Perception of the Residents of Barangay Progreso on Oplan Tokhang

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

The Philippines attracted global attention recently due to the anti-drug campaign of President Rodrigo Duterte. Oplan Tokhang (a portmanteau for knock and plead in Cebuano) has created a human rights crisis after thousands of suspected drug users and pushers were killed (Amnesty international, 2017). From June-September 2016, 3,600 alleged drug users and pushers were killed due to Oplan Tokhang. This brought fear to most Filipinos as it operated in the barangay or community level. This study aims to collect the perception on Oplan Tokhang by the residents of Barangay Progreso.

METHODS

The study used a descriptive-quantitative research design. A 15-item Likert scale-based questionnaire was administered to the respondents who were chosen through purposive random sampling. The data gathered was treated through simple mean and frequency counts. T-test was also used to determine if there is significant difference when data was grouped in terms of age and gender.

RESULTS

Results show that respondents strongly agreed that Oplan Tokhang helped to stop pushers and users of illegal drugs in the community as it posted a mean score of 3.6. 47 respondents or 87% believe that the program has a positive impact to the community. Respondents also perceived that since Oplan Tokhang was implemented, the community became more peaceful and more conducive for living. This statement is supported by the mean score of 3.56 which falls under the descriptor “Strongly agree”. This only shows that Oplan Tokhang is beneficial to Barangay Progreso. in addition, the community perceived that Oplan Tokhang yields calmness to a person as the program yields peace to the community. More so, 47 of the respondents had a positive view that the anti-drug campaign adheres to human rights laws. forty-eight (48) respondents or 96% believe that the program benefited the people, especially those who are innocent.

DISCUSSIONS

The results attest that the anti-drug campaign of the government yields positive perception to the people of community thus, making communities drug-free. This study therefore presumes that Oplan Tokhang is beneficial for both the community and individual life and this should be strengthened to achieve a friendly environment.