MANILA - Even Philippine National Police chief Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa once became a victim of an investment scam.

In a press conference at Camp Crame on Monday, Dela Rosa recalled he was convinced by underclassmen to invest in a pyramid scheme, which offered a "get rich quick" opportunity to investors.

Dela Rosa says he also fell victim to an investment scam when he was still a Chief Inspector in Davao @ABSCBNNews pic.twitter.com/KY6tqa9nSh

— Bianca Dava (@biancadava) February 26, 2018

Dela Rosa said he was still a chief inspector in Davao when he fell victim to the scam.

"Meron akong pera noon, mga P300,000 to 400,000 na in-invest ko. Pyramiding scam. Umiyak ako pagkatapos, binigyan lang ako ng tseke every month daw sa bangko... Nakita ko kasi may 100+ dung nakapasok na marami nang pera. Sabi sa akin sumali ako. Eh nag-invest din ako. Nabulabog na dito," the PNP chief said.

"May baka akong pinapalaki sa amin, binenta ko, pati motorsiklo ko. Excited ako kasi malaking pera eh," he added.

Dela Rosa said the experience taught him to make wiser choices when investing.

"Lesson learned ko na 'yun, kaya never na akong mag-iinvest sa ganon. Mamatay na ako, sa inyo na pera niyo. Hindi na ako magpapabiktima diyan," he said.

The top police official also gave a message to policemen who are allegedly using his name to recruit investors in these scams.

Dela Rosa clarified he is in no way involved in such activities.

"Anybody can use my name in their favor. Ganon lang yun kasimple. Itong mundo ay mundo ng manggagamit. Ginagamit ang pangalan ko para marami ang mag-invest, pero I must tell you, hindi ako involved diyan," Dela Rosa said.

He also warned his men against investment scams and reminded them to exercise due diligence when investing.

"Kung mababa ang sweldo nila noon, mababa rin ang kanilang lugi. Ngayong mataas na sweldo nila, mas malaking kawalan ngayon kung magpaloko pa sila. Wag kayong magpaloko," the PNP chief said.

Last week, NCRPO chief Oscar Albayalde said he has placed under restrictive custody PO3 Rafael Muchuelas for his alleged involvement in a scam.

• Ilang pulis, nabiktima ng investment scam

At least 11 personnel of the Wahana Lending and Loan Corporation were also arrested, after enticing victims, who are mostly policemen and teachers, to invest in their scheme by offering 25 to 48 percent monthly interests.