In Manila, Philippines, Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa, who leads the Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs, voiced his deep frustration about the growing problem of illegal drugs in the country. He described their availability as being so widespread that it’s like “candies” in the streets—easy to find and dangerously common.
A Worrying Trend
Senator Dela Rosa’s strong statement came after learning about ongoing cases involving illegal drugs. The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) reported an alarming rise in large drug shipments entering the country. These incidents highlight how drug syndicates are becoming bolder, increasing the threat to communities nationwide.
Barangay Concerns
The senator shared stories from his visits to barangays, or villages, across the Philippines. He revealed that not a single barangay captain he spoke with reported success in solving their area’s drug problems. On the contrary, many residents approached him directly, complaining about how illegal drugs continue to be openly sold in their neighborhoods.
A Call for Action
Senator Dela Rosa urged the government to take the problem seriously and warned against complacency. He stressed that ignoring this issue could worsen the already dire situation.
Police Ready to Fight Back
The senator also spoke about his conversations with former colleagues from the Philippine National Police (PNP). These officers expressed their willingness to risk their lives in the fight against illegal drugs, but they need full support from the government, especially Malacañang, to succeed.
A Plea for Community and Government Support
Senator Dela Rosa’s message is clear: the fight against illegal drugs is far from over. It will take serious commitment from both the government and the community to prevent illegal drugs from continuing to spread like “candies” in our streets.
