tokhang
tókhang with stress marks
extrajudicial killing; drugwar killings
Also means
Originally a Visayan/Cebuano portmanteau of 'toktok' (knock) and 'hangyo' (plea) — a police practice of knocking on doors of suspected drug users to convince them to surrender.
Usage Note
Tokhang became internationally known during the Duterte administration's drug war as shorthand for the violent anti-drug campaign. What began as a community outreach term ('Operation Tokhang') became associated with extrajudicial killings. Use with care given its deeply political and human rights dimensions.
Examples
" Natatakot sila sa tokhang. "
Natural Translation
They are afraid of the drug-war killings.
Literal Translation
Afraid they of drugwar-killings.
" Natatakot sila sa tokhang sa gabi. "
Natural Translation
They are afraid of the drugwar killings at night.
Literal Translation
Afraid they of drugwar killings at night.
" Maraming pamilya ang nawalan ng mahal sa buhay dahil sa tokhang, kaya hanggang ngayon ay hinahanap nila ang katarungan. "
Natural Translation
Many families lost loved ones because of the drug-war killings, so to this day they are still seeking justice.
Literal Translation
Many families lost of loved in life because of drugwar-killings, so until now seeking they the justice.
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