Labella hopeful ‘Tokhang’ revival follows rule of law

CEBU, Philippines - Vice Mayor Edgardo Labella hopes that the revived “Oplan Tokhang” would now be a better version and that the rule of law would be observed.

“Hinaot unta ang pagbalik anang Oplan Tokhang nga unta they will be more observant in the rule of law.  Nga kanang if it is for the defense or self-defense, that’s the time more drastic action should be taken. Pero kon dili mo-surrender, dili gyud unta hilabtan. Dili gani mosukol, dili lang unta hilabtan,” he said.

Oplan Tokhang has claimed more than 7,000 lives and was momentarily suspended after the said operation has been used by some rogue policemen as their milking cow.

Recently, President Rodrigo Duterte gave a go signal to the Philippine National Police to resume their anti-drug campaign after the cleansing the police organization.

Chairman on Public Order and Safety Councilor David Tumulak told reporters yesterday that returning the functions of the police to fight drugs is a big help to the city, considering that he received reports that drug personalities are back in their illegal activities.

Tumulak said the public can report immediately either to him to Police Regional Director Noli Taliño if there are policemen who are abusing their authority.

“Nag-awhag ta sa mga taw, pag-submit sa mga pangan nga gibinu-angan sila sa mga police. I-submit nila sa akoang office ba kaha or kang Sir Taliño,” Tumulak said.

Meanwhile, Tumulak urges the remaining 54 barangays in the city who haven’t submitted yet the list of identified drug personalities to immediately contact the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) for their list.

“Well, alang sa atoang mga barangay official, this is part sa ilahang trabaho, isip opisyal sa barangay.  Dili sila angay mahadlok paghinganlan sa mga drug personalities sa ilahang barangay kay og dili maka-submit dili  malikayan nga naay pagduda nga apil sila sa illegal nga drugas,” Tumulak said.

Earlier, the Association of Barangay Councils had coordinated with PDEA in cleaning up the barangays of illegal drug activities.

Of the 80 barangays in Cebu City, only 26 have submitted their list so far.

These barangays are Sawang Calero, Calamba, Pahina San Nicolas, Sambag II, Suba, Carreta, San Nicolas Proper, Apas, Tinago, Quiot, Pahina Central, Binaliw, Duljo Fatima, Kamputhaw, Pulangbato, Adlaon, Kamagayan, T. Padilla, Lorega San Miguel, Cogon Pardo, Pung-ol Sibugay, Labangon, Tisa, Bonbon, Luz and Poblacion Pardo.

The PDEA-7 has given those who have not submitted until March 15 to hand in their list. (FREEMAN)