Police general axed for FB posts on presidential bet

MANILA, Philippines – A police general was relieved as chief of a sensitive unit allegedly for posting in his Facebook account photographs and comments seen to be in favor of a presidential candidate.

Chief Supt. Ronald dela Rosa was relieved as brigade commander of the Reactionary Standby Support Force (RSSF) of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and was replaced by Chief Supt. Elmo Sarona.

In his Facebook account, Dela Rosa posted on May 1 that he has been detailed as RSSF and threatened to “crush” those who will cheat and sow terror during the May 9 elections. His post was seen to favor presidential bet Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte.

“I am the Brigade Commander of the PNP RSSF composed of 8 battalions close to 5,000 personnel based in Camp Crame. Kayong mga mangdadaya at mangliligalig ngayong (those who would cheat and terrorize on the) May 9 elections, humanda na kayo (be warned)! WE WILL CRUSH YOU!!! Kung sa binisaya pa LIGSAN TA MO!!!” Dela Rosa posted.

In another post dated April 26, Dela Rosa said, “It’s time for Batman vs Emilio Aguinaldo. Who will win? The fictional superhero or the real Filipino hero?” During the third and last debate held in Pangasinan, Duterte said his major finance contributor was Emilio Aguinaldo, while Liberal Party standard-bearer Manuel Roxas II used a quote of Batman.

On his March 28 post, Dela Rosa said Duterte is one of the greatest influences in his career, accompanied by a black and white photo of Duterte holding an M16 rifle. Dela Rosa served as Davao City police chief several years ago.

“You have been the greatest influence in my career. I never feared to enforce the law and prevent crimes because you are always there watching my back. To the greatest leader on earth, Mayor RRD, happy birthday sir! Wishing you the best of health and the best of 2016! May God bless you more!” Dela Rosa said.

The STAR tried to get Dela Rosa’s reaction, but he did respond.

Deputy Director General Danilo Constantino, PNP deputy chief for operations, denied the relief of Dela Rosa had something to do with his Facebook posts.

He, however, reminded all policemen nationwide to remain professional and refrain from political activities that would undermine the neutrality of the PNP.

Constantino said Dela Rosa would be tapped to lead the seminar to remind police personnel of their proper behavior during elections.

“They should be given a crash course on relevant Comelec (Commission on Elections) resolution. Some police personnel are not aware, like our troops in the field. The office primary responsible will be the directorate for human resource and doctrine development and Dela Rosa is the ex-o of HRDD so we are tasking him to lead in doing orientation,” said Constantino.

Constantino said an investigation would also be conducted to determine the administrative liability of Dela Rosa in connection with his partisan political activities.