Government’s `Lakad Tokhang’ set this weekend

STATE security forces and other stakeholders in Northern Mindanao will take to the streets the intensified campaign against illegal drugs in a simultaneous nationwide parade this weekend.

Dubbed as “LAKAD (Lipunin at Kalampagin Ang Droga) Tokhang”, the activity is in line with the re-launching of Oplan Tokhang, the anti-illegal drug campaign of the Duterte administration.

Participants will gather at 2:00 p.m. at the Rodelsa Circle on Saturday, February 24. The parade will start at 3:00 p.m.

From Rodelsa Circle, the group will pass through Abejuela-Corrales street and T. Neri street and ends at the Kiosko Kagawasan in Divisoria.

Expected to join are the police, military, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency-Northern Mindanao (PDEA-10), Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Council (Badac), city government, students and non-government organizations.

Other groups and individuals are also welcome to join.

Mayor Oscar Moreno, PDEA-10 chief Wilkins Villanueva, and Mnsgr. Rey Monsanto are invited to speak before the crowd.

Chief Superintendent Timoteo Pacleb, regional director of the Police Regional Office-Northern Mindanao (PRO-10), will also deliver his response message.

The Northern Mindanao police is gearing towards strengthening its advocacy on the demand-reduction strategy in fighting illegal drugs.

PRO-10 spokesperson Superintendent Lemuel Gonda said the demandreduction strategy will be achieved through the ‘Oplan Tokhang’.

He said the Lakad Tokhang is one of the best ways to raise awareness on the ill-effects of the prohibited drugs and to urge the community to be actively involved in the campaign.

“Duha man ang strategy, supply-reduction which is project double barrel kanang operations against high value target ug demand-reduction mao ni ang Oplan Tokhang,”Gonda said.

“Everyone is encouraged to take part of this activity and we urge the public to support our law enforcers in waging against illegal drugs,”the PRO-10 said.