MANILA — To ensure that its “Tokhang” house visits would be less bloody and controversial, the Philippine National Police (PNP) has issued a simplified list of dos and don’ts to be observed by police units when conducting operations in support of anti-drug operations.
This move complies with PNP Chief Dir. Gen. Ronald dela Rosa’s earlier pledge to have “less bloody anti-drug operations” as the police play a crucial supporting role in the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency’s campaign against narcotics.
The simplified guidelines were contained in a memorandum circulated by the PNP to all its regional offices and national support units.
PNP spokesperson Chief Supt. Dionardo Carlos said Wednesday the supplemental guidelines were essentially founded on the fundamental principles of respect for human rights and strict adherence to the rule of law, with greater emphasis on transparency, accountability and command responsibility.
“The more salient items in the 12-point guidelines prescribe that ‘Rule of Law’ shall always prevail during the conduct of all anti-illegal drug-related activities, including ‘Tokhang’ activities, and Respect for Human Rights shall be strictly observed at all times,” Carlos said.
The guidelines specifically stipulate that “Tokhang” operations shall be intelligence-driven, targeting suspected illegal drug personalities listed by the Directorate for Intelligence.
It is required that police ”Tokhang” teams in proper PNP uniform must be led by a police commissioned officer and shall conduct operations from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Friday.
“When available, the use of body camera and similar video recording gadgets is highly encouraged in ‘Tokhang’ operations,” Carlos said.
In documenting surrenderers, the taking of mug shots and fingerprints should be voluntary and not mandatory.
The PNP vows to impose sanctions for unwarranted violation of these guidelines.
“Any violation of the PNP Supplemental Operational Guidelines shall be dealt with under existing PNP disciplinary mechanisms,” the PNP spokesperson added. (PNA)
