By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

The Police Regional Office-18 (PRO-18) recently received orders from their higher-ups in Camp Crame to resume anti-illegal drug operations in the Negros Island Region (NIR).
In a document sent by PRO-18 last night, they must follow several requirements when conducting their anti-illegal drug drive, dubbed “Oplan: Double Barrel Alpha Reloaded.”
Under the new set of rules, all raids must always be coordinated with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA).
As previously stated by PRO-18 director, Police Chief Superintendent Renato Gumban, former members of anti-illegal drug units will no longer be allowed to join, and only members of the newly-formed drug enforcement units will be allowed to conduct operations.
These new members should also be clear of any derogatory records.
He also added, for the newly revised “Oplan: Tokhang,” the operation will now be conducted under the presence of barangay officials, priests or representatives of any religious congregation, and station commanders.
Earlier, the Diocese of Bacolod welcomed the newly revised tokhang operation and have expressed their willingness to help in the campaign.
However, they also stated there must be mutual understanding between all parties before conducting the activity in the local community.
Philippine National Police (PNP) chief, Director General Ronald ‘Bato’ 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