MANILA — Two police officers have been relieved from duty after moonlighting as bodyguards for Davao City Rep. Paolo “Pulong” Duterte — without official clearance — and getting caught in a controversial bar incident involving the lawmaker.

Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Gen. Rommel Marbil confirmed Wednesday that the two officers, both from the Davao City Police Office, were removed from their posts and charged administratively for “grave irregularities in the performance of duty.” Their immediate supervisors are also facing charges for command responsibility.

“Tama kayo, meron kaming nakita sa video na apat — dalawang pulis at dalawang Armed Forces. Doon sa dalawang pulis, they are not authorized, they are moonlighting. Sinurender nila ‘yung firearms nila pati IDs nila but they went on AWOL (Absence Without Official Leave),” Marbil said during a press conference.

The officers were identified from a viral video showing Rep. Duterte allegedly assaulting a man inside a Davao bar last February 23. According to the victim, Duterte threatened him with a knife, turned off the establishment’s security camera, and beat him for two hours — before handing him some money.

The man said he initially kept quiet out of fear.

Marbil minced no words in holding the officers accountable. “Sabi ko nga, maliban kayo sa madi-discharge ‘yung dalawang pulis namin for moonlighting, kasama ‘yung commanders nila for allowing them, for not accounting. Hindi mangyayari ang moonlighting kung hindi dadayain ang report nila. Once we file dishonesty, that’s perpetual disqualification from any government post. So ito ‘yung babala sa mga pulis natin. Make sure to take your job religiously,” he said.

Marbil added they are also investigating why the officers failed to stop the violent incident: “We will also look into the policemen’s failure to prevent the mauling.”

AFP Officers Also Seen in Video; Cases Filed Against Moonlighting Cops

In addition to the two cops, two other “bodyguards” seen in the footage were confirmed by Marbil to be members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), specifically from the Philippine Air Force.

Marbil pointed to a similar case last year involving two members of the PNP’s elite Special Action Force (SAF) who were caught moonlighting as private security for Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs). That incident led to the dismissal of 11 SAF personnel, including a Police Lieutenant Colonel, for allegedly conspiring to assign elite officers as private guards.

“Every day, we submit an accounting of personnel reports. This moonlighting will not happen if they will not falsify their report,” Marbil warned.

“So aside from these two policemen who moonlighted in Davao, expect that their commanders will also be discharged,” he emphasized.

Administrative cases have been filed, with penalties including perpetual disqualification from holding any government position.

“This should serve as a warning to all our policemen,” Marbil added. “Make sure that you take your job seriously.”

📷 PNP, screenshot from contributed video