MANILA, Philippines – The Philippines’ “war on drugs” has been criticized for its “chilling effect” among Filipinos as dead bodies pile up. But for the chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), the “chilling effect” is felt more by the police force.

“Now that we have this kind of investigation, it’s only natural that it has a chilling effect on the operatives on the ground. They say: if the chief of the PNP can be investigated, what more me, an ordinary Police Officer 1? A chilling effect happens. But it doesn’t mean we’ll stop,” said Dela Rosa on Wednesday, September 14, on the eve of the resumption of a Senate investigation on the “continued rise of extrajudicial killings and summary executions carried out in the government’s all-out campaign against illegal drugs in the country.”

The Thursday hearing will be the third, as the “war on drugs” enters its 10th week.

A campaign against illegal drugs, corruption, and crime was among President Rodrigo Duterte’s key promises in the 2016 elections. The PNP’s intensified campaign officially began on July 1.

The death toll – those killed during police operations and “deaths under investigation” – has surpassed the 3,500 mark, triggering criticism both here and abroad. (READ: IN NUMBERS: The Philippines’ war on drugs)

Dela Rosa has insisted that those killed in police operations were suspects who “fought back (nanlaban).” The police general, in visits to police camps around the country, has constantly reminded his personnel to fight back when needed.

“We see that the nation is behind us. These critics, they’re only a few. Most of the people are behind us. I’ve been travelling around the Philippines and I can feel public approval of what we are doing. So we will continue,” said Dela Rosa.

Asked if he was worried about public support waning in the long run, Dela Rosa told reporters: “[While] I want to satisfy everyone, I’m not a politician. I am a police officer. So damned if you do, damned if you don’t.”

“I hope the public is on our side. I am hoping and praying because if we will be working for an ungrateful master and that is the public… if they don’t like what we’re doing right now, then what’s the use of doing your job? You have to stop,” he added.

Dela Rosa had earlier promised to step down from the top PNP post should he fail to deliver Duterte’s promise to end – or at least suppress – illegal drugs in 6 months. – Rappler.com