We feel ‘ya, Sir.
Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Director-General Bato Dela Rosa, during the Senate hearing on Wed, Nov 23, became emotional over the apparent loss of public confidence in the police.
“Pinapasa-Diyos ko na lang itong sa PNP. Gustong-gusto kong mareform ang PNP. Ako’y hirap na hirap na ,” Dela Rosa told Senator Miguel Zubiri who aked him about the best way to deal with cops who are allegedly getting involved in the illegal drug business.
(‘I’m just leaving the situation at the PNP to God. I want to reform the PNP. I’m having a hard time.’)
“I cannot blame the public if they are losing trust and confidence in the police, because I myself, ‘di ko na nga minsan alam kung sino pagkatiwalaan eh (I don’t know who to trust anymore)” Bato later said.
Bato’s frustrations stem from the discovery that Leyte top cop Chief Inspector Jovie Espenido was supposedly involved in illegal drugs as revealed by alleged drug lord Kerwin Espinosa. According to Espinosa, Espenido facilitited his ties with Ronnie Dayan, the former driver and alleged bagman of controversial Senator Leila de Lima.
As police chief, Bato is leading President Rodrigo Duterte’s all-out war against the illegal drug trade. In spite of the difficulties, however, Bato promised that he will “fight till the end.”
