In the drug trade market forces come into play. Where there is demand, there is supply. There are no pushers if there are no users. To curb the existence of a demand, we have to nip it at the bud. We have to understand why people resort to drug use and address our inadequacies as parents to our kids. We all grew up in a family with the exception of an unfortunate few and it is in this basic unit of society that our values are shaped and formed. Strong family ties and support strengthen our children's character and make them invulnerable to the temptation of drugs. For drugs are resorted to as an escape from reality. An escapism from the harsh and unpleasant family atmosphere perhaps or some weird trip or fancy forced upon by peer pressure. Drug use is seen as a sign of emotional weakness which stems from a feeling of emptiness. It is in feeling high and good that this void is filled that keeps a person engaging in the act repeatedly that before long, he becomes addicted. But we are not without hope. If we play our roles well and function effectively as parents ought to do then we may worry less. A good information and awareness campaign through our schools can help a lot. Teaching our kids the right values in education to prepare them for the evils in the real world is a good foundation. Respecting authority should be encouraged and the culture of independence by our youth through less parental interference should be discouraged.

A competent and honest police force is a strong deterrent to the proliferation of drugs in our society as well as a resolute political will and iron hand by our leaders. Kid-gloved treatment by our law enforcers do not bode well for people who resort to all sorts of things to protect their interests. It is admirable that there are still a lot of well meaning and dedicated civil servants out there committed to the task of its obliteration despite the risks. Drugs are big business and bring in huge sums of money for its players. With huge cash at their disposal they can afford to buy their way out of almost anything. But if society were more vigilant and our laws firmly imposed, we may have a good shot at keeping this problem in check. The efforts started by the provincial leadership of the PNP are worthy of praise. The crackdown on known drug personalities should ferret out the big fish and protectors of the trade. This is a challenging task which should equally be met and complemented by our local government units. Intelligence monitoring and gathering should be given priority and everyone should do their share and not just be passive onlookers. Blood may be spilled and we may pay a high price with the loss of lives. Sacrifices may be made amid the dangers involved. Collateral damage is expected when the efforts become serious and relentless. But let us not give up. The war on drugs is serious business and far from over.

The police cannot do it alone and they need our help. It is not just a police matter. We are to blame because of our apathy and indifference. We have sinned by our inaction and tolerance. If we look the other way for fear of repercussions, the threat to our children becomes clear and imminent. If we do not act to do something about it now, it may be a little too late. For “All it takes for evil to flourish is for good men to do nothing.” The heroic deaths of policemen as a result of the crackdown on illegal drugs should not be laid to waste. Their valiant efforts deserve commendation and should be regarded with high esteem. We condole with the families of these courageous men who risked their lives for a noble cause. Let not their deaths be in vain. To those who are in the hospital hanging on to dear life, fighting for survival we salute your efforts. Our prayers are with you for a full recovery. We urge the government and the local leadership to address the needs of their loved ones and orphaned children left behind. Financial remuneration cannot compensate for the loss but it should help a struggling family pick up the pieces. Losing these good men in the war against drugs and other forms of criminality may be a setback but let this be temporary as we continue the fight.

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