PNP Director General Ronald ‘Bato’ dela Rosa gamely poses with Bato the Puppet in Camp Crame, Quezon City. INQUIRER FILES / NIÑO JESUS ORBETA
“We have nothing to hide,” Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Ronald “Bato” de la Rosa said ahead of the Senate probe on Monday on the spate of killings in the country.
De la Rosa was among the resource persons to the hearing of the Senate committee on justice and human rights chaired by Senator Leila de Lima. The hearing is set to start at 9: 30 a.m.
Before the hearing, the PNP chief attended the Senate’s flag ceremony and spoke before its employees. He joked about probably being the first guest speaker to grace the occasion before the grilling by the Senate.
Turning serious, De la Rosa told the Senate employees that the PNP’s campaign against illegal drugs “remains strong and relentless.”
“There are criticisms along the way, but we’re facing all these with open mind and clean heart even as were willing to answer all allegations against us,” he said.
“We accept the fact that this is all part the job. Kaya nga po after this ceremony, I and my staff will be joining the Senate for a scheduled hearing in relation with the police operations we’ve been conducting against illegal drugs…”
“We are facing this probe willingly and whole-heartedly and as I’ve said it’s a most welcome probe as we have nothing to hide,” De la Rosa added.
Amidst all this, the PNP chief said they continue with their mission to serve and protect the citizenry.
“We’ve increased police visibility and patrol operations to keep criminals and lawless elements at bay and remove the fear of crime and violence in the hearts of our countrymen,” he said.