PNP chief criticizes Oplan Tokhang, condemns drug war rhetoric

Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III criticized the Duterte administration's anti-illegal drugs operation Oplan Tokhang, describing it as flawed and marred by misinformation.

Torre emphasized that Oplan Tokhang lacks evidence and relies on begging suspected lawbreakers to stop their illegal activities, which he said is illogical and should not have been implemented.

The PNP chief also strongly condemned statements like 'shit happens' regarding drug war casualties, emphasizing that the deaths of victims are a serious matter requiring truth-telling and accountability.

Torre led the enforcement of an arrest warrant against former President Rodrigo Duterte in March, who is now detained at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, facing charges of crimes against humanity related to the drug war.

Rep. Leila De Lima met with Torre on Friday to discuss transitional justice for victims of Duterte's bloody anti-narcotics campaign and compensation measures under Republic Act 7309.