PNP Chief Halts Davao Police Ceremony Due to Lack of Local Government Coordination
Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez has officially confirmed that he personally directed the cancellation of the change-of-command ceremony at the Davao City Police Office (DCPO) on January 23, 2026. This decisive action came after he discovered that the Davao City local government had not been properly informed about the planned leadership transition beforehand.
Direct Order from Top Police Official
Speaking to members of the Davao media during his visit to Camp Sgt. Quintin M. Merecido in Buhangin, Davao City, on Monday, February 9, 2026, Nartatez revealed that he specifically instructed Police Brigadier General Leon Z. Rosete, regional director of the Police Regional Office–Davao Region (PRO-Davao), to stop the ceremony from proceeding as scheduled.
"Sabi ko, ayaw nyo gawin yan because wala pang sinabi ang Mayor," Nartatez stated, emphasizing that proper coordination with the local chief executive represents a critical component of leadership transitions in key police posts throughout the country.
Current Leadership Status and Procedural Delays
As of this reporting, the Davao City Police Office continues to operate under the leadership of Police Colonel Mannan Muarip in an acting capacity. Rosete clarified that Muarip maintains his position as acting city director because Mayor Sebastian "Baste" Duterte has yet to make a formal selection from the list of eligible police officials submitted for consideration.
"Pipiliin ng mayor yun. Pag-pinili na na nang mayor yun, they will be designated as city director," Rosete explained, highlighting the established protocol that requires mayoral approval for permanent appointments to such positions.
Aborted Ceremony Details and Immediate Aftermath
The planned change-of-command ceremony at the DCPO headquarters in January was intended to formally mark Police Colonel Mannan Muarip's relinquishment of his post to Police Colonel Peter Madria, who currently serves as chief of the Police Regional Office–Davao Regional Operations Division. However, the event was abruptly halted midway through proceedings and later officially cancelled entirely.
At the time of the incident, Police Brigadier General Mariano Rodriguez, PRO-Davao deputy director for administration, announced that the program would no longer proceed. He explained that the officers involved were simply following directives from higher authorities and confirmed that the ceremony would be suspended indefinitely pending further developments.
Rodriguez expressed regret over the situation, noting that while the circumstances were unfortunate, the order had to be implemented according to established protocols. He also extended appreciation to those who had attended the event for their understanding and cooperation during the unexpected cancellation.
City Government's Position and Communication Concerns
Prior to the aborted ceremony, the Davao City government had publicly stated that it had received neither notification nor consultation regarding Muarip's planned relief from his position as DCPO director.
City Information Office head Harvey James Lanticse addressed the matter at the time, stating: "We heard that Muarip would be relieved from his post as DCPO director this morning. Once again, the local government unit was neither informed nor consulted on this matter."
This incident has prompted city officials to reiterate longstanding concerns regarding what they describe as persistent gaps in communication between the PNP leadership and the city administration, particularly when it comes to changes in crucial local command positions that directly impact public safety operations.
Personnel Movements and Official Reassignments
Police Colonel Peter Madria had already been officially named as Muarip's designated successor, while Muarip himself was scheduled for reassignment to the Regional Police Holding and Accounting Section at the PRO-11 headquarters, pending further orders. However, these personnel movements were temporarily put on hold following the cancellation of the change-of-command ceremony, creating an administrative limbo that requires resolution through proper channels.
Police Clarification on Motivations
For its part, the Police Regional Office–Davao Region has maintained that the cancellation of the ceremony and the subsequent delay in the leadership transition were not politically motivated in any way. Police officials have consistently stressed that the matter is rooted entirely in legal and procedural considerations, emphasizing the fundamental need to comply with established rules governing coordination with local government units as mandated by existing regulations and protocols.
The situation highlights the ongoing importance of inter-agency communication and procedural compliance within the Philippine National Police structure, particularly when implementing leadership changes that affect local law enforcement operations and community relations.
