Bato: New PNP chief ‘clean’ of links to illegal drugs

MANILA, Philippines — Former top cop and now Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa said newly appointed Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Lt. Gen. Archie Gamboa is “clean” of any links to the illegal drug trade.

“Knowing him…pagdating sa drugs, malinis siya. Malinis siya,” Dela Rosa told reporters on Wednesday when asked about the appointment of Gamboa as PNP chief.

(Knowing him…when it comes to drugs, he’s clean. He’s clean).

Before he officially assumed his post, Gamboa had served as PNP officer-in-charge (OIC) after former national police chief Gen. Oscar Albayalde relinquished his post ahead of his mandatory retirement amid the “ninja cops” controversy.

According to Dela Rosa, Gamboa is a “very good” choice to lead the country’s police force.

“I know him [Gamboa] personally. He’s my mistah [batchmate]. He’s my kababayan from Davao, he’s my company mate at the Philippine Military Academy, we’re both alpha company. We are kumpare, kilalang-kilala ko yan [I know him very well],” he said.

The senator, however, was mum when asked if the President had sought for his recommendation for the next PNP chief.

“Secret. As I have said, okay sa akin kung sino sa kanila ang pipiliin, sila lahat ay rekomendado ko. Gamboa, Cascolan, Eleazar, rekomendado ko silang lahat,” he said.

(Secret. As I have said, I am okay with any of them, I would recommend them all. Gamboa, Cascolan, Eleazar).

Dela Rosa was referring to Lt. Gen. Camilo Cascolan and Maj. Gen. Guillermo Eleazar whose names were earlier floated as Albayalde’s successor.