Quezon City homeowners, cops clash over Tokhang

MANILA, Philippines - Homeowners residing in exclusive subdivisions in Quezon City questioned the police’s Oplan Tokhang anti-drug campaign over the weekend.

During the first round of talks between police and residents of gated communities, homeowners expressed concern regarding the implementation of Oplan Tokhang in their areas.

The residents expressed anew fears regarding the access that would be granted to police to gated subdivisions, villages and condominiums.

Senior Superintendent Guillermo Eleazar, Quezon City Police District (QCPD) director, warned that authorities could still use other means, including case buildup and police operations, if residents do not cooperate.

Police and residents clashed after a proposal to put “drug-free household” stickers at the gates or houses in particular was raised.

Under the proposal, homeowners’ associations would subject its residents to voluntary drug testing and passers would be given the sticker.

The suggestion was immediately bucked by homeowners, citing possible “adverse effects” in their communities and fears over planting of evidence, extortion and lack of confidentiality.

The Association of Quezon City Homeowners Associations Inc. earlier submitted Oplan Tokhang “protocols” seeking to limit police access to gated subdivisions and condominiums “under certain agreements and conditions.”

Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte and Eleazar admitted during previous dialogues that it is possible that drug lords and syndicates are hiding in gated communities.