In this January 2016 file photo, PNP Director General Ricardo Marquez (left) and Metro Manila Police Director Joel Pagdilao observe the marking of 30 kilos of shabu, worth P150 million, as evidence. Incoming President Rodrigo Duterte has declared a war on drugs, prompting local police stations to intensify their anti-drugs operations. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO by Grig C. Montegrande
MANILA — More than 300 people suspected of using illegal drugs went to the Quezon City Police District headquarters on Wednesday afternoon to undergo voluntary drug testing.
Chief Supt. Edgardo Tinio, the QCPD director, said the “surrender” was part of the Oplan Katok Pakiusap wherein the police coordinated with barangay leaders to convince residents of the ill-effects of illegal drugs.
Most of those who surrendered came from the “depressed areas” of Barangay Payatas, Litex, and Culiat, where there has been high incidence of drug abuse, the QCPD deputy director for operations, Senior Supt. Joselito Esquivel Jr., said.
“We will treat them as victims,” Esquivel said, adding that they would be referred to the appropriate centers for rehabilitation, counseling, alternative learning and livelihood.
Those who would “surrender” must first admit that they have been drug users and disclose their source of illegal drugs, Esquivel said.
“We have a process. We will not jeopardize the security of the user who will give us information,” Tinio said.
“We all want a drug-free community. And this is one of the policy direction of the incoming chief PNP,” he said.
Tinio added that suspected drug personalities have also been arrested in the continuing anti-drug campaign even under the present leadership.
“We’ve intensified the campaign by engaging them through the Barangay Anti Drug Abuse Council,” he said.
Drug testing of police officers, including station commanders and members of the anti illegal drug group, have been going on, Tinio said.
“Our focused police operation includes demand reduction strategy, supply reduction strategy, internal cleansing among our ranks, and legal offensive,” Tinio said.
On Friday, another operation for voluntary surrender will be conducted at the QCPD headquarters, according to Tinio. SFM