"In our fight against drugs, criminality and corruption it is either you are with or you are not with me. If you are with me the let's do it but if you are not with me then you are finished. ... I am giving you 48 hours to voluntarily surrender to me at ilahad ninyo sa akin ang lahat. Otherwise mag-AWOL na lang kayo, mag-full time drug lord na lang at makipag-gyera na lang kayo sa amin."
Director General Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa was chosen by President Duterte to lead the war against drugs and criminality, a fight that he dedicates to his late father whom he calls "Papa Doro."
During his oathtaking last July 1, Dela Rosa announced to all PNP members that he would be their father. "A father who loves and takes care of his children, rewards his well-performing children and punishes his erring children," he explained.
His declaration became more meaningful when his close relationship with his own father was revealed. During an interview for The Bottomline, the new PNP chief cried when Boy Abunda shared the letter that Dela Rosa had written for Father's Day.
Read the heartwarming letter on the next page.
“Dear Papa Doro, I know deep in my heart that you’re now the proudest father knowing that your son, whom you could hardly send to school due to your meager income as a tricycle driver is set to become the chief of the PNP. I didn’t know where did I get the courage to defeat my fierce enemies and the strength to face insurmountable challenges and then I realized, I am your son. The son of a small but terrible father who never ran away from a fight, especially from the fight against hunger, lack of education, emptiness and poverty. I’m so proud of you, Pa. You fought a very good fight and emerged victorious. How I wish you’re still here to coach and cheer me in my three to six months fight against drugs and criminality. I’m nervous, Pa. So please pray for me and the PNP. I may win or I may lose. But I sincerely dedicate this fight to you. I miss you, Pa. Happy Father’s Day.”
The letter is a heart-warming validation that a parent's example can serve as the foundation of a child's character and significantly influence his future. Despite the odds, even a tricycle driver can persevere and win against poverty.
As the new father of the 160,000-member police organization, Director General Dela Rosa's role and example will also be crucial for the country's victory against crime and drugs.
READ: Mandaluyong to Duterte: Penalizing parents brings down crime rate
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