Controversy and bloody police operations that revolved around Oplan Tokhang prompted the Duterte Administration and the Philippine National Police (PNP) to temporary halt the said operation against drug users.
This campaign against drugs resulted in thousands of dead body counts, including teenagers. Which made human rights group in the country and all-over the world expressed concerns regarding the drastic operations.
However, as the administration wishes to clear the Philippines of drug problems, Oplan Tokhang now officially resumes, but with the better provisions.
PNP is in close cooperation and in support with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), barangay officials, and the Department of Health (DOH).
DOH accredited physicians will examine drug-users who surrender to the authority to properly address their addiction. Whether they need to be admitted in rehabilitation centers/clinic or to undergo community-based rehabilitation program.
Quezon City Police District (QCPD) Director PCSupt. Guillermo Lorenzo T. Eleazar, explains the better and proper Oplan Tokhang.
“Gusto naming ibahagi sa inyo ang tamang mukha ng Tokhang.”
In the new provisions, police officers conducting the Tokhang or ‘Tokhangers’, as Eleazar called it, should be wearing uniforms especially in providing warrant of arrests, except in buy bust operations; armed with bullet-proof vests in case of extreme situation such as gun fights; four police officers or ‘Tokhangers’ per unit in every operation; and will be conducted during daytime from 8 A.M. to 5 P.M. Mondays thru Fridays.
He emphasizes that the revamped Oplan Tokhang is solely a house visitation of suspected drug-dependents. That the Tokhang resumption aims to be ‘bloodless’ and with zero casualty as much as possible.
“Remember, there is no arrest, walang arestuhan sa Oplan Tokhang. Walang hulihan. Kakatukin lamang natin sila upang ipaalam na sila ay ating namo-monitor na drug-dependent at pakikiusapan na itigil na nila.”
He clarifies about the ‘list’ wherein names of people involved in drugs whether as a user or peddler are listed.
“List is just a reference. It is just a guide. Lahat ng police operations ay based on evidence, not just on list.”
As vague information put this campaign into bad light, Eleazar wishes to properly define the campaign.
“Dito sa ating Oplan tokhang, bibigyan sila ng importansya, ang ating mga kababayan na involved sa droga, para magkaroon ng rehabilitation at to be integrated sa ating komunidad.
In the resumption of Oplan Tokhang, Eleazar hopes that this would encourage drug-dependents to finally stop their addiction and to join the rehabilitation program. (Ehlorra Mangahas)
