Bato backs NCRPO chief: I would have done worse to erring cop

MANILA, Philippines — It was "good" that Director Guillermo Eleazar, chief of the National Capital Region Police Office, only  pulled the hair of a rookie officer arrested for extortion, former PNP chief Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa said Tuesday, hinting he would have done a lot worse.

Dela Rosa, a candidate for senator, told ANC’s “Headstart” on Tuesday said that he would have slammed PO2 Marlo Quibete's head against a wall. He explained that Eleazar’s actions, which drew criticism from the Commission on Human Rights, were just a sign of frustration.

"You know, it was good that Eleazar was able to control himself, he was able to stop himself. That was a sign of frustration, you're frustrated because despite everything that the government has done, that the PNP has done for you, you still do that," he said in Filipino to justify the high-ranking police official's actions.

Eleazar gave Quibete, a member of the Eastern Police District’s drug enforcement unit, a dressing down after he was arrested for allegedly demanding P200,000 from the partner of a drug suspect. The NCR 's top cop grabbed Quibete by the neck, pulled his hair and hurled profanities at him.

Dela Rosa, who once ordered cops accused of kidnapping South Koreans to do push ups for 10 minutes at the height of the Jee Ick Joo slay case, added that if it were him, he would have not been able to contain his frustration.

"If it were me, I would have done more than pull his hair. I would have slammed his head against the wall. If I were there, I would have slammed that fool's head against the wall. Because you're frustrated."

The CHR flagged Eleazar’s actions for possible violation of Quibete’s rights.

FROM INTERAKSYON: What PNP’s rulebook says about NCRPO chief’s public humiliation tactic

Eleazar apologized for his outburst but maintained that he would not apologize for his actions against erring cops.

President Rodrigo Duterte and Director General Oscar Albayalde, PNP’ chief, have backed Eleazar. 

Albayalde defended Eleazar, saying the police general was overcome with emotions after an officer under his command was caught for such a shameful offense. He added he could have done the same thing if he was in Eleazar’s shoes.

“There are certain rights that you have to waive as a member of the uniformed and armed service,” Albayalde  was quoted in a STAR report as saying.

Dela Rosa echoed Albayalde's sentiments and explained that the dressing down was just Eleazar’s reaction “being a commander.”

Dela Rosa assured that the PNP employ internal disciplinary measures on scalawag cops, but “it will take time.” — Kristine Joy Patag

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