Bato’s Christmas message: Shun hatred

MANILA, Philippines — Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa  yesterday urged Filipinos to shun hatred and forgive those who have committed wrongdoing.

In his Christmas message released yesterday, Dela Rosa said people should learn to love and understand their neighbors and to forgive their enemies, just like Jesus Christ.

Dela Rosa said he and fellow police officers should also be thankful for the opportunity to serve the country.

“The opportunity to serve our nation is perhaps the best gift from the Lord that we can ever have in our lives. In gratitude, let us celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ by offering to Him and for His greater glory all our victories, our good deeds, our sacrifices and even our defeats,” he added.

He said the season is also a time for government workers to renew and strengthen their commitment to another year of service to the people.

Dela Rosa is set to retire from the service when he turns 56 on Jan. 21, 2018.

But President Duterte said Dela Rosa’s term might be extended by two to three months to complete some unfinished tasks, including the government’s war on illegal drugs.

Duterte tapped Dela Rosa to head the Bureau of Corrections.