Who is PNP Chief Ronald 'Bato' Dela Rosa?

The Philippine National Police’s Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) has identified the Board of Inquiry members tasked to probe the Mamasapano Clash and among them is Sr. Supt. Ronald dela Rosa.

Dela Rosa, a graduate of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) class ’86, was former director of the Davao City Police Office (DCPO).

He was one of the 38 police officers cited by President Benigno Aquino during the Araw ng Parangal Sa Kapulisan for the arrest of Malaysian terrorist Mohd Noor Fikrie Binabd Hahar and wife Annabel Nieva Lee in Davao City.

Bato portraying Vin Diesel

Dela Rosa has become a celebrity of sorts in Davao thanks to his many conquests and accomplishments. Dabawenyos call him “The Rock” or sometimes, “Vin Diesel” but he is popularly known as “Bato” not only because of his obviously hard muscles but because he grew up in Barangay Bato in Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur.

He was responsible for reducing by almost 60 percent the circulation of illegal drugs in the city since he took over DCPO, following Oplan Tukhang (Tuktok-Hangyo). 

“Effective kayo ang personal appeal para sa mga (A personal appeal is effective for) suspected drug pushers—it worked both ways as they knew they were already identified but they are being given a chance to live provided they stop their activities,’ he said.

While Tukhang was highly successful, dela Rosa said there are those who still opted to continue with the illegal drug trade because it is really lucrative. Another successful strategy which he is proud of is Oplan Pakgang (Pitulon ang Kabatan-onan sa Gang) or Disciplining Youths in Gangs.

Ironically, dela Rosa’s most glaring accomplishment is also the source of his frustration. “I would have wanted to accomplish a drugless society where there is zero drug use but he admits this is almost impossible.” For as long barangays like 23-C exists, it will be difficult to completely eradicate the drug trade in the city. This barangay, also known as Mini Forest is an identified depressed area with mostly transient residents who just drop off drugs and leave.

Dela Rosa is now assigned at Camp Crame but Dabawenyos are looking forward to having him back.

The other members of the Board are Director Catalino Rodriguez, PMA class 8 and currently the Director of the Directorate for Reseach and Development (DRD); Chief Superintendent John Sosito, PNPA class ’84 and current Executive Officer of DIPO-Eastern Mindanao; Senior Superintendent Roberto Po, PNPA class 85 and currently Deputy PIO, PNP; Senior Superintendent Cesar Hawthorne Binag, PMA class ’87 and served a tour of duty with the UN Mission in Liberia in 2013-2014; Senior Superintendent Benigno Durana Jr., PMA class ’88, who was formerly Provincial Director of Aklan PPO and had a brief assignment with SAF in 1990-1992 as Operation Officer; Chief Inspector David Joy Duarte, PNPA class 2005, who served as SAF Intelligence Officer and Logistics Officer and Director Benjamin Magalong, board of inquiry chief, a former SAF Battalion Commander who saw action during the siege at Camp Bagong Diwa in Bicutan, Taguig City.

As a member of the Board, it is expected of dela Rosa to conduct an “objective, impartial and thorough investigation into the Mamasapano incident.” Lovely A. Carillo

Credits: Min Daily Mirror