By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

The Diocese of Bacolod welcomed a proposal from Philippine National Police (PNP) chief, Director General Ronald ‘Bato’ Dela Rosa, requiring the presence of a priest or a representative from any religious order in order for police to conduct drug operations with the newly-revised “Oplan: Tokhang.”
In a message sent by Diocese of Bacolod social communications head, Rev. Fr. Felix Pasquin, he wished the PNP success in resuming their anti-drug operations.
He said priests and pastors, as “shepherds,” will always look after the welfare of their flock.
However, Pasquin stated an endeavour like the revised “tokhang” needs to undergo mutual agreement between bishops, leaders of other religious congregations, and the PNP hierarchy.
“I hope goodwill and the common good will guide both parties,” Pasquin said. “Priests will only obey our bishops in whatever mission they would entrust us with.”
Pasquin added there are terms that need to be clarified, but at any rate, he said it is a good gesture on the part of the PNP chief.
He explained many bishops in the country, including Diocese of Bacolod Bishop Patricio Buzon, are active members of the PNP Regional Advisory Council for Transformation (PRACT), and PNP regional office commands could also use catholic priests assigned as chaplains.
According to the newly-revised tokhang operations, aside from the religious sector, cops cannot perform the operation if there is no station commander or police chief present, and local barangay officials are required to join in the activity.
Dela Rosa explained the move will help ensure transparency in the police force and to further show proof they are not violating any human rights.
He added the new revision will also prevent corrupt cops from using Oplan: Tokhang as a means of extortion./WDJ