BONTOC, Mountain Province – Former Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Director General Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, an adopted son of Mountain Province, admittedly found the Cordillera one of the places closest to his heart to visit.
It will be recalled that Dela Rosa was given the adopted name “Moling” when he graced the Mountain Province Founding Anniversary in April last year. “Moling” means “unbreakable” or “firm” in Bontoc dialect. It is also a river boulder that is hard, smooth and almost unbreakable.
During his visit to the Bontoc Municipal Capitol on January 9, 2019, Dela Rosa became emotional when the Bontoc Market Vendors Association (BOMARVA), whose members are dominated by women, serenaded him a welcome song.
“Para na rin akong kinantahan ng aking ina,” he remarked.
In his message, he said he is proud of the name “Moling” given to him as an adopted son of the province. He shared that he loves everything about the Cordillera – the place, the culture and its people. This is the reason why he keeps coming back to visit the province.
Dela Rosa rose from the ranks in the police force. He retired from the PNP in April last year with the four star rank of director general. He was then appointed as Director General of the Bureau of Corrections.
He humbly shared that since he entered the uniformed service until he retired, he was never involved in corruption and other issues that violate human rights. He attributed this to his faith and fear of the Almighty, and honest and genuine public service.
In October last year, Dela Rosa filed his Certificate of Candidacy (COC) for senator. He is part of the President’s national party, Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan, and Hugpong Ng Pagbabago, the regional party of Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte. If successful, he will be the second former PNP chief to be elected to the Senate after incumbent Panfilo Lacson, who rose to fame fighting kidnap for ransom rings.
Meanwhile, Bontoc Mayor Franklin Odsey extended the warmest welcome of the people and officialdom of Bontoc to Dela Rosa as their brother.
“You are our brother “Moling”. I know that it is a sentimental trip for you to come back home as an adopted son of Mountain Province,” Odsey added.
Also present to welcome home Dela Rosa are employees and officials of the Bontoc Municipal Government, barangay officials from the 16 barangays of Bontoc, members of the Municipal Peace and Order Council (MPOC), members of the BOMARVA, Bontoc Women’s Brigade, senior citizens from the four central barangays and other stakeholders.
By Alpine L. Killa
