Bato dela Rosa hopes no one will be killed when PNP rejoins drug war

After President Rodrigo Duterte ordered the return of Philippine National Police in the campaign against illegal drugs, PNP chief Director General Ronald dela Rosa expressed hope no one would be killed this time, a television report said Thursday.

In his speech before a Filipino community in New York, Dela Rosa asked the public to pray for the success of the war on drugs which he said aims to turn the Philippines into a drug-free nation.

He also asked for prayers for the success of the police organization’s internal cleansing program.

“Sana isama n’yo kami sa inyong prayers na sana ang PNP ay maging successful sa war on drugs, sana maging successful kami sa internal cleansing program sa aming hanay, at sana makamit nating lahat na maging drug-free Philippines. At sana sa aming pagbabalik sa war on drugs wala nang mamamatay,” said in a video aired over GMA News TV’s News To Go.

The television report said Dela Rosa admitted there were still rogue cops in their ranks but the PNP leadership is already addressing it.

The PNP chief was also quoted as saying that 300 erring police officers have already been dismissed from service.

Dela Rosa is in New York to attend a forum on counter-terrorism.

PNP spokesperson Chief Superintendent Dionardo Carlos said they would continue their Project Double Barrel which includes Oplan Tokhang and Oplan HVT (High-Value Target) as soon as they finish creating a new campaign plan.

He said they were in the process of crafting the campaign plan which will guide them in the conduct of the operations.

National Capital Region Police Office chief Director Oscar Albayalde said Thursday he had already ordered all district directors to implement a strict vetting process of personnel to be assigned to the drug enforcement units while waiting for the guidelines.

He said this would ensure that police officers are trained, qualified, and disciplined to handle the assignment.

Albayalde also vowed to continue with its internal cleansing within the NCRPO.

"We will not hesitate to send another batch of police officers to the Focused Reformation/Reorientation and Moral Enhancement (FORM) if that is what’s needed to correct their lapses. We shall also continue other refresher courses on human rights laws and police operational procedures needed by our police officers,” he said.

To prevent suspicions against authorities, Albayalde said he has already directed all operatives to wear body cameras in conducting police operations particularly related to illegal drugs.

He said in the absence of a body camera, a videographer or cameraman will be designated and if there is none, a barangay chairman or the media will be invited to join the operations.

"The war on drugs is not ours alone, it is also the public's hence we solicit their support. We also ask the LGUs to commit on supporting the police especially on logistical needs so that together we fight this drug menace,” Albayalde said. — MDM, GMA News