PNP taps puppets in war on drugs

HOW DO you explain the Duterte administration’s war on drugs to schoolchildren?

The Philippine National Police is going to use a puppet show, a mascot and a comic book, said Senior Supt. Gilbert Cruz, director of the PNP Police Community Relations Group (PCRG).

In a speech on Monday at the PCRG’s 24th founding anniversary celebration in Camp Crame, Quezon City, Cruz said the unit was set to conduct an “anti-illegal drugs road show” in schools and barangays nationwide.

He said the road show would feature puppet shows, a visit from new PNP mascot “PO1 Bato” and the distribution of pamphlets, including a comic book titled “Itaga Mo sa Bato,” penned by Cruz himself.

The police officers assembled at the flag-raising ceremony on Monday got a sneak preview of the child-friendly measures, with a dance performance from PO1 Bato, prompting laughter even from PNP Director General Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, on whom the mascot was based.

Tatay Digong

A show, “Tatay Digong and Da Adiks,” featured a puppet modeled on President Duterte. The puppet had a “Bisaya” accent and blurted out memorable quotes, which tickled the police personnel.

The show also featured puppet versions of Dela Rosa, which likewise captured his accent and quips.

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“On top of [the PCRG’s] priorities and projects targeting schoolchildren and the youth, is eliciting their interest and appreciation of programs relative to the PNP’s anti-illegal drug campaign; opening their eyes and ears to the ill effects of illegal drugs and the menace that they pose to their families and society,” Cruz said.