THE PHILIPPINE Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) assessment that there’s an alarming rise of illegal drugs in Western Visayas paints a disturbing picture demanding immediate attention. It is no longer merely a societal concern but a pressing security challenge for the region – and the nation.
One cannot help but be startled by the audacity of these illicit operations, with high values and volumes of illegal drugs being recovered in just a week. Even more concerning is the origin of these drugs. The fact that the flow originates from institutions like the New Bilibid Prison, a place expected to be a bastion against crime, underscores deep-rooted networks that might have been silently proliferating.
However, the focus should not rest solely on the origins. The routes these drugs take, passing through ports of cities like Cebu and San Carlos, only to be distributed in Iloilo and other provinces in Western Visayas, shine a light on a glaring weakness in our security and monitoring systems. It brings into question the efficiency of measures in place and whether they are robust enough to tackle this burgeoning crisis.
While PDEA assures the public that they are on top of the situation, mere assurance is not enough. Their call for barangay officials to closely monitor ports under their jurisdiction is valid, but it also highlights a more significant challenge – the need for cohesive collaboration across all levels of governance. Only with a unified strategy, and with barangays, municipalities, cities, and the national government working together, can a significant dent be made in these operations.
Recent successes, such as the confiscation of 1.6 kilos of suspected shabu, are commendable. They showcase the capabilities of our law enforcement agencies. However, they should also serve as a reminder that every seizure is but a drop in an ocean, and consistent, relentless efforts are essential for making a meaningful impact.
Western Visayas cannot remain under the shadow of this drug menace. The time to act is now, not just through enforcement but also by addressing root causes, enhancing port security, fostering community involvement, and ensuring that justice is swift and unforgiving for those who seek to peddle poison in our communities.
