MANILA, Philippines — Chief Superintendent Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa on Friday was promoted to director general, assuming office as Philippine National Police (PNP) chief and vowng to lead the fight against illegal drugs, criminality and corruption alongside President Rodrigo Duterte.
"To all members of the PNP, beginning today I am your father. A father who loves and takes care of his children, rewards his well performing children and punishes his erring children," Dela Rosa said in his inaugural speech at Camp Crame in Quezon City.
Dela Rosa said that the internal cleansing efforts within the PNP will be relentless and that corrupt police officials will be eliminated.
"In our fight against drugs, criminality and corruption it is either you are with or you are not with me. If you are with me the let's do it but if you are not with me then you are finished," the PNP chief said.
The new PNP chief warned police officers, particularly those from Metro Manila, who are involved in illegal drug trade to surrender to him or leave the police force.
"I am giving you 48 hours to voluntarily surrender to me at ilahad ninyo sa akin ang lahat. Otherwise mag-AWOL na lang kayo, mag-full time drug lord na lang at makipag-gyera na lang kayo sa amin," Dela Rosa said.
Delo Rosa pledged his "endless and unquestionable" loyalty to Duterte, who has been his partner in combatting drugs and criminality in Davao City since 1986.
The new PNP also vowed to provide Filipinos with a safe, secure and comfortable life free from drugs, criminality and corruption.
"Hindi ko po masisikmura ang bagong kalakaran ngayon na ang bagong yabangan ngayon sa mga kotong na pulis ay hindi na po magkano ang kanyang nakokolekta sa illegal gambling kundi magkano ang kanilang koleksyon sa illegal drugs. I am telling you this—this has to stop right now or I will stop you from enjoying your evil life. I promise you, change is coming including your birthday which will be changed to November 2," Dela Rosa said.