Dela Rosa denies knowledge of ‘Davao drug war template’, rewards system

FILE PHOTO: Sen. Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa, who was police chief during the Duterte administration, denies having knowledge of the rewards system for police officers under a “Davao drug war template” in the implementation of the controversial “drug war”. (Senate Public Relations and Information Bureau)

 MANILA, Philippines — Former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief police Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa has denied having knowledge of the rewards system for police officers under a “Davao drug war template”  in the past administration’s war on drugs as revealed by retired police colonel Royina Garma.

In a statement sent to reporters late Friday night, dela Rosa said he does not have any idea regarding Garma’s claims that a  “Davao template” was adopted by the Duterte administration to crack down on illegal drugs.

According to Garma, police officers involved in the killing of drug suspects are rewarded or compensated for every suspect killed; planned operations and operational expenses.

“I have no idea on that,” dela Rosa said.

READ: Garma says ‘Davao drug war template’, rewards system applied in entire PH

When asked if Duterte ordered him to implement a rewards system when he was PNP chief, dela Rosa said such a directive does not exist.

“There was none,” dela Rosa said.

Garma made the revelations during the House of Representatives’ quad committee hearing earlier, saying that Duterte contacted her about building a task force where the Davao template can be used.

She also confirmed that the rewards given to police officers who kill in drug operations range from P20,000 to P1 million.

 “My amount po, Mr. Chair, from what I understand is starting from P20,000 to P1,000,000.  But I’m not familiar sa mga bracketing, Mr. Chair,” Garma noted. 

Garma and National Police Commission (Napolcom) Commissioner Edilberto Leonardo were both invited by the quad committee over rumors that they are linked to different extrajudicial killings.