Three-pronged fight vs drugs proposed

SEN. Christopher «Bong» Go has emphasized the roles of law enforcement, rehabilitation and prevention in combatting drug problems in the country.

The senator, in a chance interview after the launch of the 159th Malasakit Center in Bislig City, Surigao del Sur, on September 15, proposed a three-pronged approach to address illegal drugs.

Go said every administration had its approach to combat the drug problem. He said former president Rodrigo Duterte pursued a «massive campaign» against drugs.

«I support President [Ferdinand] Bongbong Marcos [Jr.] in whatever approach [to address the drug problem]. The fight against illegal drugs must continue,» he said in Filipino.

He raised the need to empower law enforcement agencies to earn the trust of the people they are mandated to protect.

Go sought a «competent and corruption-free police force and other law enforcement agencies to effectively combat drug syndicates.»

The chairman of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography also raised the need to rehabilitate drug users. «Most of them are merely victims [of drug syndicates].»

Go has filed a bill to institutionalize a technical vocational education and livelihood program for rehabilitated drug dependents.

He said the third approach centers on prevention, particularly among the youth. «We encourage the youth to get into sports. That is one way to keep them away from drugs.»

Go, also the chairman of the Senate Committee on Sports, has advocated sports-related programs as a means to divert the youth from the lure of illegal drugs and criminality.

The senator filed Senate Bill (SB) 422, which aims to provide free legal assistance to the country's uniformed personnel, particularly those wrongfully accused.

He also proposed SB 428