Former Philippine National Police (PNP) and Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) Chief Bato Dela Rosa has asked forgiveness from Archbishop Rolando Tria Tirona of the Archdiocese of Caceres in Naga City, for the lives lost as a result of the government’s war against illegal drugs.
“Bishop, ako po ay humihingi ng tawad sa lahat ng mga namatay sa aming war on drugs (Bishop, I am asking for forgiveness for all those killed in our war against drugs), Dela Rosa said during a roundtable interview with reporters recently at the Avenue Plaza Hotel in Naga City.
He admitted that it was during his administration at the PNP when most of the deaths happened.
“It’s within my conscience. Though I did not kill them personally, it happened during my watch. “Ako po ay maka Diyos na tao kaya humihingi ako ng tawad, kasama na diyan pati mga pulis ko na namatay sa war on drugs (I’m a God-fearing person and I’m asking forgiveness, including my men who were killed in the line of duty),” Dela Rosa said.
“I’m a God-fearing person and I’m asking forgiveness, including my men who were killed in the line of duty.”
Dela Rosa said he believes Archbishop Tirona will pardon him.
Meanwhile, Dela Rosa said he would be pushing for three important bills should he be given the chance to become senator.
“First, I will push for the return of death penalty for drug traffickers, not for user and pushers. Second, the return of police training to the PNP from the Public Safety College and last, legal assistance to all overseas Filipino workers (OFW),” he said.
“I will push for the return of death penalty for drug traffickers, not for user and pushers.”
Dela Rosa said the Philippines continues to be an illegal drugs destination because the country does not impose tough penalties on drug traffickers unlike neighboring countries, such as Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia.
He said he decided to foray into politics to help President Rodrigo Duterte accomplish his mission of removing corruption in government and continue the war against drugs.
The former PNP chief was the guest of honor and speaker at the “Public Awareness on the Government’s Campaign against Illegal Drugs” symposium held at the Naga College Foundation.
