Bato: Police, military personnel also killed in drug war

PNP chief Ronald dela Rosa, Sen. Lyn Rillon/PDI

On the second day of the Senate inquiry on alleged extrajudicial killings in the country, Philippine National Police chief Dir. Gen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa reiterated that there is “clear danger on the lives” of police and military personnel amid a drug war.

With a powerpoint presentation, Dela Rosa revealed the latest death count among the security forces since  “Oplan Double Barrel” was implemented on July 1, also the day the police chief assumed office.

Nine police officers and three military officers have died while 18 cops and eight Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) members have been killed in anti-drug operations since July 1.

Dela Rosa also noted the efforts of the PNP in cleansing its ranks.

READ: ‘Bato’ weeds out cops on drugs after exposé in Senate

He said there were 11 PNP members linked to drugs who had been killed while 20 were arrested in police operations.

The PNP also found that 130 out of its 99,598 members have been using illegal substance, particularly shabu (metamphetamine hydrochloride).

Six administrative and seven criminal charges have been filed against erring personnel so far.

Dela Rosa added that 284 police officials have been relieved and transferred to other units.

Meanwhile, the 43 cops on the drug list of President Rodrigo Duterte who surrendered to Dela Rosa have been transferred to the PNP’s personnel holding and accounting unit. CDG/rga

READ: Bato blames crime syndicates for extrajudicial killings