PNP chief Bato against extrajudicial killings, open to lifestyle checks

MANILA, Philippines – Philippine National Police Director General Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa on Monday declared that he is against extrajudicial killings.

“Ayaw ko ‘yang extrajudicial killings, ang gusto ko po legitimate police operations,” Dela Rosa said in a televised press briefing.

Dela Rosa stressed President Rodrigo Duterte’s commitment to fight the illegal drug trade. He said there is no stopping the PNP but he advised his officers to follow the police operational procedure to avoid questions.

“Libu-libo na po ang nagsusurender, marami na po ang napapatay, so ano pa hihinto tayo, ibibitin natin ang kampanya? What will happen to our three to six months na palugit na ibinigay ng ating mahal na pangulo?.” Dela Rosa said.

“Please continue the fight. The momentum is ours. [N]andito po kami para suportahan kayo. Remember, huwag po kayong mag-abuso, legitimate operations lang po dapat lahat,” he added.

As the new head to the PNP, Dela Rosa encouraged the police to maintain their high morale and assured them of his and the Office of the Solicitor General’s support. He, however, encouraged those with grievances with the police to file complaints at the PNP Internal Affairs Service or at the National Police Commission.

PNP lifestyle check

Dela Rosa also said he is open to Secretary of Interior and Local Government Ismael Sueno’s suggestion to conduct a lifestyle check on PNP members to see if they are involved in illegal activities and to est their intergrity and honesty. “We’re open anytime,” Dela Rosa said adding that he will still wait for formal instructions from Sueno.

He, however, said the lifestyle check should be done by agencies outside the PNP like the Napolcom.

“I want transparency depensahan ko rin yung hanay ng kapulisan from any abuse coming from the outside,” the PNP chief said.