PHILIPPINE National Police (PNP) chief General Rommel Marbil has ordered the relief of two police officers who were serving as security escorts for Davao City Representative and reelectionist Paolo "Pulong" Duterte without proper authorization.
In a press conference on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, Marbil said that administrative charges for grave irregularities in the performance of duty have been filed against the two police personnel assigned to the Davao City Police Office over moonlighting allegations, as well as against their immediate supervisors for command responsibility.
“Tama kayo, meron kaming nakita sa video na apat, dalawang pulis at dalawang Armed Forces. Doon sa dalawang pulis, they are not authorized, they are moonlighting. Sinurrender nila ‘yung firearms nila pati IDs nila but they went on Awol(Absence without Official Leave),” Marbil said.
(You're right, we saw in the video four individuals—two police officers and two from the Armed Forces. As for the two police officers, they were not authorized; they were moonlighting. They surrendered their firearms and IDs, but they went Awol.)
“Sabi ko nga, maliban kayo sa madi-discharge ‘yung dalawang pulis namin for moonlighting, kasama ‘yung commanders nila for allowing them, for not accounting. Hindi mangyayari ang moonlighting kung hindi dadayain ang report nila. Once we file dishonesty that’s perpetual disqualification from any government post. So ito ‘yung babala sa mga pulis natin. Make sure to take your job religiously,” he added.
(As I said, aside from the two police officers being discharged for moonlighting, their commanders are also included for allowing it and for failing to account for it. Moonlighting wouldn't happen if they didn't falsify their reports. Once we file for dishonesty, it results in perpetual disqualification from any government position. So this is a warning to our police officers: Make sure to take your job seriously.)
The two policemen were identified through a viral video where Duterte was seen beating up a man inside a bar.
In the complaint, the victim said the incident took place on February 23 at a bar in Davao City.
The victim said the lawmaker threatened him with a knife and mauled him for two hours and later gave him money.
He added that Duterte turned off the security camera when he noticed there was one.
The victim said he initially refused to seek medical attention or file a complaint due to fear.
Marbil also said they will also look into the policemen’s failure to prevent the mauling. (TPM/SunStar Philippines)