PNP firm on Bato’s security despite incoming chief’s opposition

Incoming PNP head Chief Supt. Ronald dela Rosa. INQUIRER PHOTO

Even if Chief Supt. Ronald dela Rosa refuses to be surrounded by a lot of security personnel, the Philippine National Police (PNP) will insist on its duty to give maximum security to the incoming leader of the 160,000-strong police force.

This after Dela Rosa said in a TV5 interview that he did not want to double his security amid assassination threats against him and President-elect Rodrigo Duterte.

“I am confident that I can defend myself. Gusto ko malaman nila na maluwag ang security ko. They can come on down,” said Dela Rosa, who uses the nickname “Bato” for his solid build and tough image.

Dela Rosa himself revealed in previous interviews that some drug lords detained in Bilibid had placed a P50-million bounty on his head and Duterte’s after the latter said he would give a P5 million reward to those who could kill a drug lord.

But PNP spokesperson Chief Supt. Wilben Mayor reiterated that it was the duty of the police to protect the PNP chief, the leader of an organization responsible for at least 160,000 policemen.

“He deserves to be protected being the chief of the PNP. Kailangan mabantayan siya considering he’s the head of the organization. Nakaatang sa kanya ang mabigat na responsibilidad nung opisina na kanyang kinakatawan kaya he really deserves to be protected,” Mayor said in a press briefing at Camp Crame on Friday.

Asked if Dela Rosa, a Davao native, would be allowed to bring in his own security detail from the province when he assumes his new post, Mayor said the PNP chief had the power to choose his own security officers.

“Kung kanino siya comfortable, kung sino na ang matagal niyang kasama at napapagkatiwalaan niya dahil buhay ang at stake dito kaya kung ano ang naisin ng ating hepe ng pambansang pulisya na magiging driver or security officer niya, nasa kanya na ‘yon,” Mayor said.

But the police spokesperson reiterated that any personnel Dela Rosa would choose should still undergo a VIP security training at Camp Crame./rga