By Christina Hermoso
The Philippine National Police (PNP) will continue to strengthen its collaboration with the local Church in addressing crime and the peace and order situation in the country.
Philippine National Police Spokesperson Senior Supt. Benigno Durana Jr.
(Kevin Tristan Espiritu / MANILA BULLETIN)
PNP spokesperson Police Senior Supt. Benigno Durana, Jr. said, the PNP will collaborate with the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) in the implementation of its recalibrated program against drugs including its Oplan Tokhang and Oplan Double Barrell.
“Oplan Tokhang is not a law enforcement project but a crime prevention initiative. We persuade former drug dependents to undergo rehabilitation. Tokhang is about saving the lives of drug dependents and restoring their relationships with their families,” Durana said over Church-run Radio Veritas.
The PNP spokesman said only about 15 percent of the more than 1.2 million surrenderees are currently undergoing rehabilitation.
“We will continue to coordinate with the CBCP in helping address the illegal drugs problem in the country through USAP – Ugnayan ng Simbahan at Pulisya katuwang ang CBCP,” Duranasaid. “Many problems will be addressed and solved through USAP such as the rehabilitation of former drug users,” he added.
The CBCP has stressed that the most effective way to help former drug dependents is to help them go through rehabilitation. The Archdiocese of Manila, through its Sanlakbay community-based drug rehabilitation program, has about 20 parish churches that offer a six-month rehabilitation program for former