Bato 'going through extensive soul searching to get closer to God' amid PNP mess

Philippine National Police chief Director General Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa said Tuesday he is going through 'extensive soul searching' as he amid the controversy hounding the police organization.

“First, it’s very important that we have to cleanse ourselves first, so being the chief PNP, I need to cleanse myself first so this is why I’m here right now. I’m going through extensive soul searching, getting back closer to God,” Dela Rosa said in a short speech after hearing mass at the PNP headquarters.

He also urged his men to also undergo soul searching amid allegations that its members were involved in the abduction and killing of South Korean businessman Jee Ick Joo, who was reportedly strangled to death right inside Camp Crame. At least three members of PNP Anti-Illegal Drugs Groups are being tagged in the incident: Supt. Rafael Dumlao III; SPO3 Ricky Sta. Isabel, who allegedly strangled Jee; and SPO4 Roy Villegas.

That has led to President Rodrigo Duterte to order the police to suspend its anti-drug operations while prioritizing the cleansing of its ranks.

Dela Rosa said a spiritual reawakening is necessary for police officers.

“Kasi pag masyado tayong busy at masyadong maraming problema, nakakalimutan natin ang relationship with God. For all we know, He’s the ultimate one, wala nang iba, Siya lang talaga ang pupuntahan natin kapag tayo ay may problem so I invite everyone to cleanse,” he said.

“In doing so, we will be doing a great service to our organization. In cleansing the organization, how I wish we could cleanse the whole Philippines para sa tunay na pagbabago para mapagmayabang natin ang ating bansa,” he added. —JST, GMA News