CEBU CITY -- Philippine National Police Chief Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa on Wednesday encouraged all police officers in Central Visayas to remain focus in fulfilling their duties and not be distracted by the widespread criticisms on the war on drugs.
“Whatever problems the PNP is facing right now, we shouldn't worry for as long as we are doing our duty,” said Dela Rosa during the 116th Police Service Anniversary celebration here at the Police Regional Office - 7 on Wednesday. “The war on drugs is for the betterment of the community.”
He encouraged every policeman to work even harder as the anti-drugs campaign may last longer as expected. “We had already prevailed and we will continue to prevail,” Dela Rosa added.
Dela Rosa also proudly announced that PRO-7 is among the highest achievers in the first year of President Rodrigo Duterte's war on drugs. The Central Visayas police reported the surrender of almost 100,000 drug personalities.
"I am happy to know that together with your strong performance in the anti-drug war, you also continue to strengthen your human rights program and your women and children protection efforts," Dela Rosa said.
However, dela Rosa also warned the police officers not to plant evidence on suspected drug dealers. "Avoid planting evidence. That's not the right way. Remember, God is watching us. In the end, there will always be judgment from Him. So do not do such things," Dela Rosa said.
Before the anniversary program, Dela Rosa awarded the "Medalya ng Sugatang Magiting" to two hospitalized policemen - PO1 Dennis Valiente and PO2 Jemuel Villaflores.
Valiente was wounded during an operation against a high-value target in Cordova, Mactan, while Villaflores was also injured during a buy-bust operation that led to a shootout with fellow police officer Ryan Quiamco in Talisay City.
Meanwhile, PRO-7 Director Jose Mario Espino gladly reported to the Chief PNP that the region's police is on the right track in intensifying the war on drugs and will continue to arrest all drug personalities, including police officers involved in the drug trade.
"Our internal cleansing program was indeed fruitful as several police officers of PRO-7 who are drug protectors have already been relieved and are now facing cases in the Ombudsman. We will not stop going after them. So, watch out!" Espino said.
"Although some civil rights advocates are protesting against our measures and accuse the PNP of not giving civil rights to those caught in our campaign, my response to them is that the No. 1 civil right is the right to be free from crime and illegal drugs. We go after the suspects by following standard police procedure," Espino added.
The PRO-7 respects human right, as, in fact, they have made more arrests than shooting engagements with drug personalities, he said.
Espino added they are not killing machines nor they are robots, and they don’t want children to lose their fathers in an operation. But sometimes these things happen because they must also protect themselves.
Espino also paid tribute to the two wounded officers Valiente and Villaflores.
"I consider them heroes for catching a big fish. More big fish to catch," Espino said. (USJR intern Levirose Caballero/PNA)
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Topic: Bato tells PRO-7 officers to shake off criticisms (Read 218 times)