Bato’s only son now a PNPA cadet

MANILA, Philippines - Philippine National Police chief Director General Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa’s only son joined the PNP Academy (PNPA) yesterday to follow in his father’s footsteps.

Rock dela Rosa, 22, the youngest of three siblings and named after his father’s nickname, is among the 451 applicants who successfully passed the PNPA Cadet Admission Test last October.

If a cadet successfully earns a degree in public safety at the PNPA, he or she can join either the PNP, Bureau of Fire Protection or the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology with the rank of inspector (lieutenant in the military).

Yesterday, Rock and other new cadets took part in the Reception Rites, which the PNPA website described as a foretaste of the regimented life at the academy.

Rock was shouted at by senior cadets, do pushups and roll on the ground.   

Photos on social media showed Rock sweating and covered in dust. A video showed Rock’s hair being shaved.

Sources said Rock’s mother Nancy was crying as she witnessed the rites.
Earlier, Dela Rosa said while he is worried about sending his son to the PNPA, he is also proud of Rock’s achievement.

Dela Rosa said he has no doubt his son can handle the physical training since Rock has been involved in physical fitness. He said he is more concerned about the psychological challenges his son faces.

He pointed out that he made it through the Philippine Military Academy because he came from a poor family.

“I am a tricycle driver’s son, so ‘no retreat, no surrender.’ I went into the PMA (thinking) that even if they drop a shotput on my stomach, I will not go home to Davao,” he said.

He said his son’s psychological makeup is different because he is a PNP chief’s son.

“I am apprehensive but I will leave him to decide what he wants in life,” he said.
In his Facebook post, Rock told his father not to worry.

“You did it (for) survival, but please understand that I’m doing this out of love. I want to help you and the President bring about change that Filipinos have long been praying for,” he said.