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. - ---