Duterte’s pick as PNP chief to demolish illegal drugs trade

He speaks and cracks jokes like his father-figure, Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, the incoming president of the country.

Chief Superintendent Ronald dela Rosa, named by Duterte as the incoming chief of the 160,000-strong Philippine National Police (PNP), likewise shares Duterte’s outrage and relentless, punishing drive against lawless elements, especially those engaged in illegal drugs.

ILLEGAL DRUGS – CRIMES

“Our focus? Patayan sa drugs. Patayan talaga ito sa drugs kaya kayong mga drug lord diyan, humanda kayo. Talagang sasagasaan ko kayo(Our campaign against illegal drugs will be relentless, that is why to you drug lords out there, be readywewill go afteryou),” said, dela Rosa in an interview after Duterte announced in Davao City that he will be the incoming PNP chief.

 Dela Rosa explained that the reason his would-be leadership will be concentrated on drugs is that almost all crimes are seemingly connected to the proliferation of illegal drugs in the country.

CAN DO ATTITUDE

With his looming appointment as PNP chief, the official explained that the burden of realizing the campaign promise of Duterte to end criminality within three to six months rests on him and the police organization that he would lead.

Asked if it is doable under his term, dela Rosa said: “Kakayanin natin. Magpapa- chief PNP ka tapos hindi mo kakayanin. Dapat kayanin mo (We will make it doable. You want to be PNP chief and say you can’t make it? You should and must deliver),” he stressed.

PURGING ROGUE COPS

Dela Rosa, however, said that the campaign against illegal drugs will start in the backyard of the PNP, meaning, he would run after policemen involved in illegal drugs.

“How can you cleanse outside if your own house is not clean? So all policemen involved in illegal drugs, you should leave (the organization) now,” said dela Rosa.

THE DAVAO EXPERIENCE

After his stint as Davao City police director on October 18,2013, dela Rosa was assigned as chief of staff of the Intelligence Group.

He then held various positions in IG such as deputy director for Operations and deputy director for Administration.

Dela Rosa could not hide his appreciation of Duterte and posted positive comments about Duterte which cost him the position as commander of the standby unit of PNP election force.

ON SHOOT-TO-KILL

 While he is against summary execution, dela Rosa said the shoot-to-kill order that was stated by Duterte just means that police officers are authorized to shoot those who would fight back.

“We will crush. Not only that, we will also bury you,” said dela Rosa.

 DECORATED OFFICER

Dela Rosa also vowed to be media friendly, even citing his experience with the local media in Davao City as a proof.

Since he became a police officer, dela Rosa has received a total of 83 medals mostly because of successful police operations.