Bato’ says PNP’s war on drugs may resume this week

By Liezle Basa Iñigo

LAOAC, Pangasinan — Director-General Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa said Thursday the Philippine National Police may go after illegal drugs personalities nationwide this week.

Dela Rosa, guest speaker at inauguration and blessing of the new Laoac Police Station, here, said the PNP will resume its anti-drug campaign but

proposals are being considered under the new anti-narcotics campaign such as fielding younger PNP personnel in “Oplan Tokhang” operations.

The PNP Chief said he is planning to put not only banking on younger police officers in these operations, but those who have no criminal complaints against them.

“We’re choosing those who are patriotic (to wage the anti-drugs war),” said Dela Rosa in reaction to questions from local media.

“The new group is now called PNP Drug Enforcement Group,” he added.

Dela Rosa also welcomed the approval on second reading House Bill 4727, the proposed Death Penalty Law, which will be imposed on drug traffickers.

“Now, foreign drug traders will fear doing business in our country with this death penalty,” he said.

The version of the bill makes the death penalty an option for judges to impose on those convicted only for drug-related offenses.

The bill imposes the penalty of reclusion perpetua to death and a fine ranging from P500,000 to P10 million in addition to absolute perpetual disqualification from any public office, or employee who misappropriates, or fails to account for seized dangerous drugs.

It also punishes government officials who have benefited or gained from the proceeds of the drug trade.