MANILA - Incoming Philippine National Police chief Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa has a warning to scalawags in the police force who may be killing crooks under their protection to remove all traces of their links to crime.

Speaking to radio DZMM, dela Rosa confirmed that some police officers may be involved in illegal drug activities by recycling seized drugs and having their own set of drug peddlers.

He said scalawag cops who are "cleaning house" to avoid detection could soon get the same treatment.

"Malalaman mo yan pagdating ng araw na kung yung pulis na nanunumba nung distributor sa lansangan ay siya mismo matutumba. Sila rin mismo matutumba. Kahit na anong gagawin na drama-drama ngayon...kung hindi talaga totohanan o gumagawa ng sarsuwela ngayon, e alam na natin yan," he said.

"May monitor ako...[They are] trying to wipe out their traces, their lifestyle. Malalaman mo yung mga nanunumba sa kalsada sila ang matutumba

President-elect Rodrigo Duterte earlier warned there are three police generals and 35 local executives with alleged links to narcotics syndicates.

He warned the police generals to leave their posts or face public humiliation.

Dela Rosa said that once he steps in as PNP chief, he will not hesitate to remove police officials who are on the take or protect drug syndicates or do nothing with the drug situation in their jurisdictions.

He said he will very much welcome crooks who want to give information on the sources of illegal drugs even if they are cops.

"Very much welcome ang ganung mga klaseng tao. Kung gusto nilang magbago, iwe-welcome natin yan," he said.

He added: "If they want to surrender now, they can go directly to media and ask for help to surrender. What is important is they signify their intention."