Comprehensive review’ ordered on ‘Oplan: Double Barrel’

PNP chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil has ordered a “comprehensive review” of the campaign plan in the war against illegal drugs dubbed Oplan Double Barrel and its predecessors.

Marbil created a panel to review the Campaign Oplan Double Barrel, which is composed of Project Tokhang (house-to-house visit to convince drug users to surrender) and Project High-Value Target (geared towards drug dealers and drug syndicates).

The panel will be led by the office of the PNP deputy chief for operations Lt. Gen. Michael John Dubria.

Its members will be composed of representatives from the PNP directorates for operations, investigation, intelligence and community relations; Internal Affairs Service, and Human Rights Office.

In a statement yesterday, the PNP Public Information Office (PIO) said the review is meant to “evaluate the effectiveness and identify both strengths and weaknesses.”

It said the review is also meant to “further enhance the PNP’s recently recalibrated anti-illegal drugs campaign.”

Marbil announced the recalibration of the PNP’s campaign against illegal drugs last Sunday.

“We need to take a hard look at our past and present strategies in the fight against illegal drugs. By understanding what worked and what didn’t, we can refine our approach and ensure a more effective and humane campaign moving forward,” said Marbil.

The first Oplan Double Barrel was launched in 2016 and was relaunched in 2017 as Oplan Double Barrel Reloaded. The last version of the campaign plan was called Double Barrel Finale Version 2022.

“This review panel will bring together the key components of our police force to ensure a comprehensive and balanced evaluation. We want to make sure that all perspectives are considered, especially those that relate to upholding human rights and maintaining strong community relations,” said Marbil.

Marbil said the guidelines, which will outline the functions of the panel, will be detailed in a soon-to-be-issued memorandum.

To be included in the memorandum is the deadline for the panel to submit its findings and recommendations.

“This is about continuous improvement and accountability,” said Marbil.

“The insights we gain from this review will