A TOP police official on Monday, January 29, moved to allay the public’s apprehension over the return of "Tokhang," a key program in President Rodrigo Duterte’s drug war, saying the current police-led anti-drug campaign will be "less deadly."
Superintendent Lemuel Gonda of the Police Regional Office (PRO)-Northern Mindanao, said the modified "Oplan Tokhang" (Toktok-Hangyo), which was simultaneously launched nationwide Monday, will be strictly carried out only by "Tokhangers" composed of four policemen per police station.
The Tokhang operation will only be conducted on working hours daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and not on weekends, Gonda said.
The four tokhangers will be led by an officer together with members of the Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Council (Badac).
But Gonda said Church representatives and the media are welcome to join and witness the operation.
Gonda said the members of the team will be chosen according to the discretion of the station chief.
Police assured that Tokhangers do not have derogatory records nor involvement in illegal drugs activities and unlawful practices.
Gonda emphasized that the team is directed not to barge into the houses of concerned subjects.
"Maghulat lang sila sa gawas. Dili pwede mosulod, unless kung pasudlon sa tagbalay," Gonda said.
Gonda stressed the importance of respect for human rights and dignity and police operational procedure, which the team is instructed to observe in conducting the "Tokhang."
Gonda also explained that drug dependents will not be arrested unless caught using the prohibited drugs in plain view.
Since PRO-Northern Mindanao has yet to receive body cameras, the team or the household has been encouraged to take videos to ensure that proper procedure is followed.
Drug personalities who refused to submit themselves to authorities for rehabilitation will be subjected for monitoring and operation.
"This is part of demand reduction drive," said Gonda.