Bato dela Rosa’s birthday wish: Successful war on drugs, efficient cops

As Philippine National Police chief Director General Ronald dela Rosa starts his three-month term extension, he wishes for a successful campaign against illegal drugs and a more efficient and upright police force.

In a press conference after the PNP flag-raising ceremony on Monday, Dela Rosa said he intends to make his birthday wishes transparent.

He celebrated his 56th birthday Sunday and was supposed to retire but President Rodrigo Duterte extended his term until April.

“Ang birthday wish ko transparent to the media. My wish na sana ‘yung PNP maging successful sa aming campaign plan Double Barrel at Oplan Tokhang. Sana wala na kaming problemang ma-encounter,” the PNP chief said before he blew the candles on the cake given to him by reporters.

By successful operation, he meant fewer drug suspects killed in police operations.

“Sana maging successful in the sense na kakaunti na lang mamatay. Sana wala nang mamatay at kung meron, sana kakaunti na lang. Sana unquestionable operation ang mangyayari,” said Dela Rosa.

He added he wanted the drug problem to be lessened if not eliminated before he retires.

“Ang wish ko para sa drug problem ng Pilipinas ma-a-address talaga, hindi man totally ma-eliminate, sana bababa to the lowest level ‘yung problema ng droga sa Pilipinas before I bow out of the service. ‘Yun lang ang wish ko, very transparent,” he said.

Dela Rosa said he also wanted to see his men level up their performance after the President signed the joint resolution for their salary increase.

“Sana ngayon kayo makakita ng napakabait, napakatino, at napakagaling na Philippine National Police. ‘Yun ang pinapangarap ko talaga dahil napakataas ng aming sweldo,” he said.

In his speech during the flag ceremony, Dela Rosa rallied his men to triple their efforts.

“Hindi lang doblehin kundi triplehin pa ang effort lalong lalo na malaki na ang sweldo natin. Ako ang pinaka may malaking sweldo dito,” he said. —KG, GMA News