A fool-proof bloodless drug war? That’s ‘baloney,’ says Bato

PNP chief Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa during the press briefing at the Philippine National Police headquarters on January 29, 2018. INQUIRER.NET / NOY MORCOSO

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa on Monday said he could not assure the public of a “fool-proof” bloodless anti-drug campaign.

“I cannot give you a 100 percent, fool-proof anti-drug campaign that is bloodless,” Dela Rosa said in a press briefing, stressing it would not be the fault of policemen if suspected drug personalities become violent.

“Maging successful sa drug war, walang namatay? That’s baloney. That’s impossible,” Dela Rosa said.

Dela Rosa even said he was willing to give up his post if anyone would name a police commander who could pull off a bloodless drug war.

“Bigyan n’yo ako kung sinong commander na pwede gawin iyan, na walang mamatay (sa drug war). I am willing to give up my post,” the PNP chief added.

The PNP relaunched its “Oplan Tokhang” on Monday for a more active role in President Rodrigo Duterte’s war on drugs.

The relaunch coincided with the PNP’s 27th foundation anniversary.

During the celebration, Dela Rosa assured the public that mistakes in the drug war “will no longer be repeated.”

Under the new guidelines, visitations under Oplan Tokhang would only be carried out during the day. Dela Rosa said this was aimed at preventing the killing of suspects.

However, in addressing the proliferation of illegal drugs, Dela Rosa said policemen need to protect themselves and innocent civilians should drug suspects refuse to surrender and violently resist arrest.

“Kung gusto n’yo ng bloodless, wala sanang drug problem. If we have complete control of the situation, walang problema sana sa drugs ngayon,” Dela Rosa said.

“Alangan namang pabayaan namin ang sarili namin na mamatay kami, kung armado at makipagbarilan ‘yung drug personalities,” he added.

But Dela Rosa maintained that the PNP would do everything to wage a less-bloody anti-drug campaign.

“We are just giving you the assurance na lahat ay gagawin namin para maging less bloody ang anti-drug campaign. Remember, we are not dealing with people na nasa tamang pag-iisip,” the PNP chief said. /cbb