Bato dances Zumba, leads PNP program to stay limber enough to run after pushers

A break from the operations is not exactly a break from physical activity for Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa and some 1,600 police officers.

The PNP chief led a physical and fitness program early Wednesday morning, riding a bike from White Plains to Camp Crame and letting some dance moves loose in a Zumba session.

Dela Rosa said in an interview with GMA News' Unang Balita that this fitness project is still linked to the anti-drug campaign, ensuring the ability of officers to keep up with the pace of the operations.

"Nasa digmaan tayo, kailangan prepared ka palagi," he said. "Paano ka makikipaghabulan sa mga adik kung hindi ka makatakbo? Paano ka makipaghabulan sa mga pusher? Karamihan diyan palaging high, mataas ang adrenaline."

He added that instead of setting a target waist measurement, they will be using the Body Mass Index (BMI), "Ayaw naman naming mamatay sila sa kaka-reduce."

Dela Rosa also hopes that the program endears officers to the public as it is also his goal to connect with communities.

"Habang tumatagal, dapat ang PNP ay lalong mapapalit sa taong bayan, lalong mamahalin ng taong bayan," he said, adding, "Paano ka mamahalin kung bundat tiyan mo, hindi ka tumatakbo? Kailangan physically fit ka para maging loveable ka sa taong bayan." — Aya Tantiangco/RSJ, GMA News