Firing squad for drug traffickers: Senator-elect Bato

Dela Rosa said this method of death penalty, which he wants to be made public, is a good deterrent against drug trafficking. (File photo: Bato dela Rosa/Facebook)

MANILA — Retired Philippine National Police (PNP) chief and Senator-elect Ronald dela Rosa on Wednesday reiterated that he will push the reinstatement of the death penalty, particularly firing squad, for drug traffickers.

“I have no other campaign promise or platform when I run for Senator except for death penalty for drug trafficking. I have to do that. The people voted for me and I won with that platform,” dela Rosa told reporters during the PNP Civil Security Group – Supervisory Office for Security and Investigation Agency (SOSIA) 2019 Stakeholders’ Summit in Camp Crame, Quezon City.

Dela Rosa said this method of death penalty, which he wants to be made public, is a good deterrent against drug trafficking.

“If you want, we can have it through firing squad in a plaza covered live by media so that the people will be reminded not to be lured into this activity,” he said in Filipino.

The former top cop, however, clarified that only big-time drug traffickers should be punished with the death penalty.

“Not for all crimes. As I have said, small-time drug peddlers, pushers or users won’t be included. My version of death penalty is for drug trafficking, those who flood the country with illegal drugs. There should be a ceiling. For example, if you are caught in possession of at least 1 kilo of shabu, you are classified as drug trafficker. It can be like that,” dela Rosa explained.

He also vowed to create a law that would benefit the national police agency.

“For now, I am asking them (PNP) for input. What do they want me to do in the Senate? Some officials have made suggestions on what can I include in my legislative agenda. We still have to talk about it,” he said.

Dela Rosa, who was the guest of honor and key speaker at the summit, also underscored the crucial role of the civil security sector in ensuring a safe and secure environment for industries to grow, generate jobs, and spur socio-economic development.

With the theme, “Genuine Transformation Towards a Better Private Security Industry and Secured Nation”, CSG Director, Maj. Gen. Reynaldo Biay said the summit is designed to gather inputs and recommendations from our stakeholders for policy review and possible amendment of the Republic Act 5487 or the Private Security Agency Law.

The Philippine private security sector has a manpower complement of some 400,000 “blue guards” and security professionals who can provide potent support services as force-multipliers of the PNP in law enforcement and public safety operations.

About 200 heads of private security providers, security agency operators, and private security training institutes attended this year’s summit.

Republic Act 5487 was enacted into law in 1969 and was further amended by Presidential Decree No. 11 in 1972.