PERFORMANCE OF THE POLICE STATION 13 PERSONNEL IN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF WAR ON DRUGS PROGRAM IN BARANGAY PAYATAS A, QUEZON CITY

Abstract

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of Police Station 13 personnel in implementing the Philippine government's anti-drug campaign, commonly known as the "War on Drugs," within Barangay Payatas, Quezon City. The assessment focuses on three key areas:​  Personnel: Evaluating the adequacy, training, and operational effectiveness of police officers assigned to anti-drug initiatives in Barangay Payatas.​  Drug Rates: Analyzing the prevalence of drug-related activities in the area and assessing the impact of law enforcement efforts on these rates.​  Rehabilitation of Drug Surrenders: Investigating the support systems and success rates of rehabilitation programs for individuals who have voluntarily surrendered due to drug involvement.​  Barangay Payatas has experienced significant challenges related to drug activities, reflecting broader national concerns. The Philippine government's War on Drugs has faced both domestic and international scrutiny due to human rights considerations. Former President Rodrigo Duterte's administration reported over 6,000 drug-related deaths, with human rights groups estimating the toll to be much higher. Recent revelations, including Duterte's admission of forming a "death squad" during his tenure as Davao City mayor, have further intensified discussions on the campaign's methods and impacts. ​  Understanding the dynamics within Barangay Payatas is essential, given its socioeconomic challenges and the profound effects of anti-drug operations on its residents. This research seeks to provide a comprehensive assessment of the local police's role and effectiveness in addressing drug-related issues, offering insights that could inform future policies and interventions aimed at balancing effective law enforcement with the protection of human rights. This study employed a quantitative research approach, specifically utilizing a descriptive research design, to evaluate the effectiveness of Police Station 13 personnel in implementing the "War on Drugs" program in Barangay Payatas, Quezon City. The participants consisted of 25 residents and 25 barangay personnel.​  While quantitative research typically emphasizes larger sample sizes to enhance the reliability and generalizability of findings, this study's sample size was constrained by the limited population within Barangay Payatas. Given this context, the findings should be interpreted with consideration of this limitation.​  For future research aiming to assess the program's impact more comprehensively, it would be beneficial to incorporate a larger and more diverse sample, potentially extending beyond Barangay Payatas to include multiple barangays with similar demographics. Employing stratified sampling techniques could further ensure representation across various subgroups, thereby enhancing the robustness of the study's conclusions. The study's findings indicate that the majority of respondents are female, aged between 41 and 50, belong to the lower socioeconomic class, and have resided in Barangay Payatas, Quezon City, for 15 to 20 years. Regarding the effectiveness of Police Station 13 personnel in implementing the "War on Drugs" program, respondents rated their performance as "highly effective" across three key areas:​  Personnel: Evaluated based on adequacy, training, and operational effectiveness in anti-drug initiatives.​  Drug Rates: Assessed by analyzing the prevalence of drug-related activities and the impact of law enforcement efforts.​  Rehabilitation of Drug Surrenders: Judged by the support systems and success rates of rehabilitation programs for individuals who have voluntarily surrendered due to drug involvement. The researchers propose several recommendations to enhance the effectiveness of anti-illegal drug initiatives:​ Capacity Building for Law Enforcement: Organize regular seminars and refresher courses for law enforcement personnel to update their knowledge and skills in conducting anti-illegal drug operations and investigations.​ Supply Reduction Strategies: Allocate resources towards in-depth investigations targeting high-level drug suppliers, aiming to dismantle major drug networks rather than focusing solely on low-level dealers.​ Demand Reduction Initiatives: Implement prevention programs to educate the public about the risks and consequences of drug abuse. Establish aftercare support for individuals discharged from treatment facilities to prevent relapse and provide a safe environment for their reintegration.​  Enhanced Border Patrol Operations: Increase funding for law enforcement agencies to procure additional patrol vehicles, enhancing surveillance and interception capabilities along border areas to combat drug trafficking.​ These recommendations align with the Philippine government's comprehensive approach to combating illegal drugs, which includes supply reduction, demand reduction, and harm reduction efforts. The Inter-Agency Committee on Anti-Illegal Drugs (ICAD) coordinates these initiatives, ensuring that various government agencies work together effectively. ​ By implementing these measures, stakeholders aim to strengthen ongoing efforts against illegal drug activities, promoting a safer and healthier environment for communities.