What the country lacks is recognizing the dimensions on how best to resolve the illegal drug problem. There are two sides to the illegal drug war, namely:
The supply side, meaning the drug lords who are either the wholesalers or retailers dealing with pushers and their cohorts.
The demand side, meaning the users, the addicts, the sick populace.
The government needs to consider these two dimensions and not just one. The focus today is eradicating the supply side through any means, whether to arrest or kill. What needs to be embraced is the century-old lesson that “there is no need for supply if there is no demand.”
There is also a great need to focus on the demand side. Since the drug problem is rooted in addiction, it is also technically a medical dysfunction. If so, then a strategy of applying medical alleviation, solution and administration must be crafted.
Drug addicts are in need of affordable medicines to alleviate physical and mental challenges. What is available over the counter from drug stores may not be affordable to some in need of alleviation or medication. Sometimes, illegal drugs are marketed at more affordable prices, sans medical prescriptions, to heal illnesses.
Should the government focus on the demand side of the illegal drug trade, it must:
a. institute not only measures, but also build infrastructures for distribution channels for legal drugs at affordable rates,
b. set up affordable rehabilitation centers,
c. ease securing prescription drugs,
d. push the academe to educate the young and old, the rich and the poor on the illegal drug problem,
e. provide funds to reduce and, hopefully, eliminate the demand for illegal drugs.
These measures are driven by the spirit of love and care, devoid of murderous means as evidenced in the current drive to eradicate the supply side.
There is a need to thresh out the channel of distribution on the supply side to expose the horrors of extrajudicial killings (EJKs). We can eliminate the supply side without resorting to EJKs.
On the supply side, there are four layers to the distribution channel.
The first layer: Who places the order to the foreign supplier of drugs considered as raw materials for manufacturing? The one who places the order naturally remits payment to the supplier.
The second layer is the transaction at the ports. The question is: Who releases the materials and pays commensurate fees or taxes? This stage would involve the “wholesaler” claiming the goods. From the port, the raw materials then find their way to laboratories.
The third layer refers to the process after manufacturing. The “wholesaler” sells to “retailers” across the country.
The fourth layer is the world of the “retailers” who, in turn, sell to the “pushers.” The profile of the “retailers” are diverse as we all know.
The last layer refers to the “pushers.” Based on reports, around 47 of these alleged pushers are being killed every day.
The saying “If there is no demand, then there is no need for supply” has never been more relevant as it is today. If we nurture the spirit of love to help the populace in need of medication, then the issue of EJK would also be resolved.
Can we just close our eyes to the murder spree? Can we just help each other and gain support from our government leaders?
We must continue to be who we are, Filipinos beholden to the Christian truth of following the principles of loving thy neighbor as thyself and respecting the life of another. We hope and pray that our churches will help spread this truth.