IN GEEKSPEAK, a reboot is to switch off a computer and then start again immediately.
Its other definition is to start something again or do something again, in a way that is new and interesting.
So now we get a reboot of Oplan Tokhang.
Last year, the Police Regional Office-6 claimed that that the anti-illegal drug campaign in Western Visayas was a success.
At the same time, the Western Visayas admitted that the number of drug personalities who surrendered under Oplan Double Barrel is way below compared to other regions.
That implied that the success were limited to the small fries.
And anti-drug campaign under the Philippine National Police (PNP) is rebooted where its police stations are expected to enforce the anti-drug campaign under a “much more peaceful” version of Oplan Tokhang.
Under the new guidelines, visitation on suspected drug personalities should only be conducted from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. during weekdays, unlike in the old Tokhang where policemen can visit the homes of drug suspects anytime.
Here in Negros Occidental, the Diocese of Bacolod called on the authorities to ensure bloodless operations in the renewed anti-drug campaign.
Bacolod Bishop Patricio Buzon echoed the call of CBCP President Archbishop Romulo Valles who advised the PNP to follow the law when conducting drug operations. “Let us inspire them to follow the necessary steps when they need to apprehend and as much as possible, we make sure that we do not waste any lives.”
“After all, that is their primary duty – to uphold the rule of law and to defend life,” echoed Diocesan Bishop Buzon.
Unless I got my stats wrong, but as far as I know, the Bacolod City Police Office and the Negros Occidental Police Office are doing exactly that.
Sure, Bacolod witnessed a shootout in Zone 5, Abada Escay, in Barangay Vista Alegre at the start of this week. Yet two suspects were wounded – not killed – during the police drug bust that netted 12 sachets of suspected “shabu” (methamphetamine hydrochloride) and marijuana.
So again, congratulations. Our Negrense police officers have shown that we can have our anti-drug campaign and our police officers not wasting the drug suspects. Congratulations!
(bqsanc@yahoo.com)