Eight policemen in Davao City were relieved from their posts as investigation into the death of seven drug suspects begins.

The investigation is being conducted by the Regional Internal Affairs Service.

The eight cops were members of the team that carried out buy-bust operations during which the seven drug suspects died for allegedly fighting it out with authorities. 

Captain Hazel Tuazon, spokesperson of the Davao City Police Office (DCPO), said the eight cops have been disarmed and moved to DCPO's holding center. 

“Naa tay walo ka operatiba sa Davao City Police nga gi-relieve while ongoing ang investigation nga gi-conduct sa Regional Internal Affairs Service ug naa sila karon sa holding center ug gidis-armahan sila temporarily,” Tuazon said.

The Police Regional Office-Davao (PRO-11) also said earlier that an investigation is being conducted automatically every time there is fatality in police operations.

“Kung may makalas na buhay, meron talagang kina-conduct na moto propio investigation ang internal affairs service ng Police Regional Office-11. Mas magaan sa loob namin na walang mamatay kasi wala kaming haharaping problema o disciplinary case,” PRO-11 Spokesperson, Major Catherine Dela Rey, said.

The buy-bust operations happened within four days after Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte declared a war versus illegal drugs.