Pubdate: Sun, 24 Jul 2016
Source: Philippine Star (Philippines)
Copyright: PhilSTAR Daily Inc. 2016
Contact:  http://www.philstar.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/622
Author: Mike Frialde, with Robertzon Ramirez

25,230 DRUG USERS, PUSHERS SURRENDER IN MM

At least 25,230 drug pushers and drug dependents have surrendered to 
police in Metro Manila since the government started its war on drugs, 
the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) reported yesterday.

NCRPO director Chief Superintendent Oscar Albayalde also noted the 
significant decrease in street crimes in the metropolis with the 
implementation of both Oplans Tokhang and Double Barrel. Tokhang 
involves visiting the homes of suspected drug users and pushers and 
asking them to change their ways while Double Barrel refers to a 
two-pronged campaign to arrest drug lords and pushers.

"We are seeing a remarkable reduction of street crimes, particularly 
crimes against property, regionwide," he said.

Since the two operation plans were implemented from July 1 to 19, 
25,230 drug users and pushers turned themselves in and 1,025 were 
arrested, including two Taiwanese.

The NCRPO also reported the "neutralization" of 106 drug suspects.

Seventy-eight guns, a hand grenade and 17 bladed weapons as well as 
397 kilos of chemicals used in the manufacture of methamphetamine 
hydrochloride or shabu were also seized by police officers across 
Metro Manila during this period.

Meanwhile, the NCRPO also reported that 11 police officers were 
relieved from their respective posts and were placed under 
investigation after they flunked a drug test that was given to 16,000 
police officers.

Albayalde said the NCRPO will conduct further investigation on the 
police officers' involvement with illegal drugs and drug personalities.

QC to probe killings

Meanwhile, the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) special 
investigation and detection unit will investigate in the killing of 
persons involved in the illegal drug trade.

"We do not tolerate these killings and we are also conducting an 
investigation in order to find out who are responsible," QCPD chief 
Senior Superintendent Guillermo Eleazar said yesterday.

He appealed to the public to help the police by giving them 
information about the illegal drug activities in their community.

In another development, the QCPD sent nine police officers who are 
allegedly "ninja cops"  those who pilfer and resell illegal drugs 
seized during legitimate operations - to Mindanao in a bid to clean its ranks.

Eleazar said the nine police officers were previously assigned to the 
QCPD's Anti-Illegal Drug Special Operations Task Force and the 
special operations unit.

The QCPD earlier transferred 35 police officers to Zamboanga, the 
Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao and the Caraga region.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom