The Effectiveness of War Against Illegal Drugs by the Philippine National Police at Barangay 179 in Caloocan City

Abstract

The prevalence of illegal drug use in the Philippines is lower than the global average, according to theUnited Nations Office on Drugs and Crime(UNODC).PresidentRodrigo Duterte, however,has claimed the country to be a "narco-state". Two of the most used and valuable illegal drugs in the country are methamphetamine hydrochloride(known locally as shabu) and marijuana. As of 2016, the United Nations Office for Drugs and Crime reported that 1.1 percent of Filipinos between the ages of 10 to 69 are drug users. With most metro Manilabarangays being affected by illegal drugs and the current state of drug problems across the country, effective implementation of the war on drugs is of great concern. This study looks into the effectiveness of PNP on the war on drugs as perceived by selected respondents from Barangay 179 Caloocan City. Adescriptive method was used in this study. The researchers used questionnaires to gather the necessary data. Majority of the respondents were from the age bracket of 31 to 36 years old, 80% were male, 90% were married and 100% were college graduates. Most respondents perceived the war against illegal drugs of the PNP in Barangay 179 in Caloocan City to be “Effective” in terms of PNP Personnel, Operation and Community Participation. Most respondents, on the other hand, perceived problems encountered by the respondents that affects the effectiveness of the war against illegal drugs “Moderately Serious”. Also, most respondents regarded proposed measures to address the problems encountered by the respondents that affect the effectiveness of the war against illegal drugs by the PNP at Barangay 179 in Caloocan City, to be “Highly Recommended”.The findings of the study can help establish proper coordination between the barangay officials and the Philippine National Police for the improvement of anti-illegal drugs campaign programs.