A former official of the Duterte administration has expressed his grievances due to the authoritarian-like measures of the current administration in Davao City.
“Davao City, first time in the history of Davao City, you are now under siege. The presence of the Special Action Forces, 2 battalions is a manifestation of take over in the city. This is what we call now a police state,” according to Ben Ranque, Former DOE Usec during Duterte Admin.
Ben Ranque, national coordinator of the Marcos Alis Diyan Movement and former Department of Energy (DOE) undersecretary under the previous Duterte administration, was extremely angered by the Marcos government’s action of removing more than 30 police officers from Davao City and replacing them with two battalions of the PNP-SAF.
He is also concerned that the current administration might undo the achievements of Duterte in the said city.
“In 2015, when Tatay Digong was still mayor, Davao was the 5th safest city. That’s what we proudly showcased, which is why the Dutertes won. We presented Davao as a peaceful, most improved city, where law and order thrived, so there was no problem—what reason would you have to come?”
“Because they can rewrite Davao’s history by planting various crimes and charging that this is what they say about Davao being safe. They will plant things to depict Davao as the opposite of what really happened,” Ranque expressed.
Explanation from Atty. Arnedo Valera, an international human rights lawyer and president of Hakbang ng MAISUG, USA: The action that undermined Mayor Sebastian Duterte’s authority is said to be a significant breach, which he considers authoritarianism.
“What we see here are indications of authoritarian governance, which is contrary to the principles of democracy and the promotion of human rights.”
“They are showing that they can do whatever they want and justify it under the law,” said Atty. Arnedo Valera, Hakbang ng MAISUG, USA President.
On the other hand, Ranque called on his fellow Davaoeños to…
“…stand, to speak up, stand for the truth. We will have to go to the streets and protest the presence of these forces. We know that Marcos Jr. sent them there to silence everyone.”
“The city that is aware is the one that strengthens our democracy, but the city that is indifferent is the one that will destroy our freedom,” said Ranque.
