Ex- PNP Chief Bato emotional in MP visit

 CANDIDATES’ PROFILES

BONTOC, Mountain Province – Former Philippine National Police Chief Director General Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, an adopted son of Mountain Province turned emotional during his visit here saying Cordillera was one of the places closest to his heart to visit.

Dela Rosa was given the adopted name “Moling” when he graced the Mountain Province Founding Anniversary in April last year.  “Moling” means “unbreakable” or “firm” in Bontoc dialect.

It is also a river boulder that is hard, smooth and almost unbreakable.

During his visit at the Bontoc municipal capitol on Jan. 9,  Dela Rosa was moved to tears when the Bontoc Market Vendors Association (BOMARVA) whose members are dominated by women serenaded him a welcome song. 

“Para na rin akong kinantahan ng aking ina,” he said. 

In his message, he said that he is proud of his name “Moling” which was given to him as an adopted son of the province. 

He said he loves everything about the Cordillera -- the place,  culture and its people. This is the reason why he keeps coming back to visit the province.

Dela Rosa rose from the ranks in the police force. He retired from the PNP in April last year with the four star rank of director general.

He was later appointed as Director General of the Bureau of Corrections.

He said  since he entered the uniformed service until he retired, he was never involved in corruption and other issues that violate human rights. He attributed this to his faith and fear of the Almighty, and honest and genuine public service.

In October last year, Dela Rosa filed his certificate of candidacy (COC) for senator.

He is part of the President's national party, Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan, and Hugpong Ng Pagbabago, the regional party of Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte.

If successful, he will be the second former PNP chief to be elected to the Senate after incumbent Panfilo Lacson, who rose to fame fighting kidnap for ransom rings.

Meanwhile, Bontoc Mayor Franklin Odsey extended the warmest welcome of the people and officials of Bontoc to Dela Rosa as their brother.

“You are our brother “Moling”. I know that it is a sentimental trip for you to come back home as an adopted son of Mountain Province,” Odsey added.

Also present to welcome home Dela Rosa were employees and officials of the Bontoc municipal government, barangay officials from the 16 barangays of Bontoc, Municipal Peace and Order Council, BOMARVA, Bontoc Women’s Brigade, senior citizens and constituents from this capital town’s four central barangays. Alpine L. Killa