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.
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| 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
4:33:00 PM
