PRO-7 vows support for new PNP chief

CEBU, Philippines - The Police Regional Office-7 has assured full support for the next chief of the Philippine National Police, Chief Superintendent Ronald dela Rosa, who has been handpicked by presumptive President Rodrigo Duterte.

Chief Superintendent Patrocinio Comendador Jr., director of PRO-7, said although Dela Rosa's appointment would bypass his senior officers belonging to PMA Class 1983, 1984 and 1985, it will not affect the moral, as well as performance of the police. Dela Rosa is a member of PMA Class 1986.

 Dela Rosa, who has been tagged "The Rock," is currently the executive officer of the PNP Directorate for Human Resource and Doctrine Development. Duterte announced Dela Rosa's appointment this week.

 Comendador explained that the PNP has existed since 1905 and such institution can "stand the storm" whatever it is.  Whoever sits as next PNP chief, as long as the official is appointed by the president, he said they are duty-bound to follow his order.

 "We follow that leader because we respect him," he said, adding not just follow him because of his position.

Apart from their duty to follow their new leader, Comendador said they believe in the capacity of Dela Rosa.

 "He is good. He speaks Cebuano," he said, adding this would probably make it easier for them to adjust to his leadership.

 Comendador stressed that it is inevitable in many organizations that the appointee would sometimes bypass his seniors.

 Dela Rosa, who grew up in Barangay Bato, Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur, served as Davao City Police Office director from January 30, 2012 to October 18, 2013 under the administration of Duterte.

 In his earlier statement, Dela Rosa told criminals that he will not only crush them, but bury them. — (FREEMAN)