Bato ‘fine’ with probe into ex-PNP chiefs’ roles in drug war

Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa (File photo: Senate of the Philippines/Facebook)

By Wilnard Bacelonia, Philippine News Agency

MANILA – Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa on Monday said he is ready to clarify his role in former president Rodrigo Duterte’s war on illegal drugs.

Dela Rosa made the statement in response to Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Rommel Marbil’s call on his predecessors to clarify their involvement in the campaign.

“That is totally fine with me,” dela Rosa said in a Viber message to reporters.

“He is the current Chief PNP. He can initiate his own fact-finding effort since the PNP has been at the receiving end in the issue at hand,” he added.

Marbil made the call after retired police colonel Royina Garma’s claim of a payment and rewards system for killing drug suspects during Duterte’s war on drugs.

The current PNP chief said in a statement that they are taking these allegations “very seriously” and will ensure accountability and transparency within their ranks.

Dela Rosa, who was the PNP chief during the height of the drug war, earlier denied that he knew anything about a reward system for cops involved in Duterte’s anti-narcotics operation saying the organization did not have funds for rewards.