No ‘Undas’ break for ‘Oplan Tokhang’—NCRPO chief

Ayala Alabang Tokhang-Members of the Southern Police District together with Barangay officials hand out flyers containing the effects of illegal drugs as well as contact numbers of authorities to reach for emergency cases to homeowners of exclusive Ayala Alabang Subdivision during Oplan Tokhang. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO/ MARIANNE BERMUDEZ

There’s no stopping the government’s relentless war on drugs, even on holidays commemorating the dead.

In an interview with ABS-CBN News Channel, National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) director Chief Supt. Oscar Albayalde said the door-to-door antidrug drive dubbed as “Oplan Tokhang” will still be in effect on “Undas” holidays, when most Filipinos go to their hometowns and pay tribute to their deceased loved ones.

October 31, Monday, is a special nonworking day, while Nov. 1 is All Saints’ Day.

The Philippine National Police recorded 1,725 drug suspects killed while 31,629 were arrested in a total of 32,909 anti-drug operations from July 1 to Oct. 26. A total of 751,703 surrenderers, 54,702 pushers and 697,001 users turned themselves in to the authorities during the same period.

The PNP reset its count back to zero last week in the wake of the second phase of its “Oplan Double Barrel Alpha,” which would focus on high-value targets, including celebrities and government officials. Latest police figures showed only 11 persons were killed and 376 arrested in anti-narcotics operations.

Albayalde said the police have not received terror threats or crime reports in Metro Manila except for a case of indiscriminate firing in Pasay City.

The NCRPO director said they have deployed cops all over the metropolis to prevent crimes during the holidays.

“We ask the people to stay vigilant and observant. If they see suspicious items, persons, they have to report immediately,” he said. JE/rga