Battling the drug devil

DRUG devils (why do we call them ‘lords’ when there is absolutely nothing noble nor sacred about dealing illegal drugs?) are becoming bolder and more evil. They no longer distinguish between adults and minors. They are now luring even children, particularly those in the primary school age, into addiction.

Our young are very vulnerable, they can easily be distracted, enticed into an “adventure”, and get hooked on prohibited substances. Once addicted, the consequences could be fatal or a submission to criminal acts. There are very few worse ways to an end of innocence.

We cannot simply look the other way or burry our heads in the sand, as Police Provincial Director Percival Barba said as he sounded the alarm over this emerging problem. We need to begin by acknowledging that it is happening. We have to tell ourselves as a matter of fact: The drug devils are tempting our children.

Our children are not equipped to fight this threat by themselves. It will take the whole village to put up a defense — and hopefully an end — to this unrelenting social menace.

The battle begins at home. Parents will have to take a more active role in educating their children about the dangers of illegal drugs. The age-old “Don’t talk to strangers” reminder would be a basic weapon. Parents cannot be expected to watch over their children 24/7, but they can show quality love by preparing them for the big bad drug wolf. Parents within the same barangay whose children go to the same school can also organize a pick-up pool wherein mothers and fathers can take turns in making sure that children within their cluster are always accompanied to and from school.

Authorities of schools, considered as our children’s second home, must also increase vigilance against illegal drug peddlers who are on the prowl around the campuses. The children may tire of hearing it, but our educators must not stop reiterating the message that “drugs are bad” through creative teaching techniques.

The police must also maintain a pro-active campaign against suspected and known drug dealers. Intermittent drug busts that make for good media exposure do nothing but give the police their 15 minutes of fame. To truly “serve and protect”, the police must have a solid and long-term program for crushing illegal drug operations.

The local political leadership plays a crucial role here as it is on the whole accountable for the failure to neutralize drug financiers and dealers in communities.

Protecting our children against drug devils is the entire community’s responsibility.

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