PNP resumes “Tokhang” to look into 1.18-M drug surrenderees

The Philippine National Police (PNP) is resuming its “Tokhang” to look into the welfare and well-being of the 1.18 million personalities who surrendered to authorities under the government’s “all-out war” against illegal drugs. (Photo: Philippine National Police/Facebook)

MANILA—The Philippine National Police (PNP) is resuming its “Tokhang” to look into the welfare and well-being of the 1.18 million personalities who surrendered to authorities under the government’s “all-out war” against illegal drugs.

This was disclosed by PNP Public Information Office (PIO) chief and spokesman Senior Supt. Dionardo Carlos in a chance interview in Camp Crame, Quezon City on Friday.

Under the Tokhang (knock/request), the houses of suspected drug personalities are visited by the PNP and ask them to turn back from their illegal activity, surrender or undergo rehabilitation.

”Binabalik natin yung tokhang upang tignan yung 1.18 million na sumuko kung naibigay sa kanila yung tulong na kailangan nila at kung di man, kami sa PNP gagawa kami ng (We are resuming tokhang to look into the 1.18 million who surrendered whether the assistance they needed was given and if not, we in the PNP we will conduct) community-based rehab program kasama mga LGU (local government unit) at DOH (Department of Health) na nandyan sa localidad para mabigay yung recovery and wellness sa nangangailangan (who are in the locality to provide the recovery and wellness needed),” Carlos said.

”Again the tokhang, the intention is to reach, knock on their doors and plead to change kasi yun ang effective kaya nga 1.1 million mahigit ang sumuko eh ngayon sinisiguro naman natin na mabigay sa kanila yung kailangang tulong ng drug users and pushers na gustong magbago (because that is the effective way, hence, more than 1.1 million have surrendered and now we are assuring also that we would provide the necessary assistance to the drug users and pushers who wanted to change),” he added.