Lacson wants PNP’s ‘Oplan Tokhang’ investigated

Sen. Panfilo “Ping” Lacson (Pictured) on Tuesday sought for a probe on the “Oplan Tokhang” of the Philippine National Police (PNP) amid reports of kidnap for ransom cases under the guise of this project. (Photo: Senator Ping Lacson/ Facebook)

MANILA –Sen. Panfilo “Ping” Lacson on Tuesday sought for a probe on the “Oplan Tokhang” of the Philippine National Police (PNP) amid reports of kidnap for ransom cases under the guise of this project.

PNP’s Oplan Tokhang involves police officers visiting houses of suspected drug users and traders to persuade them to stop their involvement in the illegal drugs trade.

Under Senate Resolution 265, Lacson directed the Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs to look into the reported cases guised under Oplan Tokhang.

Lacson, former PNP chief, made this call in light of an abduction of a 53-year-old Korean businessman, Jee Ick-Joo, who was seized by at least eight armed men in his home in Angeles City, Pampanga last Oct. 18, 2016.

Jee’s wife, Choi Kyung Jin, was reportedly asked to pay PHP8 million, without involving the police which she did. However, the kidnappers again later asked to pay an additional amount of PHP4.5 million but failed to comply.

The former PNP chief said this was not the first time Tokhang was used as cover for kidnap for ransom activities.

He cited an incident last Aug. 2016 in Bulacan wherein a friend was also taken from the premises of his own home on the pretext of his alleged drug activities.

“Considering the criticism being thrown at the PNP in the implementation of its Project Tokhang, its leadership should show strong resolve in dealing with its members who engage in ‘hulidap’ and kidnap-extortion thereby taking advantage of the government’s no-nonsense efforts against drug offenders,” Lacson said.

He said this inquiry had the end view of speeding up what he described as the “seeming slow and soft” action of the PNP on the perpetrators and providing legislation to hasten the investigation and prosecution of similar incidents.