Pubdate: Thu, 06 Jan 2005
Source: Manila Times (Philippines)
Copyright: 2005, The Manila Times
Contact:  http://www.manilatimes.net/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/921
Author: Dino Balabo
Cited: Philippine National Police http://www.pnp.gov.ph
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine)

SAVE THE FUTURE

The Philippine National Police is in cloud nine due to recent victories in 
their anti-illegal drug campaign. From Bulacan to Bataan to Davao City, 
shabu laboratories, capable of producing tons of illegal drugs, were seized.

Similar successes were recorded since November 2003 when millions of pesos 
worth of shabu were seized in Marilao followed by the bust of a shabu 
laboratory in Guiguinto weeks later.

Still, another shabu shipment from China was discovered in a container van 
in Meycauayan, Bulacan in January last year, just meters away from where 
the recent shabu laboratory was discovered on New Year's Eve.

In a span of 14 months, Central Luzon police arrested almost 1,000 drug 
pushers and users, but none of the so called 'big-fish' or financiers. This 
casts doubt on the police's capability to fully shutdown the illegal drug 
supply and demand.

Worse, illegal drugs have made its way through our communities despite the 
seeming success of the PNP. This menacingly threatens the future of our 
country - our children.

The existence of illegal drugs within our communities is alarming as it is 
available to almost everyone. If not curbed, its devastating effects can be 
felt in the next generation.

The question is, who shall stop it?

The PNP, is the usual answer, but local communities-its leaders and members 
are also responsible.

However, the PNP must take the lead as they have done recently. Unless, 
they can prove that there is something worth following in the performance 
of their duties, local citizens would be less likely to follow.

It is good to note that the recent success of the PNP shows that they are 
not sleeping on the job, that the police are working even on holidays.  But 
this is not applicable to all PNP offices nationwide.

Take a tour in Bulacan one night and you will find out that there is hardly 
a policemen on the streets after 8 p.m. Take a peek at their stations and 
do not be surprised.
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