Press Release - Dela Rosa: Opening statement

SENATOR RONALD "BATO" DELA ROSA
COMMITTEE ON JUSTICE AND HUMAN RIGHTS
SUBCOMMITTEE PRIVILEGE SPEECH ON THE PNP OPERATION IN THE KINGDOM OF JESUS CHRIST (KOJC) DAVAO CITY
Sangguniang Panlungsod, Poblacion, Davao City
September 6, 2024

Maayong hapon kanatong tanan.

First of all, I wish to express my gratitude to the city government of Davao for sharing this space with us. In the midst of all the things that seek to divide us, and pit us against each other: ang mga Davaoeno wala nagpahuyang-huyang.

For years now, we have always prided ourselves on being one of, if not THE, safest city in the country. Here, where you can leave your cellphone or laptop on tables to reserve your seats at a fastfood chain. Where huge sums of money, or gadgets left inside taxis are returned to their rightful owners. And yes, where the community love and support their PNP, and the PNP love and support the community. Sa tuwing sinasabi ng isang taga-Davao na ligtas ang kanyang lungsod, hindi po ito urban legend. Ito'y isang buhay na katotohanan.

Lately, however, impressions to the contrary have been circulating. Nevertheless, as we come together this afternoon, we not only prove these naysayers wrong, but we also show what we are made of. In spite of it all, life is still here.

But the more pressing matter now is the question of human rights. Just this morning, we conducted an ocular inspection at the Kingdom of Jesus Christ compound. Thousands of PNP personnel have been there since August 24. Counting today, 13 days have passed for this operation that has required the combined number and force of four regions. Marahil ang ilan sa atin, 13 days na ring hindi nakakauwi sa pamilya. Mga estudyante at empleyadong 13 days na ring hindi nakikita ang kanilang paaralan o opisina. I would not be surprised to find out that most, if not all, of our PNP personnel find themselves in the same situation. May tinatanong ako kanina na mga taga-ibang region na pulis, 13 days na rin daw talaga silang hindi nakakauwi at walang matinong tulog at ligo.

Sa totoo lang, naaawa ako sa mga PNP personnel na inassign sa KOJC compound. Isipin niyo, halos dalawang linggo na silang nagbarricade. Nakapag-detect na