Bato confirms cops’ drug links

PNP chief Director General Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa pulls his shirt to show a gun in his waist as he approaches the podium to speak before members and officers of the Central Visayas police force during a visit to Cebu City. JUNJIE MENDOZA / CEBU DAILY NEWS

CEBU CITY—The reshuffle of police officers in Central Visayas, including those credited with the killing of two top drug lords in the region, was triggered by police involvement in the illegal drug trade, according to Philippine National Police chief, Director General Ronaldo “Bato” dela Rosa.

Dela Rosa, in a press conference here on Monday, did not name names but said some officers in the regional police office are receiving money from the drug trade.

Some mayors in the region, he said, were also involved in drugs.

Dela Rosa apologized to Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña, who was angered by the transfer of police officers in Cebu City, who had been credited with the killing of two suspected drug lords in Bohol and Las Pinas City in Metro Manila.

“I’m sorry, sir, if you felt bad that we removed your city director. Your police are identified with the illegal drug trade,” dela Rosa said, addressing himself to Osmeña.

“There are policemen here who are receiving money from drug syndicates in the guise of whatever. They received something,” he said.

Osmeña had protested the transfer of two of his favorite officers—Patrocinio Comendador Jr., who was removed as Central Visayas police chief and Benjamin Santos Jr., who was removed as Cebu City police chief.

The mayor said he would stop the reward system he had initiated for policemen who kill criminals in the city.

Dela Rosa appealed to Osmeña to reconsider his decision, saying police in the city needed the support of the mayor in the war on drugs.

Dela Rosa, however, said the war on drugs would continue with or without Osmeña.

The PNP chief said if Osmeña refuses to support the campaign, “what can I do?” “What will happen to Cebu if he doesn’t support our policemen?” dela Rosa said.

He said he might as well seek help from the private sector if Osmeña refuses to help city policemen because of the reshuffle.