Tokhang to be applied vs illegal gambling

MANILA, Philippines – Oplan Tokhang is branching out, from prohibited drugs to illegal gambling.

Interior and Local Government Secretary Ismael Sueno has ordered the Philippine National Police (PNP) to go after illegal gambling operators.

Sueno said illegal gambling operations deprived the government of taxes, which could be used in programs to benefit the people.

Aside from the war on drugs, the PNP must implement the Oplan Tokhang principle in going after illegal gambling lords, this time to ensure that appropriate taxes go to government coffers,” Sueno said.

Sueno issued the order during the traditional New Year’s call Friday with officials of the attached agencies of the DILG including the Philippine National Police, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, Bureau of Fire Protection, Philippine Public Safety College and Local Government Academy.

Sueno also stressed full abeyance to the rule of law as the war on drugs continues.

“I also prod PNP to ensure that (Oplan) Tokhang is not used or abused by policemen for their personal interests or some sort of vendetta against their enemies. Let us make sure that Tokhang is implemented for the sole purpose that it was conceived, and that is to round up drug personalities and other criminals,” he said.

He said the DILG’s Task Force Agila will continue to probe and conduct case build-up against local officials linked to the illegal drug trade.

“If in 2016 we were patient in summoning them (local officials), this year our patience runs out… DILG Task Force Agila should be more aggressive this time to actively pursue those who are not cooperating in the probe and file the appropriate cases, if necessary,” he said.

Sueno did not spare the DILG itself, challenging the officials and employees of its regional offices and attached agencies to undergo drug test.

“To prove that we are walking our talk, the DILG is keeping our department drug-free. We made sure that our personnel have the moral ascendancy to lead the anti-illegal drugs campaign,” he said.

Sueno earlier cited the role of civilian volunteers in recapturing 48 escaped inmates from North Cotabato provincial jail.

Sueno said the civilian volunteers are the backbone of the DILG’s new program – the Mamamayang Ayaw sa Droga, Mamamayang Ayaw sa Anomalya (MASA MASID) which banks on the support of volunteers and the barangay in the government’s fight against criminality, illegal drugs and corruption.

“We strongly believe that barangays know their neighborhood better. People in barangays know who is who and who is doing what. People in barangays are the eyes and ears of government. Barangays as the smallest administrative unit of our government have a critical role in peace and order and consequently, local development,” he said.