(Eagle News) — Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa said Friday he had ordered his ground commanders during Monday’s command conference to resume the anti-drug operation Oplan Tokhang this month.
The police chief said he instructed the commanders to implement the “true spirit” of Tokhang, and not the corrupted one being done by some erring policemen.
Tokhang—derived from the Visayan words “toktok” (knock) and “hangyo” (plead)—refers to the police officer’s practice of going to a drug personality’s house and convincing him or her to stop illegal activities.
Dela Rosa said the “corrupted” way sees police officers extorting money from drug personalities in exchange for the removal of those individuals’ names from the list.
According to him irregularities should not be seen among the policemen, especially among police officers 1 or PO1s, whose salary have been doubled.
Dela Rosa added that aside from the salary increase, the police have also received allowances and logistical support from local government units.
He cited the Valenzuela City Police, which received 60 brand new patrol vehicles and K-9 units from the city government.
Dela Rosa said policemen involved in irregularities and other illegal activities will be sanctioned.
“Hindi lang mas mabigat (na parusa) kundi mas mabilis na pagresolba ng kanilang kaso, mas mabilis silang madismiss, promise ko yan sa inyo. Idi-dismiss ko kaagad ‘yung mga pulis… (na) gagawa pa rin ng kalokohan, pang-aabuso,” he said.
