DCPO to revive ‘Tokhang’

By Funny Pearl A. Gajunera
Davao City Police Office (DCPO) director Senior Superintendent Vicente Danao Jr. is planning to revive his predecessor’s “Oplan Tokhang” in an effort to intensify the operations against illegal drug activities in the city.
“Tokhang” stands for toktok (knock) and hangyo (plead). Under the operation, police go directly to the homes of suspected drug pushers and ask them to stop their activities.
The program was done under the term of DCPO director Senior Superintendent Ronald dela Rosa.
“We are planning to bring back the Tokhang in the coming days after we have raided all we can raid so that there will be awareness among the citizens,” Danao said.
He said it is everyone’s duty to watch over their community and report people who are involved in illegal drug activities.
“Through the information that the people will give, we can easily develop and easily monitor persons behind the illegal drug trade,” he said.
Danao said the DCPO also plans to put “No to drugs” stickers on the houses of those subjected to “tokhang.” The final text, however, is still being finalized.
“Pag yung bahay mo, tinokhang kita ngayon, iiwanan kita niyan (sticker) so from drug pusher magiging anti-drug advocate kana (If you become subject to tokhang, we will put a sticker on your house so that from being a drug pusher you will become an anti-drug advocate), “ Danao said.
Lawyer Ben Joseph Tesiorna said putting advocacy stickers on different households and areas in the city will be legal.
“It will be legal (putting stickers) because it just signify that you are against drugs. But if the text of the stickers says you are involved in illegal drugs, that’s not allowed,” he said.