Bato: Cops in drugs worse than criminals

PNP Chief Ronald Dela Rosa. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO / RICHARD A. REYES

CAMP MARCELO ADDURU, Tuguegarao City—Describing policemen linked to illegal drugs as “worse than criminals,” Director General Ronald dela Rosa, Philippine National Police chief, said he would take it personally if he discovered that police officers had been protecting drug syndicates.

Dela Rosa met on Friday with policemen, officials and residents of Cagayan Valley who surrendered after admitting their drug addiction or their ties to drug traffickers.

He said policemen were tasked to serve and protect the people, so any evidence pointing to their involvement in the drug trade would be quickly addressed.

Dela Rosa said the PNP was investigating 11,000 policemen for alleged drug connections.

“I tell you, if you are involved, pe-personalin ko kayo (I will take it personally),” he said. “Mark my words…this is not just a job for me. I will take it personally because I do not want to hear of fellow policemen’s ties to illegal drugs.”

Dela Rosa said he intended to dismiss police officers in Western and Central Visayas who had allegedly been accepting bribes from gambling lords who also dealt in illegal drugs.

Saying the PNP still has good officers in its roster, he urged the Cagayan Valley police to continue “to get rid of the scourge of illegal drugs” until the government wins the drug war.