Bato to cops: Make sure you stay alive

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa yesterday slammed the Commission Human Rights for questioning the seemingly increasing casualties in the government’s fight against illegal drugs and told his men to “make sure that they stay alive.”

Speaking at the Manila Police District ( MPD) headquarters, where he cited Chief Inspector Paulito Sabulao for singlehandedly killing a robber and wounding another in an encounter on Singalong street in Manila last Tuesday.

Dela Rosa conferred the PNP Medal of Merit on Sabulao and gave him a Glock .45 caliber pistol, which he said could be used in killing more criminals.

Sabulao, Adriatico police community precinct commander, was in his patrol car with two of his men when they saw three men on a motorcycle at around 4:30 p.m.

The suspects were about to speed away but Sabulao stepped out of the car and confronted them.

One of the suspects pulled out a gun but Sabulao beat him to the draw and shot at them.

The suspect sitting in the middle died, while the second rider fell after getting hit in the foot.

Sabulao gave chase but the two men escaped.

The slain suspect was identified as Roberto Manaloto.

Sabulao defended the two rookie policemen who were not able to assist him during the encounter, saying they “thought it was just an ordinary questioning of suspects who were not wearing helmets.”

Just do your job

Dela Rosa urged police officers not to give the criminals a chance to shoot them and make sure they go home to their families alive.

“We are in constant threat from criminal syndicates. Do your job and don’t mind the human rights commission,” he said.

The PNP chief added that police officers “should not worry about the charges that may be filed against you. We will face them. Human rights cannot feed your families if you are dead. We cannot wait to be shot at before we retaliate.”

Dela Rosa reminded police officers that Sabulao’s encounter shows that there really are criminals on the street who fight authorities.