Meet the man behind PO1 Bato mascot

The Philippine National Police mascot "PO1 Bato" dropped by the morning television show Unang Hirit on Tuesday as part of PNP's anti-drugs campaign.

The Police Community Relations Group unveiled PO1 Bato during its 24th anniversary celebration on Monday.

Although the mascot is made to look like PNP chief Director General Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa, the man behind it is actually PO2 Lawrence John Fernandez.

Meet the man behind the PO1 Bato mascot: PO2 Lawrence John Fernandez pic.twitter.com/qSfKtoIqEx

— GMA News Breaking (@gmanewsbreaking) August 2, 2016

PCRG Deputy Director PSSupt Mario Rariza, Jr. said he and his team chose PO2 Fernandez to be the PNP mascot because of his natural charm and good dancing skills.

"Hindi lang 6-pack abs mayroon 'yan, 8-pack!" he joked.

Rariza says PO1 Bato has been tasked to visit different schools to help spread awareness among students on the harmful effects of drugs.

In his early morning visit, PO1 Bato also invited the Unang Hirit barkada to do the #TrumpetsChallenge with him.

 

Naki-#TrumpetsChallenge ang @unanghirit barkada kay PO1 Bato kaninang umaga!

A video posted by GMA News (@gmanews) on

Aug 1, 2016 at 5:43pm PDT

—KG, GMA News