OVER 1,000 law enforcers and local government officials gathered for the re-launching of Oplan Tokhang (knock and plead) on Sunday, February 25, this time supposedly aimed at reducing demand for illegal drugs by raising people’s awareness.

Senior Superintendent Timoteo Pacleb said the “new” Tokhang aims to correct the “misconception” that the campaign is aimed at neutralizing drug suspects.

“Tokhang is strictly knocking and pleading. We will try to talk to them and persuade him or her to submit himself to rehabilitation,” Pacleb said.

“In the past, there was a misconception that it is aimed at neutralizing suspect to the extent of killing him if and when he resists arrest. But let me be clear that tokhang is only awareness. It is different from buy-bust or other (anti) illegal drug operations,” Pacleb added.

Pacleb emphasized that the relaunched Tokhang needs community support more than ever.

He said families with drug-dependent members should help in the anti-illegal drug campaign.

“We tap the relatives of those drug-dependents to help us convince them to submit themselves to rehabilitation. It’s a second chance at life,” he said.

The police also launched a name for the police who will lead the Tokhang activity.

“Tokhangers” will be the members of the Tokhang Team who would visit suspected drug personalities and persuade them to surrender and avail the rehabilitation program of the government.

From Rodelsa Circle, the police, military, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA)-Northern Mindanao, Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Council (Badac), Cagayan de Oro City Government, students and non-government organizations paraded through Abejuela-Corrales street and T. Neri street and ends at the Kosko Kagawasan in Divisoria, where a program was held. (PJ Orias)