By Genalyn Kabiling
President Duterte has designated former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Ronald Dela Rosa as the new head of the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) following a "successful" tour of duty in the police force.
President Rodrigo Roa Duterte congratulates Philippine National Police (PNP) Director General Ronald dela Rosa after he was awarded with the Philippine Legion of Honor with the degree of Chief Commander during his retirement ceremony at Camp BGen. Rafael Crame in Quezon City on April 19, 2018.
(ACE MORANDANTE/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO / MANILA BULLETIN)
The President gave the new assignment of Dela Rosa after he relinquished his post to Police Director Oscar Albayalde during the turnover ceremony at Camp Crame in Quezon City.
"I’d like to just issue a warning, not give, but issue talaga, that kayong mga pulis nasa droga, nasa kidnap for ransom. Kung ano-anong krimen na pinapasok ninyo. Pagdating ninyo sa Bilibid, ang sasalubong sa inyo ay si Dela Rosa ," the President said at the start of his speech.
"Former Police Director General Ronald Dela Rosa, now director of prisons. Marami akong problema sa presohan even today," he added.
Dela Rosa, a former chief of the Davao City Police, was appointed PNP chief in 2016. He was supposed to retire last January but the President decided to extend his service until April.
In his speech, the President praised Dela Rosa for his "exemplary career as a police officer and his successful tour of duty” as PNP chief.
He said Dela Rosa had "visionary leadership" that helped steer the police to attain "unprecedented" accomplishments during his term.
Under Dela Rosa's watch, Duterte said there has been an impressive 22 percent decrease in the total crime volume nationwide and a 10 percent improvement in the crime solution efficiency rate compared to the preceding 21-month period.
"This is highlighted by the PNP’s notable contributions to the anti-illegal drug operations which led to the arrest of more than 130, suspects, the voluntary surrender of more than 1.2 million drug personalities, and the confiscation of 23 billion pesos worth of illegal drugs," he said.
He also commended Dela Rosario for cleaning the PNP ranks, particularly weeding out scalawags who have long hampered the efficiency of the police force.
"I am happy we were to… that more than 85 percent of police officers who were also tested positive have been dismissed from service," he said.
Duterte also grabbed the occasion to laud the gallantry of the elite Special Action Force (SAF) troopers who joined our military offensives in Marawi last year.
He said the policemen's bravery and heroism against extremist groups who sought to sow fear and violence in Mindanao was "truly laudable."
"I take this moment to emphasize that this administration will never allow the sacrifice of our police officers to be taken for granted. This government will give its full support to our uniformed personnel by enhancing their capabilities, modernizing their equipment, promoting their welfare and take care of their families," he said.