PNP chief director orders probe into sacked pro-Duterte cop

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines – Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Director Ricardo Marquez ordered a probe into the case of a PNP-reactionary standby support force commander who was relieved from his post Tuesday for partisan politics.

Marquez, who arrived in the city on Tuesday, May 3, for a command conference the following day, said that “may puna sa social media. Pinalitan naming para tapos ang kwento and ma-stop ang criticisms. (There has been talk on social media. We replaced him so it would be the end of the story and the criticisms would stop.)”

Chief Superintendent Ronald Dela Rosa, who is from Davao City, was relieved of his post on Tuesday due to reports of him openly supporting the presidential bid of Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte. He also warned those who planned to cheat in the upcoming May 9 elections.

In a Facebook post, Dela Rosa said, “I am the Brigade Commander of the PNP-RSSF composed of 8,000 battalions close to 5,000 personnel based in Camp Crame. Kayong mga mandaraya at manliligalig ngayong May 9 elections, humanda na kayo! We will crush you! Kung sa bisaya pa, ‘Ligsan Ta Mo!’” (“I am the Brigade Commander of the PNP-RSSF composed of 8,000 battalions close to 5,000 personnel based in Camp Crame. Those who will cheat and will manipulate this May 9 elections, be warned! We will crush you!).

He also tagged known supporters of Duterte in the post.

In a previous post, dated March 28, Dela Rosa greeted Duterte on his birthday and said the presidential candidate had been a great influence in his career.

He wrote, “I never feared to enforce the law and prevent crimes because you are always there watching my back. To the greatest leader on Earth, Mayor RRD, happy birthday Sir!”

Dela Rosa, who was a former Davao City police chief, was replaced by Chief Superintendent Francis Elmo Sarona.

Marquez said they will conduct an investigation to find out if he (Dela Rosa) violated the code of a public officer and if he will be administratively liable.

Marquez reiterated a call for officers to be strictly non-partisan and impartial during the elections. – Rappler.com