Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief, Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez, Jr. has ordered a thorough investigation into the death of a Police Regional Office-Davao (PRO-11) official who was found lifeless inside his quarters morning on Monday, February 9, 2026.

The incident occurred just minutes before Nartatez arrived in Davao City for his first command visit to PRO-11.

PRO-11 said Lt. Col. Deozar Almasa, assistant regional director for logisticts, was found dead at around 7 a.m.

Nartatez expressed his condolences to the bereaved family and directed the Regional Criminal Investigation Field Office, Logistics Support Service, Director for Logistics, camp commander, and the forensic unit to conduct a meticulous investigation into the incident.

“Paimbestigahan natin mabuti. Well, he was seen dead, full of blood this morning at about 7AM, just in time when I arrived at the airport. So, ininform ako. So, what I have given a directive kanina imbestigahan kasi hindi basta-basta mangyayari ‘yun,” Nartatez said.

GMA Regional TV One Mindanao is reaching out to Almasa’s family for a statement, as of this writing.

The Philippine flag at PRO-11 headquarters was flown at half-staff as a sign of mourning.

Meanwhile, Nartatez conducted a performance review and inspection during his first command visit.

Nartatez also attended the inauguration and blessing of the newly constructed PRO-11 stage.

In his message, Nartatez stressed the importance of performing their duties well for the continued development and safety of communities.

The country’s top cop also highlighted government programs aimed at boosting the morale of the police force, particularly the increase in salaries and allowances.

“That is a 5% increase in our basic salary, 5% every year. So, that transcends to 15%. So, in 3 years time, magtataas ng 15% ang inyong basic salary. Our subsistence allowance was tremendously increased, from P150 a day to P350. P350 a day, so from 4k or 5k, magiging 10k, more than double,” Nartatez said.

Despite the increase, the PNP chief reminded officers not to use their salaries and allowances as collateral for loans.

“Hindi niyo pwedeng i-loan ‘yan dahil ‘yun ay dapat nagagamit para pang-increase or for your subsistence. We have a policy that ‘yung ATM mo nasa ‘yo. My ATM is with me,” Nartatez added.

Nartatez also warned police officers of the strict policy prohibiting involvement in illegal gambling, cockfighting, excessive drinking, and other vices that could affect their performance and integrity in service.