1,780 drug users, 286 pushers arrested during 'Oplan Tokhang'

MANILA, Philippines - Some 1,780 users of illegal drugs and 286 drug peddlers have been arrested as of last Wednesday under “Oplan Tokhang,” the Southern Police District (SPD) reported Thursday.

According to the SPD, Pasay City had the most number of surrendered drug users at 655 and also had the most number of arrested drug pushers at 82.

Placing second in the list was Muntinlupa City with 337 surrendered drug users and 57 arrested drug pushers.

At third place on the list was Las Piñas City with 302 surrendered drug users and 54 arrested pushers. Taguig City followed with 328 surrendered drug users and 26 arrested drug pushers.

Makati City meanwhile had 92 drug users who surrendered and 64 drug pushers arrested. Placing last at the list was Parañaque City with 66 surrendered drug users and three arrested drug pushers.

“Oplan Tokhang” or Operation Tokhang is a contraction of the Visayan words “Toktok” (knock) and “Hangyo” (request).

Under the program, which was launched simultaneously nationwide last July 1, the police, the local government units and barangay officials will visit the houses of drug users and then will try to convince them to surrender for rehabilitation.