Duterte appoints Davide as RPOC chief

CEBU, Philippines - President Rodrigo Duterte has appointed Governor Hilario Davide III as chairman of the Regional Peace and Order Council -7 during the President’s recent visit to Cebu.

Jason Monteclar, Capitol’s information officer, said the governor was shocked by the move of the President, considering that they are from two different political camps. Davide is allied with the Liberal Party while Duterte is with Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban).

 “The President said it’s not about the party kay tapos naman elections,” Monteclar said, adding, that Davide “accepted willfully” the appointment.

 Davide has yet to receive the official appointment since Duterte only made the pronouncement over dinner in Cebu Wednesday.

 Duterte met with Davide and other officials during a private dinner in one of the restaurants in Cebu after his inspected Tacloban City’s New Hope Village Housing Project in Barangay Santa Elena on January 25.

 Duterte reportedly reiterated to Davide his plea for government officials to help his administration’s fight against illegal drugs.

 Aside from illegal drugs, Duterte asked Davide to also address issues on terrorism in the region.

Monteclar said Davide thanked Duterte for the trust and confidence in appointing him to lead the RPOC. (FREEMAN)