Almost 2,000 drug pushers, users surrender in Zambales

About 2,000 confessed drug users and pushers turn themselves in during a ceremony for mass surrender held in Olongapo City and Subic, Zambales, on Friday morning. The mass surrender is part of the police’s Oplan Tokhang program. ALLAN MACATUNO

OLONGAPO CITY—Close to 2,000 confessed drug pushers and users in this city and nearby Subic town in Zambales province  surrendered to authorities on Friday morning.

Assisted by their village officials, about 400 of those who surrendered gathered at the Rizal Triangle covered court here after local police urged drug dependents to undergo rehabilitation.

Sen. Supt. Jerry Sumbad, acting director of Olongapo City Police Office, said he was happy that many heeded their call. “I hope this will pave the way for achieving a peaceful Olongapo City,” Sumbad said.

Olongapo City Mayor Rolen Paulino exhorted the suspects to turn their backs on illegal substance abuse.

“You are given a second chance to change for the sake of your family,” Paulino told them.

In Subic town, at least 1,450 drug suspects joined a mass surrender in a covered court in Barangay Asinan Poblacion, said Subic Mayor Jay Khonghun.

The drug suspects were made to sign documents provided by the city police as manifestation of their surrender.

The mass surrender is part of the police’s Oplan Tokhang (Toktok Hangyo) program./rga