Rehabilitation services, not killings for poor drug victims asserts KADAMAY

News Release

July 14, 2016

Reference: Michael Beltran, KADAMAY Media Officer – 09061892288, Gloria Arellano, KADAMAY Chairperson 09213927475

In light of the recent spike in the number of drug related killings, Kalipunan ng Damayang Mahihirap spoke out against the further victimization of poor Filipinos in the name of the administration’s anti-drug war. The group stressed that the issue must not entirely taken as a question of criminality but of health and the status of health services afforded to the poorest sections of the country. They maintained however that big drug cartels and officials involved in these anti-social practices should be put to justice as profiteering and exploiting the vulnerability of poor communities towards abusive drugs has become rampant.

Gloria “Ka Bea” Arellano, KADAMAY Chairperson explained that “Many victims of drug abuse living in poor communities turn to drugs to either escape from the harsh realities of their lives or for them to cope with the working conditions they face. Instead of killings and deciding their entire lives are wastes of space, the government should offer them space to be more productive. Drug addiction and abuse is a disease which can be cured. Services are grossly lacking, especially in terms of rehabilitation. While higher standards of living afforded to poor Filipinos through jobs and decent wages plays a large role as well.”

According to reports, around 140 have been killed through operations conducted by the authorities and vigilante citizens. KADAMAY also expressed concern over the rise in vigilante justice, which can be unregulated, arbitrary and harm many innocent civilians. In other words, human rights should not be violated in the name of the Duterte’s campaign. For the group, it is counter-productive and will deter the change needed in the country which they say should be founded upon the recognition of the basic needs and rights of people.

“Totoo naming may mga kababayan tayong minsa’y gumagamit ng droga para maibsan ang hirap ng buhay na dinadanas. Minsan nama’y mayroon iyung mga gumagamit ng droga para makapagpatuloy sa trabaho o makapasada na lampas sa takdang oras para lamang matustusan ang pangangailangan ng pamilya. Pinakabulnerable ang mahihirap sa paglaganap ng droga dahil sa paglaganap din ng kahirapan. Biktima sila na dapat tulungan hindi tugisin” said the urban poor leader.

The group challenged the administration to devise better ways in dealing with the proliferation of drugs at the community levels. They said that barangay health centers should be armed with adequate drug intervention mechanisms and harm reduction. Arellano said that spreading fear and intimidation amidst the populace can still spur the syndicates to find new ways while the cycle of violence continues. She added that the ‘root causes of the problem should be weeded out’ and that improving the lives of the poor through education and basic social services will go a long way. ###