Bato to traffic cops: Don’t be afraid, President is behind you

PNP chief Director General Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa gives a pep talk to Highway Patrol Group personnel who will be sent to Edsa and ease the perennially congested traffic on the highway. JULLIANE LOVE DE JESUS/INQUIRER.net

Don’t get bullied by politicians and arrogant car owners.

That was the send-off message of Philippine National Police chief Director General Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa to dozens of Highway Patrol Group (HPG) cops to be deployed on Edsa highway.

Before leaving Camp Crame, HPG officers listened to Dela Rosa give them a pep talk at the PNP transformation oval on Monday afternoon.

“‘Wag kayong bababuy-babuyin lang dyan. Dapat irespeto nila kayo, or the most, dapat matakot sila nandyan kayo. Kung binabastos kayo ng kung sinong mayaman dyan, lumaban kayo. ‘Wag kayong matakot. Magtrabaho lang kayo nang magtrabaho. Kung magka-problema kayo, andyan si Pres. Duterte,” he said.

(You should not be treated rudely. [Politicians and arrogant car owners] should respect you, or the most, they should be afraid because of your presence. If someone disrespects you, you should stand up to them. You should not be afraid. Just work. If you encounter problems, President Duterte is behind you.)

“‘Wag kayong magpapa-intimidate dyan sa mga siga dyan sa Edsa. Dapat isa lang ang siga sa Edsa (Don’t get intimidated by bullies on Edsa. There should only be one toughy on Edsa),” Dela Rosa said, drawing applauses from the cops.

The HPG on Monday created “Task Force Edsa” to ensure road safety and security and manage the perenially congested traffic on Metro Manila’s longest highway.

Originally, the HPG sent 200 of its personnel, some from other police units in the provinces, to man Edsa. But Senior Supt. Antonio Gardiola, newly appointed HPG director, said Dela Rosa was considering adding 100 more cops on Edsa.

Dela Rosa also reminded them not to taint the image of the HPG by collecting money and accepting bribes from errant drivers.

“Basta trabaho lang. ‘Wag lang abuso. Pero kapag kayo nangotong, sabi ni Pres. Duterte, uupakan rin kayo (Just work appropriately. Don’t abuse. But if you accept bribes, President Duterte said you would also be hit),” he said./rga

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