Davide Asks CPPO to Follow Rules of Engagement in Anti-Illegal Drug Ops

On top of the Capitol’s Sugbo Kontra Droga (SUKOD) program, Governor Hilario P. Davide III is confident that the province will be able to continue its fight against illegal drugs with the continuance of Oplan Tokhang.

In his speech during the SUKOD LGU partners conference last week, Davide urged the Cebu Provincial Police Office to prioritize the fight against illegal drugs in the province.

He said the revival of Oplan Tokhang would help the police force deter illegal drug use in the province, but stressed on the importance of following the operation’s rules of engagement to avoid killings.

“I was interviewed by the press and they asked me about my opinion on the revival of Tokhang. I agree, I agree… that’s why I am hopeful, nanghinaut ko nga kining pagbalik sa Tokhang, mipasalig man ang atong chief sa PNP si General dela Rosa, nga bloodless kini,” the governor said.

“Kining tokhang again, we hope walay mga mahitabo nga mga patay. On the side of the law enforcement agencies and on the side also sa kadtong gi-tokhang,” he added.

Davide said he is in favor of the modified Oplan Tokhang, especially in conducting it on weekdays, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. only.

Under the new guidelines, visitation of alleged drug personalities would be more effective since the barangay, municipality and city anti-drug abuse council would be present during the Oplan Tokhang operation.

Davide also commended the Cebu Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Office (CPADAO) for its successful anti-illegal drug campaign in Cebu, particularly the SUKOD program.

Vice Gov. Agnes Magpale also acknowledged CPADAO and its counterparts for its programs against illegal drugs.

The Capitol officials praised the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Health (DOH), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and all the LGUs and its executives, focal persons and representatives for taking part in the fight against illegal drugs in Cebu.

CPADAO head Ivy Durano-Meca also shared CPADAO’s plans during the conference, which includes enabling its project management team to effectively implement the integrated drug monitoring and reporting information system (IDMRIS).

Through the IDMRIS, the CPADAO would be able collate information coming from LGUs on illegal drug concerns so the office can properly monitor the overall drug status in the province.

For their part, Cebu Provincial Police Office (CPPO) director, Police Senior Superintendent Edgar Alan Okubo, assured that they will continue with their anti-illegal drug operations and it will all be smooth-sailing.

He said police officers who fail to properly conduct the Oplan Tokhang will be relieved.

Based on CPPO’s records, as of 2018, there are 521 barangays out of 1,066 in the province that are slightly affected by drugs; 522 are moderately affected; and 23 unaffected. Out of the said affected barangays though, 160 have been cleared, according to CPPO.

In the whole Central Visayas, shabu is still the most abused substance followed by cannabis/marijuana, nubain and ecstasy.

http://www.cebu.gov.ph