Bato asks men to sustain ties with communities

PALO, Leyte, April 13  -- Outgoing Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Director General Ronald “Bato” de la Rosa urged policemen to continue doing good things to the community in his brief visit at the PNP regional office here Thursday night.

De la Rosa said that since the PNP implemented the war on drugs of President Rodrigo Duterte, the country became more peaceful and secured.

The sacrifices of policemen in the implementation of war on drugs had cost them a lot with policemen who died and some were wounded, while others face charges.

“Right now we are starting to reap the fruit, the joy of our undertaking. Even without me, please continue doing good things to the community, I will no longer be around but my request to you is continue your good deeds and show that we deserve the respect and admiration of the people,” De la Rosa told policemen.

“I am very happy for what you have done to the PNP and for the country. Love your profession, many will benefit from it not only us, but including the community,” he added.

The highest PNP official said his visit to the PNP regional office is somewhat a farewell visit since he will be retiring next week.
As the police chief, De la Rosa said that his greatest achievement was to bring PNP closer to the people through hard work and dedication to duty.

“I was able to inspire my men to work hard and develop the trust and confidence of the people,” he said.

However, he also felt bad whenever the PNP is criticized for implementing the war on drugs of the President. “These criticisms come from political opposition of the President and media who are bias, but if you will ask ordinary citizens, majority of them are happy with what we are doing.”

De la Rosa added that his successor Police Director Oscar Albayalde will continue fighting illegal drugs.

President Duterte appointed the outgoing PNP chief as head of the Bureau of Corrections. (RTA/PNA)