'Oplan Tokhang' silences 43 alleged drug personalities in Metro Manila

The "Oplan Tokhang" of the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) has seen 43 deaths during the first 12 days of its operation, a report released on Tuesday said.

In its report, NCRPO claimed that from July 1 to 12, they made 362 arrests of those allegedly involved in illegal drugs, including two Chinese nationals.

During the first 12 days of "Oplan Tokhang," the NCRPO confiscated illegal drugs amounting to over P1.8 billion pesos, and seized 20 assorted firearms, a hand grenade, and three bladed weapon. 

The NCRPO reported that 8,808 illegal drug personalities have surrendered to authorities during the same period.

The number includes 4,898 illegal drug users who have been referred for rehabilitation to the local government units and the Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB).

The figure also includes 3,547 illegal drug pushers, 348 of whom have surrendered their illegal drug items as well.

Human rights

NCRPO Acting Regonal Director Police Supt. Oscar Albayalde claimed that police operatives are guided by the human rights law in the implementation of Oplan Tokhang.

Albayalde said they tapped the current Associate Dean of the University of the East College of Law, Atty. Wilhelm Dabu Soriano, as the Human Rights Counselor to guide over 20,000 police officers on the ground.

“The need to keep abreast ourselves with laws like human rights is crucial in the performance of our job. Our human Rights Law Reorientation Program will start with our field operatives and the rest will follow. We welcome the help from our stakeholder for extending us their expertise,” Albayalde said in a statement. 

“NCRPO will lead the way in making Metro Manila the safest place to live, work and do business. Remember, Metro Manila will be the showcase of the change that the President promised to the Filipino people and NCRPO will be instrumental in translating that promise to reality,” Albayalde said. — VVP, GMA News