The religious sector plays a key role in the fight against illegal drugs, Department of the Interior and Local (DILG) Secretary Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos Jr. said on Monday, Jan. 16, as he seeks support of various religious groups in the recalibrated drug war.
Abalos said the aspect of spirituality is an essential part of the solution in the country’s continuing uphill battle against illegal drugs as the parents can lean on religion to spare their children from getting hooked on illegal drugs.
Abalos pointed out that the youth is the “main target’’ of the illegal drug syndicates, which makes it important for the parents to guide and advise their children on the dangers of using or peddling illegal drugs.
In the whole of nation approach, Abalos emphasized that interference of the various government agencies, local governments particularly the barangays and the public in general are key elements in resolving the country’s illegal drug woes, which is a global concern even in highly industrialized nations.
Abalos acknowledged that the collective involvement of the various religious faiths together with the government inter-agency group and other stakeholders play an important role on how to determine if a child is into illegal drugs and how to deal with it in case a teener is using illegal drugs.
He noted that the barangays have large roles to play in this aspect as they are aware who among their constituents are illegal drug users or peddlers.
Abalos asserted that the PNP, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) will have their work cut off for them with the concerted efforts of the public and other stakeholders in dealing with the country’s illegal drug problems.