Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa’s son has just become an elite Scout Ranger.

(Sen. Ronald Dela Rosa [right] with his son, Police Lt. Rock Dela Rosa / Courtesy of Senator Dela Rosa's Facebook page)

Police Lieutenant Rock dela Rosa was among the 159 soldiers and policemen who earned the “Tabak” badge after graduating from the Scout Ranger Course (SRC) “Nasiglat” C:ass 219-2022 at Camp Pablo Tecson in San Miguel, Bulacan on Friday, May 19.

The class, composed of 142 Philippine Army (PA) troopers and 17 Philippine National Police (PNP) personnel, hurdled a 28-week training that tested the limits of their physical capabilities, stamina, and spirit.

The course was divided into four major modules: Individual Training Module, Small Unit Training Module, Combat Maneuver, and Test Mission. The course sought to develop the troops into becoming effective and lethal direct-action combatants who specialize in small unit tactics and combat tracking.

As part of their test mission, they were deployed on the field to go after Communist Party of the Philippines – New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) rebels operating in the area.

The elder Dela Rosa, who was a Scout Ranger himself, served as the guest of honor and speaker during the closing ceremony of the SRC as he witnessed his son received his own badge.

“When one lives and dies for the country, such life and such death shall never be in vain. To live and die for one’s country is an act of the highest honor and it is one that we are called upon to face, every single waking moment of our lives,” he said in his speech.

Rock followed the footsteps of his father, who is a former PNP Chief, and became a police officer himself. He entered the PNP Academy (PNPA) in 2017 and graduated four years later. 

Former president Rodrigo Duterte also graced the ceremony as he shared to the newly-minted Scout Rangers the importance of their job, stressing the unit’s critical part in the liberation of Marawi City from the hands of terrorists in 2017.

“Now will also be an opportune time to thank the Scout Rangers for their valuable contributions in retaking the City of Marawi when I was president,” the former Commander-in-Chief said. "I am deeply grateful for your service to our flag and country. Your dedication, commitment and resolve to perform your duty are truly commendable.”

Meanwhile, the senator and the graduates offered their condolences to the bereaved family and loved ones of Private First Class Modesto Lutob, a member of SRC Class 219-2022, who died in an encounter with CPP-NPA rebels in Silvino Lobos, Northern Samar on March 20.