Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 2) — After 35 years, another Dela Rosa is aspiring to be part of the Philippine National Police (PNP).
Rock Dela Rosa, the only son of PNP Chief Ronald Dela Rosa, joined 350 other new cadets or “plebes” at their first day at the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) on May 1.
He is studying B.S. Public Safety there.
Marching under the scorching heat of the sun, the cadets were received by their uniformed upperclassmen.
But instead of extending a cordial greeting with smiles and handshakes, the upperclassmen, shouting at the top of their lungs, charged towards the plebes and ordered them to do jumping jacks and burpees.
Watch: First day of 350 new cadets at PNPA
And even being the son of the police chief didn’t exempt the younger Dela Rosa from getting covered in sweat and mud, and having his head shaved.
“Feeling ko po ngayon parang blessed po ako,” Dela Rosa said. “This is not just a blessing, but also a privilege, kaya kung anuman ang mangyari, lalaban po ako. Dati po gusto ko mag-PMA, pero parang ito po talaga ang para sa akin.”
[Translation: I feel so blessed today. This is not just a blessing, but also a privilege, so whatever happens, I will fight. I wanted to join the PMA in the past, but I feel the PNPA is really for me.]
The PNP chief, who entered the PMA in 1982, wasn’t there to witness his son being drilled, but Rock’s mother Nancy was there to cheer him on.
The older Dela Rosa has expressed his reservations about his youngest child entering the PNPA, but said he is nonetheless proud of him.
“Takot ako baka mas lalo siyang pahirapan ng mga upper class na kadete pag andon ako… baka ma-challenge sila, pakita na talagang they are over and above the plebe who is my son. So ganon yun, ganon yung attitude ng kadete, so iwas nalang ako baka mamaya mas lalong mamalasin ang anak ko,” he said.
The PNPA’s dean of academics, Supt. Hordan Pacatiw, said the academy teaches cadets to become “responsible public safety officers who are trusted and respected by the people.”
The new batch of police academy graduates will graduate in 2021.
