Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief, Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez, Jr., has ordered the Police Regional Office-Davao (PRO-11) to submit to Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte a shortlist of recommended officers for the city police director position.

Nartatez said the city mayor will have to choose who will serve as the next full-fledged city director, as part of the standard procedures in appointing key police officials.

“Davao City, pipiliin ng mayor ‘yun. So, kapag pinili ng mayor, then he will be designated as full-fledged city director. Assuming that, binigay na ba natin? Ifo-forward na po ng DPRM (Directorate for Personnel and Records Management) Sir,” Nartatez said.

Col. Mannan Muarip, has been serving for more than six months but remains in an acting capacity as Davao City Police Office (DCPO) director.

Nartatez explained that proper procedures must be followed before the position can be filled permanently.

“So, mga more than 6 months. It’s about time to send the list then mamili ang (City Mayor),” Nartatez added.

Duterte earlier said he was no longer consulted on leadership changes in the DCPO since 2024.

Nartatez also emphasized that the mayor must also be informed if any city director is to be replaced.

It can be recalled that the planned turnover ceremony for the DCPO leadership three weeks ago was halted midway after it was learned that the mayor had not yet been informed.

“Eh, ayaw ng RD dun kay…Sabi ko, huwag mo gawin ‘yan because wala pang sinabi ang mayor at ipaalam din sa mayor, as simple as that,” Nartatez said.

DCPO said Muarip continues to lead operations and implement programs to maintain peace and order in the city.

“Kung mabibigyan siya ng pagkakataon na maging full pledge City Director ng Davao City Police Office, dodoblehin natin ‘yung pagod, effort para ma maintain natin, masustain ang peace and order na meron tayo ngayon sa Davao City,” DCPO Spokesperson, Capt. Hazel Caballero Tuazon, said.

DCPO also acknowledged the continued support of the city government in the police force’s accomplishments and peace and order efforts.