Bato congratulates police for ‘very good job’ during ASEAN Summit

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa on Tuesday lauded policemen involved in maintaining order and security during the 31st ASEAN Summit and Related Meetings.

"Thank you! Congratulations to every one. Very good job. I am very happy and very much satisfied with your performance,” Dela Rosa told his men during the inspection of personnel deployed in connection with the summit.

He inspected troops detailed at EDSA Heritage, EDSA Pasay Rotunda, Buendia Taft, Buendia Roxas Boulevard, and Quirino Taft.

"Konting dasal na lang na sana matapos ito. Ayaw natin na may masaktan sa ating kapwa at mas lalong ayaw natin na tayo ay masaktan," Dela Rosa said as he urged his men to stay fit and healthy to enjoy the increase in their salaries next year.

He also thanked the policemen for their teamwork.

In an interview with reporters during the inspection, Dela Rosa said if he would grade his men's performance, he would give them a 9.5 rating.

"So far sa nakikita ko ngayon [ay] nasa mga 9.5," he said. "So far walang salpukan, so far so good. ‘Yung kanilang mga rally ay na-confine lang doon sa Liwasang Bonifacio, sa Mendiola lang sila, so hindi sila makalapit sa PICC. So it's a good sign."

Asked if recognition would be given to their personnel, the PNP chief said, "We will study and my staff will give the corresponding recommendations.”

The praise came even as the police force is being criticized for using the Long Range Acoustic Device (LRAD) to ward off protesters.

According to Gabriela party-list Representatives Emmi De Jesus and Arlene Brosas, who have sought a congressional investigation on the incident, the use of the sonic weapon  constitutes a new level of state violence. —KBK, GMA News