CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — Reelectionist Senator Rolando “Bato” dela Rosa has called for stronger government action to combat illegal drugs, urging authorities to deal with the issue with an “iron fist.”

“The use of illegal drugs has become the new normal, with drug users even broadcasting their illegal activities live on Facebook,” he said.

In an interview on Magnum 99.9 radio on Friday, Dela Rosa voiced his concern over the growing criminality and illegal drug activities in the country, pointing to the reports of increased drug-related crimes, such as parents killing their children and other heinous offenses.

He specifically mentioned a recent kidnapping in Bonifacio Global City, where the criminals severed one of their victim’s fingers to demand the boy’s parents pay ransom.

Dela Rosa said his Senate committee will launch an investigation into the worsening drug situation in the country.

“On Monday, I will be conducting a hearing on the state of drug abuse in the country,” he said.

He admitted feeling alluded to when President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said recently that some senatorial candidates were simply “told to go buy vinegar” (bumili ng suka) but they ended up filing certificates of candidacy.

Dela Rosa, who ranked ninth in the latest Social Weather Stations survey of senatorial candidates, said the “suka” comment was an insult to poor Filipinos for whom vinegar, particularly fermented coconut wine tuba, is a staple condiment of their meals.

“As a child, I sold suka made from leftover tuba harvested by my grandfather, who was a ‘mananguite,’” Dela Rosa shared in the radio interview.

“It was an insult, but selling suka gave me my daily school allowance,” he added.