Bato on path to committing crimes against humanity at BuCor —HRW

An international human rights group on Thursday expressed fears newly-appointed Bureau of Corrections chief Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa—the former police chief on top of President Rodrigo Duterte's deadly war on drugs—is likely to perpetuate crimes against humanity in his new post because of his "killer attitude."

In an article posted online on Wednesday, Human Rights Watch (HRW) deputy director- Asia division Phelim Kine said, "The Philippines’ new Bureau of Corrections Director Ronald Dela Rosa, literally, has  a killer attitude toward his new job." 

Kine pointed out that on the very first day at the BuCor, Dela Rosa "exhorted" prison guards of the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) to "execute" drug lords if they continue to act as the tough guys in the national penitentiary.

Kine was referring to Dela Rosa's statement during his visit to the NBP as BuCor chief,  telling prison officers not to fear the jailed drug lords as they are at the guards' disposal.

Dela Rosa was quoted as saying, “Takot kayong patayin nila?” to which the guards responded 'No, sir!' Oh sila nakakulong puwede mo na silang patayin 'di ba? Bakit pa hintayin na patayin kayo? Nandiyan lang sila sa loob.” 

Kine said Dela Rosa's remarks came as no surprise.  "The former police chief deployed the forces who waged Duterte's war on drugs before his BuCor assignment." 

Dela Rosa, as an "enthusiastic" implementer of the war on drugs,  had ignored concerns about the rising death toll of the anti-narcotic campaign, Kine said.

Moreover, he said that "Dela Rosa’s remarks suggest that he will apply the same disregard for the rule of law and accountability that defined his tenure as police director general in his new role as head of the Bureau of Corrections."  

Kine reminded Dela Rosa that the International Criminal Court has begun its preliminary examination into the killings being linked to the drug war, saying the court "would likely consider any extension of that deadly campaign into Philippine prisons."

He also warned that possible killings in Philippine prisons would likely add to the "growing momentum" in the United Nations for the conduct a separate inquiry.

Dela Rosa retired from the police force last April 19 and followed President Duterte's wish for him to head the BuCor.

Upon Dela Rosa's assumption of the BuCor post, Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Menardo Guevarra said: "I will order him [Dela Rosa] to destroy the illegal drug machinery inside the national penitentiary."

The BuCor is under the supervision of the DOJ. —Margaret Claire Layug/LBG, GMA News