“For an archipelagic country like the Philippines, climate change is cause for real concern”
IF THE the total amount of illegal drugs confiscated by law enforcers this year compared to previous years is much lower, is this an indication that the brutal campaign of the Duterte administration against drug trafficking has been a big success?
Not necessarily.
According to the Philippine National Police Drug Enforcement Group (PNP DEG), it was able to seize illegal drugs worth a total of P2.4 billion from January to Dec. 18 this year.
The total haul by the police is broken down as follows: 3,866,600 pieces of marijuana plants; 1,830,187.87 grams of dried marijuana leaves; 168,260.24 grams of shabu (crystal meth); 48,672 grams of ketamine; 36,951 grams of kush; 1,343 pieces of ecstasy; and 90 grams of cocaine.
The drugs were seized in 698 operations, of which 366 were buy-bust operations, 232 were arrests of wanted persons, 47 were search warrant operations, 45 were marijuana eradication operations, four were interdiction operations, and another four were recoveries and surrenders.
A total of 809 drug personalities were arrested in its operations, the DEG added.
In October alone, the PNP seized P77.9 million worth of illegal drugs in a month-long nationwide operation. The narcotics were confiscated in 71 anti-drug operations, involving 80 suspects, from October 1 to 31.
The illegal drugs seized included 3,502.20 grams of crystal meth (locally known as shabu); 33,000 grams of kush; 33,040 grams of dried marijuana; 45 ml of marijuana oil; 700 marijuana seedlings; 2,800 fully grown marijuana plants.
“To ensure integrity and transparency in all operations, the group consistently utilizes body-worn cameras, reinforcing public trust and accountability,” the police explained. “Additionally, all actions are thoroughly documented, with airtight cases prepared to ensure the successful prosecution of offenders.”
The DEG emphasized that its 2024 operations were in line with the PNP’s “rights-focused and community-driven” approach to the anti-drug campaign. This, we think, is the correct policy.
The fight against illegal drugs, according to PNP DEG Director
Brig. Gen. Eleazar Matta, would be sustained in the coming year.
What this shows is that the PNP is now doing is upholding due process in its anti-drug campaigns, unlike in the previous administration where the policy was ‘take-no-prisoners’ and ‘kill-kill-kill’.
Climate change an urgent concern
For an archipelagic country like the Philippines, climate change is cause for real concern.
Many of our people live in the coastal areas. They are at risk from the impacts of extreme climatic events, sea level rise and degradation of marine ecosystems.
The adverse effects of climate change on agriculture, forestry and water resources will pose more difficulties for a developing country already reeling from a host of socio-economic and environmental problems.
Climate change will not only cause additional economic burdens, but could also be a critical factor that could determine our survival as a nation.
Climate change is the most important global challenge to humanity today. Its adverse effects are already a reality in many parts of the world.
Nations have taken a significant first step towards realizing the goal of stabilizing atmospheric levels of greenhouse gases at safe levels with the Kyoto Protocol. The Philippines supports intensified north-south and regional cooperation in technology research and cleaner production, as well as opportunities for private sector investment, especially in low-emission technologies. Among these is the institutionalization of the greenhouse gas inventory process in other relevant government institutions.
Obtaining a comprehensive picture of how the climate change problem is evolving requires full disclosure of vital information. For most countries, particularly the developing ones, this would mean a long and painstaking process, requiring the establishment of mechanisms and utilization of precious resources.
Protecting the environment and helping arrest global warming should be the concern of everyone. Thus, government has established partnerships with various stakeholders, including local government units, the private sector and civil society organizations to implement various programs and projects that will enhance environmental conservation and ensure ecological balance.
The Philippine Government should fully support urgent and coordinated action on climate change. We can move closer to finding common solutions to the problem of climate change and thus achieve our goal of a better future for all humanity.
(Email: ernhil@yahoo.com)
