Bato: Public being afraid of the police a ‘wrong impression’

PNP Chief General Ronald De La Rosa. EDWIN BACASMAS

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa dismissed surveys saying that the recent spate of killings are causing fear among the public.

If these were accurate, then why do people warmly accept the PNP’s top cop? Dela Rosa pointed this out during the Senate hearing on the alleged abuses committed by the police in the killing of 17-year-old Kian Loyd Delos Santos on Thursday.

Dela Rosa was responding to Senator Miguel Zubiri, who expressed concern over the rise in the drug war deaths, citing surveys showing that nine out of 10 Filipinos fear that they will become victims of police killings.

“Your honor, hindi po ako nagjujustify pero gusto ko parating sa inyo na mali ‘yung impression niyo na lahat ng tao takot sa pulis,” Dela Rosa said.

“Kita ko ang acceptance ng tao sa akin. Hindi ako nagmamayabang pero kung galit sila sa war on drugs, sisigawan ako, ‘Ikaw, Bato! Ikaw pumapatay sa mga kasama namin dito!’ Pero hindi, niyayakap ako, hinahalikan, babae, matanda, bata,” he said, drawing laughter from people inside the hall.

Zubiri then said: “I have no further questions, your honor.” JE