Bato confirms term extension as PNP chief until April 21

FILE: Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa (PNA photo by Joey O. Razon)

MANILA, Philippines — Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa confirmed on Tuesday that President Rodrigo Duterte has extended his term until April 21 this year.

Dela Rosa said in a televised press briefing that he had already received the soft copy of Duterte’s letter, ordering the extension of the police chief’s term for another three months.

Dela Rosa is set to retire on January 21 as he turns 56, the mandatory retirement age for the uniformed services.

“My term extension means my service is still needed. I will give my all. I will reserve nothing,” Dela Rosa said in Filipino.

Earlier, Duterte said that Dela Rosa’s term might be extended by two or three months to give the police chief ample time to conclude unfinished duties in the police department including the government’s crackdown against illegal drugs.

“I want to do some things in Mindanao of utmost importance. And I need to extend the tour of duty of General Dela Rosa to something like two to three months,” Duterte said.

Dela Rosa vowed that more drug personalities will be arrested with his term being prolonged.

It can also be recalled that Dela Rosa, who is also set to lead the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor), sent a warning to convicted drug lords to stop their illegal activities or otherwise face the consequences.

“I’ll see you there after this extension. If they would shoot it out with me, if they want to fight with me, then it would be bloody. But if they would not, then it would be peaceful. What is important is that they stop,” the police chief said, three months before he takes the lead over the NDP.

Dela Rosa said he will recommend three-star and two-star generals to the president as his replacement.