Bato plays Santa to children of suspected drug addicts

MANILA, Philippines - Wearing a red suit and sporting a long white beard, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Ronald dela Rosa played Santa Claus to over 100 children of suspected drug addicts who were killed under Oplan Tokhang during a gift-giving event at SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City yesterday.

Dela Rosa said the activity, dubbed “Christmas with Santa Chief,” was meant to bring love to children of drug surrenderees as well as orphans of those killed in the war against drugs.

“Since most of these children’s parents, fathers died due to the ongoing war on drugs, we want to compensate their loss, their sadness with somehow little feelings of happiness. We want them to see that even just this Christmas, policemen – the PNP – want them to be happy,” he said in Filipino.

“Santa Bato” gamely posed for photos with children and adults.

In return, children holding gift boxes from Dela Rosa saluted the PNP chief.

“These children are innocent. Whatever their parents have done in the past… Ang kasalanan ni Pedro ay hindi kasalanan ni Jose (The sin of Pedro is not the sin of Jose),” Dela Rosa said.

During his speech, he took the opportunity to advise children to stay away from illegal drugs.

In its report from July 1 to Dec. 1, the PNP said its project Double Barrel Alpha has conducted a total of 37,346 anti-drug operations nationwide, with 2,004 alleged drug users and pushers killed and 38,587 others arrested

Oplan Tokhang, the knock-and-plead approach of the PNP against drug users and pushers nationwide, conducted 4,356,861 house visitations, recorded 825,595 surrenderees, including 61,371 pushers and 763,224 users.

Police said there were 17 policemen killed and 46 others wounded during the operations.

Last night, Dela Rosa led the lighting of Christmas tree and decorations in front of Camp Crame, the PNP national headquarters.