‘Bato’ blasts critics: Davao explosion not gov’t handiwork

Philippine National Police chief Dir. Gen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa took offense at some critics accusing the Duterte administration of orchestrating the deadly explosion in Davao City, the President’s hometown, to justify an eventual declaration of martial law in the country.

“Napakasakit naman na akusasyon ‘yan. Mahal na mahal po ni Presidente ‘yung aming siyudad ng Davao. Hindi niya kayang gawin ‘yan (That accusation is really painful. The President and I love our home city of Davao. We cannot do something like that). We’ve already had enough of heartaches already,” dela Rosa said in a hastily called press conference at Camp Crame before flying to Davao City.

Moments after the blast that hit the crowded night market on Roxas Avenue there, President Duterte placed the entire country under a state of lawless violence, ordering the military and police to bolster campaign against terrorism.

READ: Duterte: State of lawlessness part of duty to protect PH

The President was quick to clarify that he would not declare martial law but “it would require nationwide, well-coordinated efforts of the military and the police.”

Dela Rosa, also a native of Davao del Sur, belied “unfair” claims that what Duterte had declared was a prelude to martial law.

READ: Dela Rosa: We won’t be cowed by this act of terrorism

“Nakailang bomba na po ‘yung Davao since I became a policeman at ramdam po namin ‘yung sakit kapag ikaw ay na-bomba  tapos i-accuse mo pa sa Presidente na kagagawan ng gobyerno?” added the police chief.

(Davao has been bombed several times since I became a policeman, and we are pained each time we are bombed, and yet you accuse the President that that may be the handiwork of the President?)

“That’s a very unfair accusation at ako mismo naaaburido ang ulo ko kapag naririnig ko ‘yan (I myself am irritated each time I hear that). Sorry,” he said.

The PNP chief said critics, particularly those from human rights groups, questioning Duterte’s move should just keep quiet and cooperate with the government in its fight against terrorists.

“‘Yong mga human rights groups na mag-question, dapat tumulong na lang sila para walang bomba na sasabog sa ating bansa. Tutulong na lang sila sana. Huwag na sila mag-question. Wala pa ngang ginawa question na sila,” he said.

(Human rights groups who are questioning the government’s moves, they should just help out so that there’ll be no more bombing in our country. They should just contribute, and not question us. They have not done anything yet, and they are already questioning us.)

“Sana naman in times like this, tayong mga Pilipino, tayo ay tinamaan. Sana po tayo ay magkakaisa para naman hindi tayo magkawatak-watak (I hope that in times like this, we Filipinos are the ones being attacked. We should unite and not be divided),” dela Rosa added. IDL