PNP chief Bato hopes Duterte delays naming of ‘narco mayors’

MANILA, Philippines — Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa said he hopes President Rodrigo Duterte would delay the naming of local executives suspected to be involved in illegal drug activities to prolong the suffering of their conscience.

“Mas maganda matagal niya (Duterte) sabihin para the more mabuburyo 'yung utak ng mga p****g *n*ng mayor na drug lord,” Dela Rosa said in a radio interview with dzBB.

Dela Rosa revealed that the president already read the names of the list of "narco-mayors" linked to illegal drugs but he refused to mention where these local executives hail from.

“Binasa na niya 'yun sa Cabinet meeting namin the other day. More or less may idea na kami kung sinu-sino ang mga tao (drug suspects) na 'yan,” he said.

Meanwhile, asked when Duterte would reveal the names of these suspected local executives, presidential spokesperson Ernesto Abella said it is the president’s prerogative.

Abella said the suspects’ whereabouts were already known to the president and they are simply being asked to respond accordingly.

Duterte started naming high-ranking officials last July 5 when he named five generals allegedly involved in the narcotics trade. On Monday, it was his first time to name a town mayor involved in drugs.

He also promised to name more 'narco mayors' soon.

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