First 50 Days: Nearly 17,000 Drug Personalities in E. Visayas Surrender to Police

Tacloban City –- At least 16,690 drug personalities have already yielded to authorities in Eastern Visayas during the first 50 days of President Rodrigo Duterte’s administration.

The anti-drug war has already killed 16 persons who tried to fight the police during series of anti-drug operations in six provinces of the region, said Chief Insp. Ma. Bella Rentuaya, spokesperson of the Philippine National Police (PNP) Eastern Visayas.

“The number of self-confessed drug dependents is surprising. There are many who surfaced at police stations that are not included in our drugs watch list,” Rentuaya said.

Of the nearly 17,000 drug personalities, 15,240 of them are users and 1,450 are pushers.

Many of these drug personalities surrendered during Operation Tukhang (tuktok-hangyo). Tukhang is a combination of Visayan words, which means to approach and persuade.

Under the said operation, police knock on doors of known drug traders and dependents, asking them to stop the illicit practice.

“Those who surrendered are not detained, but they are closely monitored by our intelligence unit with the help of village officials to ensure that they will completely disengage from illegal drugs,” Rentuaya said.

She believed that these people came out for fear of Pres. Duterte’s relentless anti-drug war.

The official assured that the PNP in Region 8 will continue their efforts to eradicate illegal drugs in the region with the nationwide enforcement of “Double Barrel” strategy.

The concept is based on a double barrel gun, which fires two in just one squeeze of the trigger. The operation will simultaneously attack big-time drug lords and street-level trading.

The “first barrel” is directed to those at the top, while the “second barrel” is aimed at those in the bottom, which involves reforming drug users who want to get rid of drugs.

With the increasing number of self-confessed drug personalities, the Department of Health embarks on training of local health workers to assist in the rehabilitation process through community-based approach. (PNA) JMC/SARWELL Q. MENIANO