Initially used against illegal drugs, Oplan Tokhang is now to be used also against illegal gambling.
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| DILG Secretary Ismael Sueno has ordered the PNP to implement Oplan Tokhang in going after illegal gambling operators. |
Interior and Local Government Secretary Ismael Sueno has ordered the Philippine National Police (PNP) to go after illegal gambling operators, saying its operations have deprived government of taxes, which could be used in programs to benefit the people.
According to Sueno, the PNP must implement the Oplan Tokhang process in going after illegal gambling lords to ensure that appropriate taxes go to government coffers.
The order was issued during the traditional New Year's call on Friday, with officials of the attached agencies of the DILG including the PNP, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, Bureau of Fire Protection, Philippine Public Safety College and Local Government Academy.
The DILG secretary also stressed full abeyance to the rule of law as the war on drugs continues.
“I also prod PNP to ensure that (Oplan) Tokhang is not used or abused by policemen for their personal interests or some sort of vendetta against their enemies. Let us make sure that Tokhang is implemented for the sole purpose that it was conceived, and that is to round up drug personalities and other criminals,” Sueno said.
The DILG's Task Force Agila will continue to probe and conduct case build-ups against local officials linked to the illegal drug trade.
“If in 2016 we were patient in summoning them (local officials), this year our patience runs out… DILG Task Force Agila should be more aggressive this time to actively pursue those who are not cooperating in the probe and file the appropriate cases, if necessary,” he said.
Not sparing the DILG itself, Sueno challenge the officials and employees of its regional offices and attached agencies to undergo drug test.
“To prove that we are walking our talk, the DILG is keeping our department drug-free. We made sure that our personnel have the moral ascendancy to lead the anti-illegal drugs campaign,” he said.
Source / Image: The Philippine Star
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