Where to, Bato?

Philippine National Police Chief Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa. INQUIRER PHOTO / NINO JESUS ORBETA

What’s next for Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa after his retirement in 2018?

In a press briefing on Monday, Dela Rosa hinted that his new assignment from President Rodrigo Duterte would be to lead an agency where “everyone else failed.”

“Sinabihan ako ni Presidente kung ano pupuntahan ko pero napakahirap na trabaho nyan. Everyone failed in that agency. Bahala na kayo mag-isip,” Dela Rosa told reporters.

Prodded by reporters to give clues on his upcoming position, he answered: “Bahala na kayo mag-isip. Basta masuhol.”

Asked if he would be heading the Bureau of Customs, Bureau of Corrections, the Department of Interior and Local Government, and even the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority and the administration of the Metro Rail Transit, Dela Rosa laughed and refused to answer.

“Mahirap na. You do not assume until you assumed office,” he said.

Dela Rosa is set to retire on Jan. 21, 2018, when turns 56 – the mandatory age of retirement in the uniformed service.

According to him, Duterte has long been urging him to assume that position.

“Matagal na sinabi sakin every time magkita kami sabi nya marami problema sa agency na yun kaya dyan ka,” Dela Rosa said.

“I don’t run from challenges lalo na kung pinaka-nirerespeto ko ang nagsabi. Talagang I will take the challenge,” he added. /cbb