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More holistic approach

September 28, 2022 People's Tonight 277 views

WITH its decision to take a “more holistic approach” to its anti-drugs campaign, the Philippine National Police (PNP) has given the government a a much-needed boost in the eyes of the people.

In fact, the leadership of the PNP, which is civilian in nature but national in scope, is learning the best method to pull the victims of illegal drugs, mostly young boys and girls, “out of this culture.”

PNP deputy chief for administration Lt. Gen. Jose Chiquito Malayo said the national police agency is closely working with other concerned state agencies in the rehabilitation of drug dependents.

We share the view of Malayo that there’s that urgent need to identify the drug users in every community. “Dapat ma-identify ang mga user para i-rehabilitate sila,” according to a barangay official.

“Tulong-tulong tayo para mailigtas natin sa pagkakalugmok sa illegal na droga ang ating mga kababayan,” according to the workaholic General Malayo.

No less than President Marcos had earlier vowed to continue ex-President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s law enforcement approach in addressing the problem but in a more “focused way.”

“Let us look at prevention. Educate our young people – that this is the end, this will get you to jail, this will kill you,” the soft-spoken but articulate Chief Executive said in a media interview.

He added: “We need to be more sensitive and sympathetic to those who were caught up in the lifestyle.”

In the view of many, the all-out campaign against the drug menace can only gain some meaning if more rehabilitation centers are set up across this impoverished Asian nation.

Admittedly, the construction of additional fully-equipped drug rehabilitation centers will bolster the government’s nationwide anti-illegal drugs campaign.

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