AFP to operate only vs high-level drug dealers, syndicates

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff Gen. Eduardo Año said only high-level drug dealers and syndicates will be targeted by the military once its partnership with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) is finalized. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

MANILA—Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff Gen. Eduardo Año said only high-level drug dealers and syndicates will be targeted by the military once its partnership with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) is finalized.

He made this statement when asked on whether the task force mobilized by the AFP for the illegal drugs campaign will be also conducting “Tokhang” operations in the streets.

“No, the AFP will not do that, we will not be involved in the street, we’ll not be involved in running after street pushers, the Armed Forces will help PDEA in running after high-level drug syndicates,” he added.

“Tokhang” (also known as knock and plead) is an anti-drug operations which aims to convince drug dealers and users to turn over a new leaf or face legal consequences for their actions.

Año earlier said that a battalion-sized formation will be tasked to help the PDEA in its ongoing anti-drug operations.

The unit will provided additional manpower and intelligence support to PDEA agents.

An initial 500 troopers are expected to be mobilized for this task.