Police forces in Metro Manila killed at least 43 suspected drug personalities in just a span of 12 days as the war against the illegal drugs continues to rage across the country.
Chief Supt. Oscar Albayalde, director of the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO), said he wanted the campaign against illegal drugs more aggressive due to the worsening problem of drug proliferation in the country’s capital.
“Metro Manila will be the showcase of the change that the President promised to Filipino people. The NCRPO will be instrumental in translating that promise into reality,” said Albayalde.
Based on the study, 92 percent of the barangays in Metro Manila are already infested with illegal drugs.
This is the reason, according to Albayalde, why they need to work double in clearing as many barangays of illegal drugs infestation.
From July 1 when he assumed the NCRPO leadership to July 12, Abayalde said they have also seized some P1.85 billion worth of illegal drugs in various police operations in Metro Manila.
A total of 362 suspected drug pushers, including two foreigners, were also arrested in the same period.
Albayalde said their Oplan Tokhang was also made more aggressive as they were able to knock on 12,037 houses of suspected drug users and pushers in just 12 days.
Oplan Tokhang, which was initiated by PNP chief Director General Ronald dela Rosa when he was still the director of the Davao City police, means visiting the houses of suspected drug lords and appealing to them to stop using or selling drugs.
“This resulted in the surrender of 8,808 illegal drugs personalities in Metro Manila,” said Albayalde.
Manila Police District and Southern Police District have the most number of pushers and users who surrendered based on the NCRPO records.
So far, the official said they have already coordinated with the local government units in Metro Manila for the rehabilitation of those who surrendered.
Earlier, Albayalde said he is planning to implement barangay isolation strategy that is aimed at cutting off drugs supply in villages with rampant illegal drugs activities.
Barangay isolation strategy would call for the deployment and setting up of police camps in the barangays with serious illegal drugs problem. Once cleared, police forces would transfer to other barangays.
A total of 103 people have already been killed in various police operations against illegal drugs across the country from.May 10 to July 4 in what some officials describe as Duterte-inspired aggressive campaign against illegal drugs.
(AARON B. RECUENCO)