for operations, has been appointed as DCPO officer-in-charge.
PRO-11 spokesperson Catherine Dela Rey emphasized that Bad-ang’s relief is part of a “transparent investigation” to ensure he cannot influence witnesses or tamper with evidence. If proven innocent, Bad-ang may be reinstated. Captain Hazel Tuazon, DCPO spokesperson, stated that Duterte’s war on drugs declaration is a continuation of the campaign started by his father, former mayor and president Rodrigo Duterte. From January 1 to May 3, 2024, the DCPO conducted 489 operations against illegal drugs, resulting in 611 arrests, 30 suspect deaths (seven under Bad-ang’s tenure), and the filing of 720 cases.
Photo source: https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1921984/davao-city-has-a-new-police-chief
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