PNP Bans Tokhang Operations at Night and Weekends, Sen Pangilinan Agrees

The Philippine National Police (PNP) will no longer conduct Oplan Tokhang operation at night and on weekends, according to the latest supplemental operational guidelines by the signed by PNP chief Director General Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa on Monday, January 22. The new Tokhang guidelines was formally announced on Wednesday, January 24.

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"It is required that police Tokhang teams in proper PNP uniform must be led by a Police Commissioned Officer and shall conduct operations from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday thru Friday," the PNP Public Information Office said in a statement, adding that Tokhang operations shall be in proper coordination with Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA).

According to PNP spokesperson Chief Superintendent Dionardo Carlos, the said memorandum has been circulated to all police regional offices and national support units on Tuesday. He added that all Tokhang operations shall be intelligence-driven, and to target suspected illegal drug suspects listed by the Directorate for Intelligence.

“When available, the use of body camera and similar video recording gadgets is highly encouraged in Tokhang operations. Any violation of this PNP Supplemental Operational Guidelines shall be dealt with under existing PNP disciplinary mechanisms,” Carlos said, noting that Tokhang is a practical and realistic way of stopping illegal drugs in affected barangays.

Meanwhile, Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan praised the PNP for the first time, saying that he is satisfied with the new Tokhang guidelines. According to Liberal Party (LP) president, conducting Tokhang on weekdays and daytime only is a big relief for barangays, especially for children who are still in the street during late night.



“Una, nagpapasalamat ako sa PNP dahil sa kanilang pagkonsidera sa mga taong kailangang matulog ng maaga dahil maaga pa ang pasok nila kinabukasan. Pero higit sa lahat, alam naman nating maraming kabataan na nasa kalye pa rin kahit gabi na. Sa bagong regulasyon, di na sila mangangamba na hulihin o mapatay.” He told reporters.

Contributed by Renato Pasayao