Manila, Philippines – May 7, 2025 — Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil has ordered the immediate dismissal of two police officers allegedly moonlighting as bodyguards for Davao City 1st District Rep. Paolo Duterte.
In addition to the officers’ removal, Marbil said the commanders responsible for their deployment will also be relieved from their posts.
The directive follows a complaint filed on May 2 by businessman Kristone John Patria, who accused Duterte of physical assault and an attempted stabbing during an altercation at the Hearsay Gastropub in Obrero, Manila. According to Patria, the incident stemmed from a dispute over payment arrangements involving six women he allegedly brought to a private gathering requested by Duterte and businessman Charlie Tan.
Rep. Duterte, in a statement over the weekend, said he has yet to receive a copy of the complaint and declined to comment further.
A source familiar with the internal investigation revealed that the two dismissed officers, each with over 23 years of service in the PNP and assigned to Davao City, were seen on CCTV footage present during the altercation. The footage, now circulating on social media, appears to show the officers failing to intervene or de-escalate the situation — a serious breach of their duty as law enforcers.
The PNP has reiterated its commitment to uphold professionalism and accountability within its ranks, particularly in incidents involving public officials and potential misuse of police resources.
