Gen ‘Bato’ to Cops-08: Stay Safe, Alive In The Exercise of Your Duties

Tacloban City, Leyte — Police Chief Ronald de la Rosa told the policemen of Region-08 to stay safe and alive even as they perform their duties, particularly in the war against illegal drugs.

This was said during the 115th Police Service Anniversary at Camp Ruperto Kangleon, Palo, Leyte today, where he was guest of honor and speaker.

He reminded his men of the six-month deadline, President Rodrigo Duterte gave them to end the proliferation of the illegal drug in the country, and according to him, it has just been two months passed, but the result is quiet fulfilling.

“I came here rather late for the PNP Anniversary which was in August yet, but I was insistent to hold the formal observance because I wanted to join you here, because I want to assure you in person that the Duterte administration will provide you, not only your needed tools, but also your full privileges and benefits for your families to live a decent if not comfortable lives”, General “Bato” said.

He added that it is sad to loss a police in operation, just like the one killed in Marabut in August by a suspected drug lord.

“Galit ako talaga, pag may napapatay na pulis dahil lang sa droga, pero magkamatayan na, tatapusin natin ang gyera sa droga”, he added.

Just like Pres. Duterte, the PNP Chief mentioned that there was an early report of a million bounty for his head, but neither he, is afraid, in fact he is also willing to die, if it means cleansing the country of the illegal drug, as it is destroying family relations, raping even children and lolas.

In the Press Conference that followed, he expressed joy at the report that crime rate, since July has dipped by 49%, this he attributes to the lesser supply of Shabu.

“The Espinosas used to supply about 30 to 50 kilograms of Shabu in the region per month, but now, since they had been under the control of the police, the drug trade had come in sachets and trickles”, the PNP top officer informed.

Asked on what he can do about the presence of private armed groups(PAGs) in Samar, Gen. Bato ordered the PNP provincial director and regional director to eliminate the PAGs, at all costs.

“I don’t care whether these PAGs are cuddled by top political leaders of Samar, puntahan niyo, kausapin niyo yong mga leader na yan, tapos na ang election, bakit may patayan pa? Puntahan niyo!”, the 1986 PMA graduate left the marching order. (PIA-08)