…but cops may still arrest addicts
The implementation of Oplan Tokhang may already have been lifted by the Philippine National Police, but the chief of the PNP in Negros Oriental, Sr. Supt. Henry Biñas, says policemen may still arrest drug suspects.
Binas told newsmen that although not anymore deputized to conduct anti-illegal drug operations, policemen may still arrest drug suspects when caught in the act or in plain view of using or peddling illegal drugs.
“The police has the duty to make an arrest,” Binas stressed, even as he said his men will not be conducting police operations such as buy-bust and the service of search warrants against suspected drug personalities in the province.
Sr. Supt. Biñas said the PNP here will still continue with its clearing operations in the barangay levels, but this was not even clear yet considering that it would also involve apprehension of suspected drug personalities.
Anti-illegal drugs operations will now be the exclusive domain of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency
The local PDEA, however, is undermanned and lacks manpower, and as such, was highly dependent on the PNP to assist and carry out anti-illegal drugs operations.
The Negros Oriental police director said he is still awaiting further instructions on specific details of the suspension of the PNP’s anti-narcotics operations.
The suspension of Oplan Tokhang was prompted by the kidnap-slay of a South Korean national by policemen, which caused an international uproar and a national embarrassment.
The PNP Chief, Director Gen. Ronald dela Rosa has promised that there will be a purging of scalawags in the PNP ranks.
Meanwhile, Sibulan police chief Police Senior Inspector Nelson Lamoco has lamented the cessation of Oplan Tokhang.
Sibulan is said to have the highest number of surrenderees under Oplan Tokhang among the towns in Negros Oriental with over 1000 under the old list ending December 2016.
On the other hand, Ayungon chief of police, Sr. Insp. Romeo Cubo, said he was sad because the momentum is already on the side of government, especially in Negros Oriental.
But he said he has no other recourse but to obey orders from higher headquarters and will coordinate with the PDEA on matters regarding illegal drugs.
Cubo said he hopes the morale of anti-illegal drugs operatives will still be high despite the suspension order.
Meanwhile, Criminal Investigation and Detection Group provincial team leader Chief Inspector Julius Garcia said the directive has put on hold several applications for search warrants by his team including high value targets, the most recent of which was the search against a scion of a prominent family in Tanjay City.
He assured that not one of his team of the CIDG in Negros Oriental is involved in the illegal drug trade.
Sr. Supt. Biñas had earlier directed his men to continue with their vigilance against the proliferation of illegal drugs and to coordinate with PDEA.
He clarified only planned operations are suspended such as implementation of search warrants and buy-bust operations as they can still make arrests under the plain view doctrine and confiscation of illegal drugs incidental to lawful arrests.
In Negros Oriental, Biñas said a counter intelligence group is monitoring the activities of certain police personnel as part of the cleansing process but this needs revalidation.
He assured there is no TokHang for Ransom in Negros Oriental.
In fact, the province has received an award for having the most number of arrests involving illegal drugs. (JFP/JG)
