THE Davao City Police Office (DCPO) has clarified that the 238 police officers set for deployment in the upcoming National and Local Elections, as well as the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (Barmm) Parliamentary Elections, are not being reassigned, contrary to recent social media claims.
DCPO spokesperson Captain Hazel Tuazon addressed the media on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, explaining that the memorandum in question does not involve transferring officers to new areas of responsibility (AOR).
Instead, the officers will undergo a medical examination on February 19 to assess their fitness for election duty.
“Dili ni sya reassignment because when we say reassignment, ang mga police nato mag duty na gyud or didto na mismo ma distino sa laing station. Kani sila, i-undergo lang og physical exam if [physically] fit ba na mag bantay sa atoang election (This is not a reassignment. Reassignment means our officers are permanently transferred to a different station or duty post. In this case, they will only undergo a physical exam to determine if they are fit to secure the elections),” Tuazon said.
She added that deployment would involve higher-ranking officials, and personnel distribution would be adjusted based on the needs and number of polling stations.
Earlier, the DCPO had already denied reports from a local media outlet suggesting the officers were being reassigned.
“This initiative is a standard and regular procedure aimed at ensuring that all officers are in optimal health and fully capable of performing their duties,” the DCPO stated.
The medical evaluations aim to ensure the well-being of police personnel and assess their fitness for duty, especially in preparation for major events like the upcoming National and Local Elections and the Barmm Parliamentary Elections. These proactive health assessments help confirm that officers are physically capable of performing their responsibilities without limitations.
The DCPO also reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and urged the public to rely on verified sources for updates.
"Our office remains open to clarifying reports to prevent misinformation and to ensure that the public receives factual and truthful news,” the agency said. DEF