Drug problem not ‘hopeless’ but ‘a work in progress’ – Bato

Cutting the supply chain of illegal drugs from China is “a work in progress,” according to Director General Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa, Chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP).

In a media briefing on Tuesday, a reporter asked him the problem was “hopeless.”

“It’s a work in progress,” De la Rosa said. “Huwag tayo mawalan ng pag-asa.”

“Yung 6.4 billion (pesos worth of crystal meth) na nahuli ng Customs, that’s with the help of China government,” he added.

The PNP chief was referring to the P6.4 billion drug shipment that slipped past the Bureau of Customs last May.

Dela Rosa also reiterated his order that the PNP would be more cautious in conducting drug-related operations.

“Maniniguro kami na ’di masingitan ng sindikato ang aming operasyon,” he said.

Asked on the updates on the recorded deaths under the investigation of PNP, Dela Rosa said around 2,500 of those cases had been resolved.

“Meron tayo na-resolve na mga kaso,” he said. “Around 2,500 at napatunayan not all of these cases ay drug related.”

Last October, President Rodrigo Duterte designated the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) as the “sole agency” in charge of the war on drugs, following criticisms of alleged police abuse during drug busts.

But on December 5, the President signed a memorandum ordering the PNP and other law enforcement agencies to support PDEA’s anti-narcotics operations.

Meanwhile, Dela Rosa said that bringing the PNP closer to and trusted by the masses is his biggest legacy.

He also said his accomplishment and journey as the PNP chief could be likened not to a “roller coaster ride,” but to riding the Anchor’s Away of a known theme park.

“Anchor’s away ang description, hindi roller coaster. Kasi binabagsak ka talaga sa lupa eh,” said Dela Rosa who is set to retire on January 21, 2018.