Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte criticized the administration of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., calling it “very lenient” on criminals following a recent broad daylight robbery in the city.
“We are doing everything that we can to secure Davao City pero if yung PNP Chief magsasalita na ang droga ay pampagising, what can you expect kung paano mag-behave ang mga criminals right now,” Duterte said during his Basta Dabawenyo podcast on March 2.
The mayor pointed to the national government’s approach to law enforcement and the Philippine National Police (PNP) leadership as factors emboldening criminal activity. He also raised concerns over the peace and order situation across the country, noting the rise of drug-related crimes and the circulation of online videos showing drug use.
Duterte referred to previous remarks made by PNP Chief General Rommel Francisco Marbil, who said in November that not all drug users are addicts, and some use drugs to stay awake during long working hours.
The mayor also questioned whether the suspect arrested in the February 26 robbery of a jewelry store on Ilustre Street had been brought to Davao for illegal work, suggesting the crime may have been premeditated.
“Madaling bayaran ang tao ngayon para gumawa ng krimen kapalit ng kaunting reward, lalo na sa hirap ng buhay,” Duterte added.
In the robbery, suspects reportedly stole jewelry worth between P40 million and P100 million. Police later arrested one of the suspects, identified as Johnny from Leyte.
Amid speculations online that the heist was staged, Davao City Police Office (DCPO) Acting City Director Police Colonel Hansel Marantan denied the claims, clarifying that the incident was not part of a Simulation Exercise (Simex). Authorities believe a larger organized group is behind the crime.
The Police Regional Office-Davao Region (PRO-Davao) has offered a P100,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the remaining suspects.
