Pimentel slams Dela Rosa for 'ingrato' remark

MANILA - Senate President Aquilino Pimentel III on Thursday hit the Philippine National Police for unsolved murders, citing the recent killing of a councilor and his son despite the top cop's claim of an improved peace and order situation.

"Where is the peace and order that [PNP Chief Ronald] dela Rosa says the people are ungrateful for?" Pimentel in a statement.

The Senate leader, who is allied with the President, was reacting to the police chief's statement that critics of the administration's war on drugs are ingrates who are benefiting from the lower crime rate in the country.

Pimentel cited the killing of Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro councilor, Melchor Arago, and his 15-year old son by unidentifiedgunmen on Tuesday.

Arago, 52, was inside his car parked in front of his house when he and son Kenneth were shot dead by motorcycle-riding suspects.

Tirso Tito and Rogelio Sto. Tomas were arrested on Wednesday after they were positively identified by a witness, police said.

“This is yet another murder by the now usual modus operandi of motorcycle-riding gunmen," said Pimentel.

“Criminals are being emboldened by what they see as the incompetence of the PNP in catching them," added Pimentel.

Pimentel also said that the large number of unsolved deaths was unacceptable, citing PNP's data claiming there were 6,225 drug-related deaths since President Rodrigo Duterte assumed office.

"One homicide is one unnecessary death too many. Add the large number of unsolved killings, made worse by some of the victims being minors, and you start wondering what the police is there for," he said.

The police, he said, must have the proper training and tools to carry out the administration's anti-drugs-and-criminality drive.

"The Filipino people deserve a modern, professional, and capable police force. Right now, the PNP is none of the above. We need to take radical action to change this state of affairs," he said.