Dela Rosa ecstatic over SC decision upholding martial law

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa lead the turn over command for the New Bilibid Prisons facility Security where around 182 SAF were replaced by a new team of SAF personnel on Tuesday. INQUIRER/MARIANNE BERMUDEZ

“Thank you very much, Supreme Court, for upholding martial law,” was Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa’s message to the high court after it affirmed President Duterte’s much-contested extension of martial law in Mindanao.

“Malalaki maitutulong niyan sa terrorism at saka sa insurgency so sana tuloy-tuloy na ito,” Dela Rosa said in a chance interview at the Correctional Institution for Women in Mandaluyong on Tuesday.

Voting 10-5, the SC dismissed all petitions arguing that there is no more need for a martial rule in the south.

The high tribunal, in its decision, believed that public safety required the extension, as shown by facts presented by the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines).

As he expressed elation over the decision, Dela Rosa said the PNP had received information that the recruitment of terror groups is still ongoing particularly in Lanao del Sur where its capital city Marawi was besieged by Islamic State-inspired Maute militants for five months.

“Mayroon tayong vinavalidate na meron pang nagre-recruit so ‘yon ang dapat bantayan,” he said.

Dela Rosa said more adjustments could be expected within the police force as President Duterte wanted them to be involved more aggressively in the government’s anti-terrorism and insurgency campaign.

“Kaya pinabilisan natin ang upgrading of our equipment and armaments para makatulong sa AFP,” he said.

More policemen will be deployed in areas under threats, including Davao, Caraga, Northern and Southern Mindanao regions, added the police chief./ac