Acting Mayor Duterte to Choose Next Davao City Police Chief

Acting Mayor Sebastian Duterte will have the final say in selecting the next Davao City police chief from three nominees recommended by the Philippine National Police. The decision-making power lies with the city mayor, emphasizing the separation of politics from police matters.

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Jul 2, 2025 - 11:14

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Police Regional Office-11 Director Police Brig. Gen. Joseph R. Arguelles stated that acting Mayor Sebastian Duterte will make the decision on the next Davao City police chief. Duterte has the authority to choose from three nominees recommended by the Philippine National Police. Arguelles mentioned that the police regional directors can only elect and present the nominees for selection, leaving the final decision to the city mayor. To facilitate the process, one of Arguelles' deputies is currently serving as the officer-in-charge of the Davao City Police Office.

Arguelles emphasized the apolitical nature of the PNP but highlighted the need for prompt action from local chief executives in selecting leadership. Failure to choose will result in the PNP making the decision on their behalf. The current officer-in-charge of the DCPO is Police Col. Marinao Rodriguez, as the search for a permanent successor to Police Col. Hansel Marantan continues.

Marantan, who was assigned to the Peace Process and Development Center in Camp Crame, Quezon City, focused on collaborating with government agencies to address armed conflicts and promote peace efforts, particularly with groups like the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters and Abu Sayyaf Group. He bid farewell to his colleagues and the people of Davao City on June 30 due to health concerns.

Arguelles confirmed an ongoing reshuffling of police personnel in the region, including potential changes in provincial directors, to provide career advancement opportunities and professionalize the force. The transitions are part of efforts to enhance local law enforcement and ensure a smooth process.

PNP chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III recently made changes in regional leadership, relieving three police regional directors in Mindanao, including those in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region. The reshuffling aims to address security challenges in various regions post-elections and in preparation for the upcoming Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao elections later this year.

According to the source: Manila Bulletin.