THE INFLUENCE OF DRUG ABUSE IN CRIMINAL BEHAVIOR IN BARANGAY 176, BAGONG SILANG, CALOOCAN CITY

Abstract

The objective of this research is to examine the influence of drug abuse on criminal behavior within Barangay 176, Bagong Silang, Caloocan City. As drug abuse increasingly affects various communities, understanding its impact on criminal activities is essential for developing effective intervention strategies. This study investigates the relationship between substance abuse and criminal behavior by analyzing local cases and law enforcement data, and evaluating existing strategies to inform policy development and intervention efforts. The researcher used a survey questionnaire to gather information from fifty (50) participants in Barangay 176, Bagong Silang, Caloocan city, including ten (10) barangay officials, ten (10) Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) officers, ten (10) Philippine National Police (PNP) officers, and twenty (20) Person Deprived of Liberty (PDL), to understand drug dependence's impact on decision-making. The researcher used a survey questionnaire to gather information from fifty (50) participants in Barangay 176, Bagong Silang, Caloocan city, including ten (10) barangay officials, ten (10) Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) officers, ten (10) Philippine National Police (PNP) officers, and twenty (20) Person Deprived of Liberty (PDL), to understand drug dependence's impact on decision-making. This research focuses on the influence of drug abuse on criminal behavior in Barangay 176, Bagong Silang, Caloocan City. The study found that 70% of respondents were male, 28% were aged 41 and above, 52% were single, and 40% were college graduates. Respondents agreed that collaboration between law enforcement and health services, increased access to rehabilitation, public awareness campaigns, job creation, and healthy stress-coping methods are crucial in addressing the issue. The researcher recommends that Barangay officials implement community-driven prevention programs, particularly targeting the youth, to educate residents about the dangers of drug abuse. Youth should be encouraged to seek reliable information from trusted sources, establish clear rules, and enforce consequences for violations. Law enforcement personnel should build trust with communities through outreach programs and partnerships. Future research should evaluate harm reduction programs and policy interventions to guide evidence-based policymaking.