Bato: Narco-cops deserve to die

CEBU, Philippines — "Policemen involved in illegal drugs deserve death."

This was the statement of Senator-elect Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa, former Philippine National Police chief, during a press briefing in Cebu for his nationwide tour to thank voters who supported him in the recently concluded elections.

Dela Rosa, who clinched the fifth spot in the senatorial race of 12, said that narco-cops do not have a place in the service.

He said that they deserve death more than the civilians who are involved in the illegal drug trade.

“Dako gani nang sala ang civilian nga namaligya og shabu, how much more sa pulis nga nag recycle sa dinakop.  Mas double ilang sala.  Kung pwede bitayon sila kaduha," he said. (It’s a sin for civilians to be involved in illegal drugs.  How much more if you are a cop who recycles seized drugs? You deserve to die.)

Dela Rosa, who is expected to chair the Public Order and Drugs Committee when he assumes office, said that he has plans to revive the knock--and-plead (Tokhang) scheme to convince drug users to surrender.

He said that there will be a "promising" approach in the anti-drug campaign.

Dela Rosa added that he cannot single out Cebu when it comes to the problem of shabu since it is a "universal" problem.

It can be recalled though that Central Visayas was considered by President Rodrigo Duterte as a hotbed of illegal drug business.

Dela Rosa assured he is one with the Duterte administration in cleansing the country of all narcotics.

"The drug problem is universal problem, not just in Cebu but for the whole country" he said.

On the other hand, asked by reporters what he can say to critics saying he is not "intelligent enough", Dela Rosa challenged them to a debate to dismiss their "elitist" comments.

"Magdebate na lang mi. Lisud ning paluoy-luoy ta, ang mga nangdaot sa akoa nga di daw ko kamao kana mang mga altasosyedad nga Tagalog. Mag debate mi kay kita gyud sila og kinsa'y di kamao,” he said. (I challenge them to a debate.  Those who are criticizing me are the rich Tagalog speaking people.) — Diane Leizle A. Ganar (FREEMAN)