Davao Police Commanders Relieved Due to Crime Statistics Discrepancies

DAVAO CITY — A number of police station commanders in Davao City have been relieved of their duties due to significant discrepancies in crime statistics and inadequate response times, officials disclosed.

According to Philippines News Agency, Philippine National Police (PNP) spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo at a press briefing in Camp Crame, Quezon City, Police Regional Office-Davao (PRO-11) Director Brig. Gen. Nicolas Torre III recently visited the stations to review their crime data. This action is part of ongoing investigations and efforts to enhance police service in the region. “This is a prerogative of the director aimed at improving our service and restoring public trust, especially among our constituents in the region,” Fajardo stated.

Col. Rolindo Suguilon and 19 station commanders were officially relieved from their posts this Monday, with Col. Lito Patay appointed as Suguilon’s successor. The relief follows reports of ‘severe discrepancies’ in crime reporting and slower than expected police response times. Additionally, Brig. Gen. Torre highlighted issues with the police blotters being ‘sanitized’ to misrepresent the actual situation in certain areas under their responsibility.

Torre also pointed out the alarming frequency of reported killings over physical assaults, which contradicts Davao City’s reputation as a safe area. He stressed the importance of accurate crime reporting and recording to genuinely understand the peace and order situation. Moreover, Torre has proposed the implementation of a 3-minute response time (3MRT), which he previously initiated in the Quezon City Police District, to ensure swift police action.

Despite having an advanced public safety-oriented command and control system, the Davao City Police Office (DCPO) has struggled to meet these response times, prompting these drastic changes in leadership and policy enforcement.