PRESIDENTIAL SPOKESPERSON ABELLA: Good morning. Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago passed away this morning. She died peacefully in her sleep at her residence in La Vista.

She was a shining light in Philippine political annals for her sharp legal mind, uncompromising stand, and acid humor. She had a profound influence on millennials and the youth. Constantly challenging preconceived notions, both political and social.

Her passing also signals the passing of an era of politicians with wide-ranging intelligence and the courage to express their true convictions.

We condole with family and friends. Other details will be announced later. Thank you. 

***

PRESIDENTIAL SPOKESPERSON ABELLA: An American senator warned that the US may take action if the so-called extrajudicial killings or alleged state-sanctioned killings continue in the Philippines. The author of a law which applies worldwide to ensure that the US is not complicit in HR violations further stressed that governments ought not to be preying on a vulnerable population and that these continued actions may undermine the mutual goals of Philippine-US relationships which uphold liberal democratic ideals and the law.

In this connection, we would like to stress that the fundamental relationship between the US and the Philippines remains unchanged by aberrations due to political perspective and opinions. We continue to surge forward even as we attempt a deeper understanding of each other’s methods.

We respect the opinion of others but we also give ourselves the permission to chart our own course and fulfill our destiny on our own terms. We’d also like to stress that extrajudicial killings is not state-sanctioned and that the Philippines remains committed to human rights, the rule of law, and to democracy.

The Philippines has not veered away from these basic principles, despite the strong stance of the President. The drug problem in the Philippines itself is so pervasive that it undermines the human rights of the people and the rule of law.

The Philippines is steadfast in its commitment to international covenants on HR which is… of which it is a signatory. Civil and political rights continue to be enjoyed by all Filipinos and press freedom continues in spite of the apparently over negative emphasis that it places against the drive over illegal drugs.

Also, regarding the matter of the Bilibid riots, Bilibid riot. It is best for us to wait for the investigations to be finished.

Regarding the House Justice chair being cool to showing certain videotapes, it is fair to say that the President will not meddle in the affairs of the Congress. It is not his territory.

On the lighter side, President Duterte is off to Vietnam for a two-day visit and he eyes cooperation with Vietnam in the sea row and war on drugs.

This is part of the President’s foreign policy of seeking open alliances with neighboring countries and pursuing amity among all nations.

The two-day working visit is seen to cement relationships with Vietnam and the President is confident the relationship between the two countries would become even stronger, pursue that it has to be with mutual respect, closer cooperation, and deeper understanding.

This is part of the shift of the President’s foreign policy where he seeks not just exclusive relationships but a more inclusive relationship with neighboring countries.

Regarding the desire of Mr. Misuari to ask for amnesty for Abu Sayyaf, the President has said there’ll be no negotiations with the group. 

Also as a last point, it is safe to say, according to ADB economist Chongvilaivan that the current weaknesses of the peso is mainly due to speculations on the possible increase of Federal reserve rates. And, as Budget Secretary mentioned, Ben Diokno said part of this supposed outflow is due to profit taking by other investors.

Thank you very much. We’ll be open to a few questions.

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS:

Reymund Tinaza (Bombo Radyo): Good morning. Sir, on the Philippines-US relations. What’s your basis on actually saying that the US-Philippines relationship and ties unchanged considering with the latest now pronouncement of the President that he no longer continue with the Balikatan exercises, and this October war game would be the last.

PRESIDENTIAL SPOKESPERSON ABELLA: Okay. There are certain… the government runs, of course, on certain treaties and pacts which the President has said during his inaugural speech that he will honor and we will honor.

However, there are also certain modifications in their relationship and so the relationship remains solid according to the agreements, but also there will be other activities that will be more open to other nations too.

Mr. Tinaza: But isn’t that stopping the joint military exercises within our territory is dishonoring actually the mutual defense treaty which provides that provision for that exercise?

PRESIDENTIAL SPOKESPERSON ABELLA: Okay. Basically… basically, this is the position, the President and this is the way he has presented it. However, these things will only be completed when the proper actions have been taken. In other words, this declares the… the President making statements regarding his intentions about being more inclusive.

Mr. Tinaza: Sir, last point. Aren’t we concerned that the… a possible sanction, especially on the economic side, US would impose… on especially on holding or freezing on the investment for [inaudible]. Considering US remains to be the largest trading partner of the country.

PRESIDENTIAL SPOKESPERSON ABELLA: We understand that. And as you can, as you have seen, the President is also strengthening his relationship with neighboring countries and this is part of being more inclusive in our relation, economic relationships.

Mr. Tinaza: Thank you sir.

PRESIDENTIAL SPOKESPERSON ABELLA: Thank you.

Ina Andolong (CNN Philippines): Sir, you mentioned something about taking the proper actions.

PRESIDENTIAL SPOKESPERSON ABELLA: Regarding?

Ms. Andolong: For the last joint exercise for the US.

PRESIDENTIAL SPOKESPERSON ABELLA: Okay.

Ms. Andolong: Correct me if I’m wrong sir, but with respect to the Balikatan exercises, this is an annual event and it could be ended I believe if both parties agree to it. Does this mean that… I mean, when will the administration start talking to the US about this? And are we certain that this year’s or 2017 po ba ‘yung magiging huli?

PRESIDENTIAL SPOKESPERSON ABELLA: There are no definite dates, no definite timeline, but it’s part of the President’s intention. Okay. So there are actually no, there’s actually no timeline set, as of now. Thank you.

Ms. Andolong: Sir, apart from the Balikatan. I understand there are also separate joint exercises with the different AFP units. ‘Yun din po ba? Will that be covered by what the President said yesterday?

PRESIDENTIAL SPOKESPERSON ABELLA: It… I supposed it is an inclusive statement, an inclusive statement that just sets the general tone and general direction that he wants our foreign policy to take. Thank you.

Mr. Tinaza: Sir, doon sa issue ng ‘endo’ or ng end of contract, Secretary Judy Taguiwalo of the DSWD mentioned that there are about 23 or so thousand workers within DSWD are either casual or contractual. So do we intend to start within our own house to end ‘endo?’

PRESIDENTIAL SPOKESPERSON ABELLA: Definitely the intention is part of, is such. However, I don’t, we are not privy yet to the actual steps that they will take. But definitely, this is something that he would like to address even within our own backyard.

Mr. Tinaza: So we can rightfully assure our co-workers in the government who are still casual and contractual to be made permanent?

PRESIDENTIAL SPOKESPERSON ABELLA: I don’t know about the word assure. But we can assume that that is the intention.

Mr. Tinaza: Thank you sir.

PRESIDENTIAL SPOKESPERSON ABELLA: Thank you.

Rosalie Coz (UNTV): Good morning sir. Hingin lang po namin ‘yung reaksyon niyo regarding po sa statement na sinasabi na unfortunate po ‘yung foreign policy ni Pangulong Duterte kahit na sinasabi niyo po at ni Secretary Yasay na we are pursuing amity with all nations but the President is making harsh statements against EU and the US?

PRESIDENTIAL SPOKESPERSON ABELLA: So what is the question?

Ms. Coz: Reaction po doon sa statement na sinasabi–

PRESIDENTIAL SPOKESPERSON ABELLA: Sino nagsabi ‘nong statement?

Ms. Coz: Particularly po Secretary… Foreign Affairs Secretary… Former Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario.

PRESIDENTIAL SPOKESPERSON ABELLA: Okay. Well, he is, he is welcome to his own perception. However, we need to bring into consideration the particular policy that the President is bringing us into. He is actually… In a sense, he’s really bringing a shift in the direction.

So given that there is shift that’s happening. So it is not unfortunate but it is part of a process, difficult as it maybe, but it is part of a process which the President sees is setting our own independent chart, our own independent course.

So in the light of that he… in the light of that, it is not unfortu—It may be difficult and it may be challenging, but definitely the President sees it as something that will actually add to our well-being and prosperity as a nation.

Ms. Coz: So, ‘yun po ‘yung way ng President na sabihin, magbigay ng mga harsh statements against po sa US?

PRESIDENTIAL SPOKESPERSON ABELLA: Siguro, we need to see… you’re seeing the style but you need to see the substance behind the style. As the President says, again and again, and said earlier, look behind my words and see the actual situation on the people and the nation.

So beyond the style, which is what you termed as harsh, is the substance which is to set the direction of an independent and free Philippines. Thank you.

Henry Uri (DZRH): Secretary on the Balikatan exercise, if sooner or later, we’re going to end up our… that Balikatan exercise. Does this mean that our government is now opening our door for possible joint military exercises with Russia and China?

PRESIDENTIAL SPOKESPERSON ABELLA: I cannot speak for that. That is already policy, but all I can say is that the President at this stage is saying that removing from… exclusive relationship with the US into a more open relationship with others. But, I’m not saying that it will lead to joint efforts with others.

Mr. Uri: So hindi pa ho napapag-uusapan ‘yan?

PRESIDENTIAL SPOKESPERSON ABELLA: Hindi pa po.

Mr. Tinaza: Sir doon sa, on the issue of former Pangasinan Governor Espino. Sir, can we categorically say just to clear the suspicion of the public, especially in the social media, that there is no deal or whatever convenient or political expediency, consideration that’s why the name Amado Espino was removed or cleared by the President from the drug list.

PRESIDENTIAL SPOKESPERSON ABELLA: If you say categorically, I cannot actually say that it was made as a political convenience ‘no. It was… there was no political accommodation. As far as I know and as far as we all know, there is no political accommodation. But definitely, if I know the character of the President, there was no such thing.

Mr. Tinaza: Sir, also there is this sentiment that if you have the channel to talk personally with the President, if you are in a position, like example the case of Espino wherein he has this personal dialogue with the President before he was cleared, you can easily do that and you have a chance to explain yourself and be cleared, how about daw ‘yung if they have no access to talk personally with the president to explain themselves for due process?

PRESIDENTIAL SPOKESPERSON ABELLA: I don’t have any opinions about that. But definitely if, if it happened that a particular personality was cleared, it is I’m sure based on, based on facts that have been made available to the President.

Mr. Tinaza: Thank you sir.

PRESIDENTIAL SPOKESPERSON ABELLA: Thank you.

Trisha Macas (GMA News Online): Sir, the President apologized for some lapses in the narco list. Can we still trust his narco list?

PRESIDENTIAL SPOKESPERSON ABELLA: Come again.

Ms. Macas: He apologized because there were lapses. So is there a chance that the other names he announced are not really into the trade, the illegal drugs trade?

PRESIDENTIAL SPOKESPERSON ABELLA: Maybe more than trusting the list, let’s trust the President. I mean after all, he has publicly said, “I made a mistake. I apologize. I’m sorry.”

You know what more can you– Instead of just saying… would you rather have him just flood on and say, “It’s okay, It’s okay” when actually there was a mistake. No, the point is, I think, the one that we trust is not so much the list but the President himself who has the actual humility to be able to accept that he made a mistake.

Ms. Macas: Sir another question on another topic. The President the other day said that Filipinos should sacrifice a little bit. When… I’d like to quote him, “Why I’m asking the Filipinos in the coming days kung totohanin talaga ng America, I’m going to ask you to sacrifice a little bit but by next year I would have entered alliances with so many countries.” What does he mean by that, ‘yung “sacrifice a little bit?”

PRESIDENTIAL SPOKESPERSON ABELLA: I think it’s in connection with the other question earlier. What would happen to the Philippines if, you know, regarding the… if the US-Philippines relationship was sufficiently disturbed so that investments were removed?

I believe that our relationships go deeper than that. However, given the fear, he was asking, would the Filipinos believe enough in the nation to set a course, to set an independent course in spite of economic difficulties if and when it should happen.

He’s not saying it will but he said if and when it should happen, would we be willing enough? Would we be patriotic enough to stand behind the Philippines in declaring an independent foreign policy? Thank you.

Ms. Andolong: Sir just to press a little on the lapses in the drug matrix. That drug matrix landed on the President’s table. What makes us certain that the lists of drug suspects, let’s say, with the police officials are credible as well because as we know it, I mean doesn’t the lap… Doesn’t this issue maybe prompt police authorities to be extra careful in going after drug suspects in their own lists because of possible lapses there as well? Especially dahil as we know in their operations marami pong… who end up being killed.

PRESIDENTIAL SPOKESPERSON ABELLA: Alright. So your question?

Ms. Andolong: Doesn’t this problem prompt maybe police officials to be extra careful in going after drug suspects in their own lists because there may be lapses there kung nagkaroon ng problema po doon sa nakarating na matrix sa Presidente, paano pa po sa kanila lalo na’t sa operations nila marami pong namamatay o napapatay?

PRESIDENTIAL SPOKESPERSON ABELLA: As the President said, at the end of the day he makes the call, right. He makes the call. So definitely it will make the personnel, the police personnel, prompt them to be more careful. However, at the end of the day as they said, as they said, it is the President who makes the final, the final, the final announcements on the list, okay?

So regarding the list and regarding the police activities, I think that’s a difference there. They will have to pursue what they feel is right on the ground level and the President also made his own options and choices regarding the announcements and that is also his call so these are two separate things.

Benjie Liwanag (DZBB): Sir ‘yung IRR, implementing rules and regulations of the Centenarian Act was already signed by the President. Now, sir, do we have enough funds to support ‘yung mga ibibigay na pera doon sa mga–

PRESIDENTIAL SPOKESPERSON ABELLA: If you were here the other day during the briefing, I think Secretary Diokno said yes we will find funds for that.

Mr. Liwanag: That would be for next year. How about sir next month October 7 will be, I think, grandparents or elders month for them. Mahahabol ho ba ng government ito?

PRESIDENTIAL SPOKESPERSON ABELLA: I cannot speak for that but definitely Secretary Diokno said that they will find funds. I don’t know exactly when it will begin but they will find funds for that.

Mr. Liwanag: Thank you very much sir.

PRESIDENTIAL SPOKESPERSON ABELLA: Thank you very much. Good morning.

***

PRESIDENTIAL SPOKESPERSON ABELLA: Good morning once more. As promised, we have a pièce de résistance today, General… Police Director General Ronald Bato Dela Rosa. Let me introduce him first. First sir, thank you for giving time. Sabi niya nag-rush daw siya through traffic, kahit na siya mismo… to the traffic.

So he was Davao City’s police director from January 2012 to October 2013. After his stint as Davao City police director on October 18, 2013, he was assigned as chief of staff of the intelligence group. He then helped various positions in IG, such as deputy director for operations, and deputy director for administration.

Under his leadership on the Duterte administration’s war on drugs, specifically ‘Project Tokhang’ over 700,000 illegal drug users and pushers have already surrendered. And in addition crime rate from 499 daily average in July 2015, down to 256 in July 2016, same period of time or a 49 percent decrease.

So without further ado, ladies and gentlemen of the Malacañang Press Corps. Let us all welcome Police Director General Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa.

PNP DIRECTOR GENERAL DELA ROSA: Thank you sir. Good morning everyone. Good morning. Diretso na tayo kung may questions kayo. Any questions?

Chona Yu (Radyo Inquirer): Sir, good morning. Kumusta ‘yung intelligence gathering natin ngayon? Meron pa po bang banta sa terrorism and would you, will you recommend sa President na i-lift na ‘yung state of national emergency?

PNP DIRECTOR GENERAL DELA ROSA: So far ‘yung threat kasi natin sa ngayon ay nail-link doon sa ating war on drugs, kaya hangga’t relentless ‘yung ating war on drugs, ‘di pa rin natin masabi na mawawala ‘yung threat natin. So as of now I cannot give advice to the President na i-lift ‘yung state of lawlessness na sinasabi niya.

Kris Jose (Remate): Sir ‘yung listahan ng mga artista, nakuha niyo na po ba kay Pangulong Duterte?

PNP DIRECTOR GENERAL DELA ROSA: Kukunin ko sana ‘nong nagkita kami doon sa Pampanga kaso sabi niya pagbalik na lang daw niya sa from Vietnam. Saka na niya i-announce. So after ma-announce niya ‘yun, saka na namin siguro mag-conduct, saka na kami mag-conduct ng Tokhang doon sa mga artista na ‘yun.

Ms. Yu: Sir ‘yung sinasabi ng Pangulo na 11,000 na policemen are involved sa illegal drugs. Ano ‘yun, i-Oplan Tokhang niyo rin ‘yung mga… or paano po?

PNP DIRECTOR GENERAL DELA ROSA: Right away, kino-conduct na ng investigation ng ating internal affairs service. Hindi na ito-Tokhang. Police na ‘yun e. Bakit mo pa ito-Tokhang ‘yun? Dapat tok-bang na ‘yun, tok-bang. Katok tapos bang. Dapat ganon na ‘yun, eh mga pulis ‘yun eh. Dapat matino sila, hindi sila dapat involved sa drugs.

Mr. Liwanag: Sir, good afternoon. Tanong ko lang kasi sabi ni Pangulo, first phase tapos na tayo eh. We are already in the second phase. ‘Yung second phase po ba, pwede hong paki-linaw kung ito ho ba ‘yung rehabilitation or another Tokhang or ano po ang mangyayari dito sa second phase sir?

PNP DIRECTOR GENERAL DELA ROSA: Second phase will be focusing more on the HVTs. ‘Yung… bale ang focus ‘nong first phase ay doon sa Tokhang sa street level. Second phase doon tayo sa HVT. Sa ating… project double barrel. Tapos, medyo hindi pa

naman tapos, pero patapos na tayo sa lower barrel,  akyat tayo sa upper barrel which is directed against high value targets.

Mr. Liwanag: Sir, he was saying, the President was also saying na ito pong kampanya na ‘to dapat madagdagan pa ng six months. Ano po ‘yung nagkulang sa Philippine National Police bakit hindi natin nakayanan ‘yung six months?

PNP DIRECTOR GENERAL DELA ROSA: Malaki pa. Malaki pa ang kulang talaga. First, doon sa, dito sa demand side. We hope… Sa new target namin sa PNP which is we set at 1.8 million surrenderers, kasama na diyan surrenderers, neutralized, arrested, killed na mga drug personalities na 1.8 million. Nasa 720… million pa tayo eh. So, we still—

Q: [off mic]

PNP DIRECTOR GENERAL DELA ROSA: 720,000 ang ating napa-surrender. Tapos dagdag natin diyan ‘yung arrested na mga around 15,000. Tapos meron tayong killed in police operations. So kulang pa talaga sa 1.8. So ‘yun, ‘yun ang kulang natin sa demand side.

Pero dito sa supply side, malaki na po ‘yung na-accomplish natin. ‘Yung estimate natin ngayon na ‘yung sa supply side, medyo bumaba by around 70 to 80 percent. Estimate lang ‘yan ha. Bumaba by 70 to 80 percent. Naramdaman natin ‘yan sa presyo, ongoing na prevailing price ngayon.‘Yung street value ng shabu, more than… nag-300 percent ‘yung increase ng presyo. So, sa supply side medyo epektibo tayo. Sa demand side nga lang, dahil nga sa pagkukulang natin dito sa rehabilitation facilities, ‘yan ‘yung handicap natin ngayon.

Mr. Liwanag: Okay, sir on rehabilitation. Ngayong inaamin ng government  kulang  tayo sa rehabilitation. Ano po ‘yung alternative ng pamahalaan for the rehabilitation while we’re still waiting for the construction of these rehabilitations. Papano po natin matutulungan ngayon ‘yung mga sumurender?

PNP DIRECTOR GENERAL DELA ROSA: In fairness ‘no, depende ‘yan sa LGUs concerned. In fairness, sa ibang LGUs, ‘yung ibang provincial governments, ibang municipal governments, city governments, they took the initiative of establishing their own rehabilitation center. Hindi na sila naghihintay sa national government na mag-provide pa ng malakihang rehab centers.

All over the Philippines marami na tayong nakita na mga probinsya at munisipyo at siyudad na nag-sariling inisyatibo nila, gumawa sariling rehab centers.

But for those local government units na medyo lagging behind, na  hindi pa sila talaga naka-establish ng mga rehab centers nila, inaamin natin, talagang kulang tayo and we just advise them na initiative na lang ng mga barangay kapitan na i-monitor itong mga surrenderers natin twice a day — once in the morning, once in the afternoon. Para ma-monitor lang kung talagang nag-totohanan ‘yung kanilang pag-surrender or nagba-backslide sila.

Mr. Liwanag: Thank you very much.

Ms. Yu: Sir, nakausap niyo na po ba ‘yung SAF personnel sa Bilibid? Ano pong explanation nila doon sa riot kahapon, bakit nangyari, nakakapasok pa rin ‘yung shabu and then ‘yung pot session?

PNP DIRECTOR GENERAL DELA ROSA: Unang-una, sa nangyari na ‘yun, di ba? Unang-una doon sa reaction side, siguro kung hindi mabilis nag-react ‘yung SAF, baka namatay ‘yung lahat ng mga sugatan doon.

Pero sa bilis ng reaksyon nila, ‘yun na-save ‘yung buhay ‘nong ibang inmates na na-involve doon sa riot. At doon naman sa preventive aspect, bakit nangyari ‘yun. We must accept na we cannot, ’yung masiguro natin na hindi… wala na, since nag-occupy ‘yung SAF doon nahirapan na talaga sila or wala na talagang nakapasok na contraband sa loob.

Pero ‘yung mga armas na ‘yun na nandoon na dati, we cannot expect na inch by inch talagang makakalkal, mabubungkal natin ‘yan lahat ng buong lugar ng building 14 or ‘yung maximum na, maximum, compound, maximum security compound.

Talagang meron silang itatago diyan. Hindi natin makalkal or otherwise gibain natin ‘yung buong lugar, i-close down natin. Ilipat natin sila sa isang bagong lugar wherein talagang malinis na lugar.

Ako, hindi ako, hindi ko masabi na nagkukulang ‘yung ating SAF doon. In fact, I’m very proud of them, sa kanilang ginagawa doon. I’m very happy for what they are doing. ‘Yun nga lang may nangyari. ‘Yun namang nangyari na ‘yun is talagang beyond our control, dahil nga sa pagtatago ng mga ganong mga bagay. Hindi natin talaga mabubungkal buong building.

Mr. Tinaza: Sir magandang tanghali po. Sir bago po nagkaroon ng August 25 announcement ng Pangulo sa kanyang drug matrix, wherein Congressman Amado Espino name was included, nakita niyo ba ‘yung matrix na ‘yun bago i-announce?

PNP DIRECTOR GENERAL DELA ROSA: Honestly, hindi ko pa nakita ‘yun. Iba ‘yung source ni Presidente doon.

Mr. Tinaza: So maging kayo rin convinced na, as well, as seasoned intelligence officer, as a seasoned investigator, convinced din kayo na wala talagang direct link to pin down General Espino or Congressman Espino to the drug trade?

PNP DIRECTOR GENERAL DELA ROSA: As of now. As of now, talagang lumabas ‘yung matrix na ‘yun, then kinolate (collate) ni Presidente ‘yung ibang sources of information, ‘yung ibang intelligence reports. ‘Yung matrix lang ‘yun ang nagli-link, pero ‘yung iba may gap. Hindi niya nali-link lahat.

So in case of doubt, pag merong gap, huwag mong i-confirm. That’s the rule of thumb sa intelligence community. Pag merong gap, huwag mo talagang, huwag mo talaga iko-confirm dahil in fairness naman doon sa tao, mahirap na ma-implicate na, wala pala.

Mr. Tinaza: So itong third and final list na sinasabi ng Pangulo, nakita niyo na ‘yung kopya ng drug list?

PNP DIRECTOR GENERAL DELA ROSA: Hindi pa. Pero ‘yung contribution lang ng PNP, ‘yun lang ang nakita ko. Pero hindi man kasi ‘yan galing lang sa PNP lahat. Merong galing sa PDEA, merong galing sa ISAFP, merong galing sa NICA, merong galing sa other government agencies na merong intelligence capability, merong galing sa LGUs, merong galing sa mga counterparts. Pero as far as the PNP portion, sa ipapalabas ni Presidente, nakita ko.

Mr. Tinaza: So safe to assume, sir na it’s not you the PNP, the intelligence officer who choose, but the President himself has the prerogative on who to name or not sa drug list?

PNP DIRECTOR GENERAL DELA ROSA: Yes, yes. Siya man naga-announce. Basta kami, on our part lang, ‘yung aming efforts isa-submit namin sa kanya. Then siya na bahala mag… kasi ‘yung sinabmit (submit) naman namin, bina-validate naman niya ‘yun doon sa sina-submit ng ibang intelligence agency. Siya ngayon ang final, final say kung ito na ba talaga o hindi dahil merong iba na nagi-invalidate sa source ng iba. Ganon ‘yun.  Nasa kanya ‘yung final.

Mr. Tinaza: Thank you sir.

Ms. Andolong: Sir, ano na po ba ‘yung story na nabubuo about the NBP incident yesterday? I understand that CIDG is investigating this. Are we leaning towards believing that the riot was caused by a pot session or a shabu session na naisumbong? Or, I mean, are we buying the idea that it was a simple prison riot? Because some, as we know, are saying that it might have been an effort to stop some of the inmates from testifying in the ongoing?

PNP DIRECTOR GENERAL DELA ROSA: Initially, ‘yung tinatanggap natin na version doon is ‘yung version na sinasabi ng DOJ, which was contained in the report of the BuCor. ‘Yun na nga, may pot session daw nangyari. Sinita ‘nong isang inmate, nagalit ‘yung mga Intsik, inatake ‘yung nagsita, then nagkakaroon na ng rambulan.

But right now, I have sent already the director of the CIDG to NBP to, ‘yun na nga, to coordinate kung pwedeng ‘yung CIDG mag-take over.

As of yesterday, pumayag na sila na ‘yung CIDG mag-take over para mawala ‘yung notion na kasi ‘yung NBI at tsaka ‘yung BuCor ay sister bureau siya under DOJ, ‘di ba? Para mawala ‘yung notion na mayroong whitewash or cover-up. Sabi ko, you present yourself, we present our self na kami na mag-lead ng investigation, ‘yung CIDG.

But kagabi naman daw, ewan ko parang nagbago ata, parang gusto nila… the DOJ, ‘yung NBI naman ang mag-lead ng investigation. But kaninang umaga kausap ko ‘yung director ng CIDG, i-try namin na makuha ‘yung apat doon na suspects kung pwede madala dito sa Crame para doon namin kunan ng testimony, testimonies nila kung, para malaman talaga ‘yung katotohanan. But, wino-work out pa nila ngayon ng director ng CIDG.

Ms. Andolong: Sir, just to be clear. Sino po ‘yong apat? Sino po ‘yung apat na suspects just to be—?

PNP DIRECTOR GENERAL DELA ROSA: Hindi ko maibigay ‘yung pangalan basta meron silang na-identify doon na apat, tatlo o apat na involved doon sa gulo.

Ms. Andolong: Sir, kayo, are you convinced that it was a simple prison riot based on what you’ve been monitoring or reports that you’ve been receiving?

PNP DIRECTOR GENERAL DELA ROSA: Mahirap kasing mag-speculate eh. We must be very careful. Pag sabihin ko riot o hindi, basta per se, ‘yung initial investigation sabi ng kwan, so will we… ‘yun ang tinatanggap natin na ‘yung version ng BuCor. Alangan namang sabi ng BuCor na riot, tapos sabihin kong hindi. Who am I to say na hindi na wala man ako doon sa loob, sila man ang nagma-manage ng kulungan, ‘di ba? So mahirap na, kaya nga ‘yung CIDG pinapaimbestiga natin.

Ms. Andolong:  Thank you sir.

Ted Tuvera (Daily Tribune): Sir, update lang po doon sir sa mga… sa kaso doon ng tatlong PNP Generals na unang pinangalanan ni Presidente, sila Tinio, Pagdilao tsaka sila Diaz. Ano po ‘yung status nila ngayon, sir, tsaka ano po ‘yung update nga po ‘nong kaso?

PNP DIRECTOR GENERAL DELA ROSA: Hindi ko masyadong namo-monitor ‘yan ha. Pero I know ‘yung DILG meron nang naka-prepare or nasampa na ‘yung kaso nila. ‘Yung NAPOLCOM kasi ang nag-handle ng investigation nila. So hindi ko pa talaga… kung nasampa na ‘yung kaso or hindi pa. So meron ng ginawa ‘yung NAPOLCOM.

Mr. Tuvera: Pero ano po ‘yung status nila ngayon, sir? Saan po sila ngayon—?

PNP DIRECTOR GENERAL DELA ROSA: Nasa holding, admin holding office namin. Sa akin mismo, sa aking office of the Chief PNP sila naka-detail dahil ‘yun nga, for investigation.

Mr. Tuvera: Naka-detain, sir?

PNP DIRECTOR GENERAL DELA ROSA: Detail, hindi detain ha. Sasabihin mong detain sa opisina ko ha. Detailed, ‘L’ hindi ‘N.’

Mr. Tuvera: Sir, kilala niyo po ba sir ‘yung binabanggit ni Presidente the last time, ‘yung Diana Lagman sir na taga-Pampanga daw po na drug lord?

PNP DIRECTOR GENERAL DELA ROSA:  Lagman?

Mr. Tuvera: Opo.

PNP DIRECTOR GENERAL DELA ROSA: Hindi ko masyadong… ‘yung may-ari ‘nong bagong kwan ngayon,  bagong discovery?

Mr. Tuvera: Hindi sir, ‘yung pinangalanan niya po doon sa Naga, sa Bicol last week.

PNP DIRECTOR GENERAL DELA ROSA: I-check ko, i-check ko sa aking DI, sa Intelligence ko. I will check out.

Salamat ha. Thank you. [Speaks Bisaya] Alis na ako. Thank you. Thank you.