MANILA, Philippines — Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte wants a new army and police chief for the city following an explosion that tore into its night market last Friday.
"I already talked to the high officials of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and I told them that I want new people and new ideas and the improvement for Davao City," Duterte said in a televised interview on Monday morning.
The mayor said that a new AFP head for Davao City was already appointed but she is still waiting for the shortlist of possible PNP city director.
"I gave him a name, he refused to put that person as the city director and then he gave me a name, I also refused for that person to be city director," Duterte said.
Duterte discussed the appointment of a new police city director with PNP Director General Ronald dela Rosa and they agreed to come up with a shortlist.
Meanwhile, a new head for the Public Safety and Security Command Center was also appointed.
Retired army Gen. Benito De Leon will take over the city's safety and security starting on Monday, Duterte said.
President Rodrigo Duterte placed the country under a state of lawlessness following the explosion in his hometown which left at least 15 people dead and 70 others wounded.
The president warned that reprisals can be expected from terrorist group Abu Sayyaf, which claimed responsibility for the attack.
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