Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Ronald ‘Bato’ dela Rosa has vowed to put a stop to the criminal activities being done by erring policemen.
Dela Rosa stated his determination to cleanse their institution moments after suspected drug lord Kerwin Espinosa named several police officials and their men who supposedly benefitted from his drug payoffs.
Dela Rosa also made it clear his ultimatum is addressed not only to so-called narco-cops but also to other misfits in uniform.
“I have given a lot of warnings but it seems they are not listening. If they continue to do their illegal activities, then they don’t deserve mercy. These people need no mercy,” said Dela Rosa. “If we continue to show mercy, then they will tend to abuse you. When it comes to corruption, it should be no mercy,” said Dela Rosa.
Dela Rosa broke down during the recent senate hearing on Espinosa’s drug dealings after the police chief was reminded about him being the only hope to end the country’s drug problems.
The PNP chief however assures accused policemen will have their day in court.
“If would dismiss them from the service outright, their lawyers would just use some technicalities to make it appear that their clients were not given due process,” said Dela Rosa. “As a result, the court would say that they were not given fair trial and this would always result in their reinstatement. So we would prefer that all cases be subjected in a normal process to come up with a positive outcome.” (AARON RECUENCO)