Cancer-stricken boy gets wish to become cop

A dream come true for Christianel Dolosa

MANILA, Philippines—The Philippine National Police had just fulfilled the wish of an 8-year-old cancer patient hoping to become a police officer and  “go after robbers,” even for just a day.

Christianel Dolosa, who has been battling acute lymphoblastic leukemia for two years now, had been dreaming to become a cop since he was four years old.

His wish reached the knowledge of newly installed PNP chief, Deputy Director General Alan Purisima Wednesday.

On Thursday the dream was realized when Dolosa was placed “on duty” by the National Police chief to become a police for one whole day holding the Police Inspector Rank under the Special Action Force unit.

During the press conference, Dolosa was made to wear his police uniform, complete with police cap, name plate, and the symbolic badge.

Inspector Dolosa also attended an orientation on the history, vision and values of the police service and a tour of the PNP facilities, including the office of the highest police official of the land at the National Headquarters.

Dolosa also had the real-life experience of patrol duty on board a police mobile patrol unit.

The presentation was highlighted by his salute to Purisima.

When Dolosa was asked why he wanted to become a police officer, the seemingly shy kid said “para hulihin ang mga magnanakaw at mga nagdo-droga (to arrest robbers and the perpetrators of the drug menace).”

“At minsan ’pag may gyera, lumalaban sila (And if war breaks out, they are ready to fight),” Inspector Dolosa said.

Purisima said the appreciation of the child flattered him, prompting him to call on the rest of the 148,000-strong police to be a good example to children.

“Dapat damihan pa ang mga pulis na idol ng kabataan . . . dapat wag magpakita ng hindi maganda sa kabataan . . . dapat idol sila ng mga bata (Let there be more policemen who will become idols of the youth…who will always set a good example to the youth…they must become the idols of the youth),” he said.

Purisima also gave Inspector Dolosa two patrol toy cars.

But on top of this wish, what the young inspector prays to have this Christmas is healing.

“Gusto kong gumaling (I want to be cured),” he said.