25,230 drug users, pushers surrender in Metro Manila

MANILA, Philippines – At least 25,230 drug pushers and drug dependents have surrendered to police in Metro Manila since the government started its war on drugs, the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) reported yesterday.

NCRPO director Chief Superintendent Oscar Albayalde also noted the significant decrease in street crimes in the metropolis with the implementation of both Oplans Tokhang and Double Barrel.

Tokhang involves visiting the homes of suspected drug users and pushers and asking them to change their ways while Double Barrel refers to a two-pronged campaign to arrest drug lords and pushers.

“We are seeing a remarkable reduction of street crimes, particularly crimes against property, region-wide,” he said.

Since the two operation plans were implemented from July 1 to 19, 25,230 drug users and pushers turned themselves in and 1,025 were arrested, including two Taiwanese. 

The NCRPO also reported the “neutralization” of 106 drug suspects.

Seventy-eight guns, a hand grenade and 17 bladed weapons as well as 397 kilos of chemicals used in the manufacture of methamphetamine hydrochloride or shabu were also seized by police officers across Metro Manila during this period.

Meanwhile, the NCRPO also reported that 11 police officers were relieved from their respective posts and were placed under investigation after they flunked a drug test that was given to 16,000 police officers.

Albayalde said the NCRPO will conduct further investigation on the police officers’ involvement with illegal drugs and drug personalities.

QC to probe killings

Meanwhile, the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) special investigation and detection unit will investigate in the killing of persons involved in the illegal drug trade.

“We do not tolerate these killings and we are also conducting an investigation in order to find out who are responsible,” QCPD chief Senior Superintendent Guil­lermo Eleazar said yesterday.

He appealed to the public to help the police by giving them information about the illegal drug activities in their community.

In another development, the QCPD sent nine police officers who are allegedly “ninja cops” – those who pilfer and resell illegal drugs seized during legitimate operations – to Mindanao in a bid to clean its ranks.

Eleazar said the nine police officers were previously assigned to the QCPD’s Anti-Illegal Drug Special Operations Task Force and the special operations unit.

The QCPD earlier transferred 35 police officers to Zamboanga, the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao and the Caraga region. – With Robertzon Ramirez