Duterte 'a leader full of surprises' — Bato

MANILA, Philippines — Like a sheep to his shepherd, Philippine National Police Director General Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa has a lot of admiration to say for his long-time superior, President Rodrigo Duterte.

Dela Rosa described the president as “a leader full or surprises” after his term in the police force was extended anew for an indefinite period.

The PNP chief said in a radio interview on Friday that he was surprised with the postponement of his retirement.

“Nagulat nga ako. Hindi man lang ako sinabihan. In-announce lang n’ya sa kanyang speech so nagulat na lang ako (I was surprised. He didn't inform me. He just announced in a speech so I was surprised),” Dela Rosa told dzMM.

“Well what do you expect from the president. He is a leader full of surprises. Mahirap basahin ang kanyang mga decision kaya nagulat ako (It's difficult to predict what Duterte will do so I was surprised),” he added.

Duterte announced this week that he decided to stretch Dela Rosa’s term “a little bit longer” since the nation’s top cop enjoys his trust and confidence.

Dela Rosa admitted that his plans after his retirement was once again set aside but he knows his family could understand his service to the nation. 

“Unahin muna natin yung serbisyo bago ang pamilya. Ganu’n naman palagi sa serbisyo namin, palaging second priority yung pamilya, first priority is yung aming serbisyo (Let's prioritize public service first than family. That's what's like to be a cop. Our family is our second priority while public service comes first),” he said earlier this week.

Despite this, Dela Rosa is willing to serve at the pleasure of the president until his service is no longer needed.

“Ako naman kahit sino siguro na pulis working under him ay lahat talaga parang magnet ‘yung kanyang style of leadership na talagang hahanga ka sa kanyang liderato na masabi mo talaga na ito lider na hinahanap natin. May bayag, puso at malasakit (Duterte's leadership style is like a magnet. You will really admire the quality of leadership he has and say that he's everything you're looking for a leader. He has balls, heart and compassion),” he said.

Dela Rosa reached mandatory retirement last January 21 during his 56th birthday but Duterte already asked him to extend it for another three months prior to this.

After his tour of duty in PNP, dela Rosa, a graduate of the Philippine Military Academy Class of 1986, is set to lead Bureau of Corrections.