Baste Duterte ‘Condemns’ Removal of Davao City Cops Over Alleged Drug-Related Killings
Davao City Mayor Sebastian "Baste" Duterte has strongly condemned the removal of 35 Davao police personnel, including Davao City Police chief P/Colonel Richard Bad-ang, due to alleged involvement in drug-related killings. Administrative Suspens…
Davao City Mayor Sebastian "Baste" Duterte has strongly condemned the removal of 35 Davao police personnel, including Davao City Police chief P/Colonel Richard Bad-ang, due to alleged involvement in drug-related killings.
Administrative Suspension and Investigation
Colonel Bad-ang was placed under administrative suspension to prevent any influence on the ongoing investigation by the Police Regional Office-Davao. This follows a probe by the Regional Internal Affairs Service-Davao into the alleged drug-related killings in March 2024.
Mayor Duterte's Statement
"I oppose any efforts to undermine the hard-earned trust between our community and law enforcement," Mayor Duterte stated in a message posted on his official Facebook page. He emphasized the Davao City Police Office's effectiveness, noting a 69% decrease in focus crimes from May 2023 to May 2024, attributing this success to the dedication and competence of the police force.
Background on Drug-Related Killings
Between March 23 and 26, seven drug suspects were killed in separate buy-bust operations, shortly after Mayor Duterte declared a war on illegal drugs in Davao. He maintains that the operations were conducted lawfully and called for transparency and accountability in the investigation.
"There is substantial evidence supporting the assertion that the buy-bust operations were conducted within the bounds of the law," Duterte insisted. He also called for the immediate reinstatement of the officers he believes were unfairly relieved.
Related Developments
In a report by GMA Regional TV, it was revealed that the Davao City Police Office's record of maintaining peace and order reflects their dedication and cooperation with the mayor's administration.
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