Carved in an unbreakable stone, Muzon is the most populous Barangay in the entire Region III. With a massive 127, 506 population as of 2020, Barangay Muzon has well-represented a community that is prone to different pressing issues.
Just on January 19, 2022, a suspected drug dealer was shot dead in Barangay Muzon after a gunfight. The slain suspect was identified as Rolando Hallasgo. Seven sachets of shabu have been recovered from him. In the same manner, two were also killed in San Jose Heights, a subdivision in Barangay Muzon, during a June 2019 buy-bust operation in the dead of the night.
There were too many to mention. Those are some of the countless drug-related deaths in Barangay Muzon. Defined as a populous Barangay, it is indeed susceptible to pressing issues such as illegal drugs. The roots of the spread of this infamous activity vary in every perception. But the big question is: Is there someone to blame?
Respondents' Profiles
On a survey given to 15 anonymous residents of Barangay Muzon, the responses have promised various takes. All of these respondents reside in Barangay Muzon. However, I decided to make the survey form not ask for their personal information such as their names. This way, they can answer the survey at ease with confidentiality.
Here, nine of the respondents answered that they are very unlikely to indulge in illegal drugs while only one responded "likely"
In Figure 4 above, nine have responded "Friends" when asked who is responsible for influencing them if, assuming, they got involved in illegal drugs.
From the answers of the 15 respondents, seven items were mentioned by them. It includes Poverty, Drug Lords, Drug Pushers, Family, Corrupt Government, Friends, and No one. On a greater note, four of them think that Drug Pushers are the ones to blame for the spread of illegal drugs, and three for Drug Lords. Meanwhile, two responded for Poverty and the rest got only 1 response.
Through the Eyes of a Former User
In order to keep the anonymity of the interviewee, we both decided to change his voice and asked him to wear a facemask. On this, we can hide him with the name "Jalbert".
Jalbert has a history of using illegal drugs. In 2019, together with some of his friends, one of them set a trap that led to a target house where the police will enter to conduct a buy-bust operation. That time, they were taken and got tested immediately at the police station. Later, he and his company tested positive for using illegal drugs. They were held in custody for about six months.
According to his story, he only used illegal drugs for his job as he work mostly in the dead of the night as a truck driver. He also mentioned that his co-workers are one of the reasons why he never sees it coming that he is abusing illegal drugs. Unfortunately, the supposed usage only to stay wide awake for his job turned into abuse.
When I asked him about his situation inside the jail, he said it is hard there. Instances such as newcomers in the jail will be tricked by older inmates will occur. He also added that he finds it hard to sleep and move inside the jail as their movements and positions are being guarded, quoting it was like he went back to being a Grade 1 pupil.
Asking him those questions seems so easy for him to respond. I believe that what I got is credible enough from someone who has a firsthand experience in this activity.
Meanwhile, responding to the final question on what could he advise to the people who are about to enter this infamous activity and abuse it: "itigil na lang."
What Do the Officials Think about this Issue?
On July 1, I managed to interview Barangay Kagawad Edgar Celis.
When asked about the state of Barangay Muzon amidst illegal drugs, he straightforwardly said that Muzon is not yet free from illegal drugs. However, he said that they are doing their job to secure their citizens from the hazards that illegal drugs could bring. He also added that the barangay officials have taken measures to combat illegal drugs. They are also teaming up with the LGU and the police.
Meanwhile, I asked Celis if the war on drugs by President Rodrigo is effective, and his answer is yes. He claimed that as a barangay official, he has seen direct operations and measures the officials have taken to combat illegal drugs. Due to this, he stated that he can clearly say the war on drugs by Duterte is effective as it shows well in Barangay Muzon.
Celis mentioned that barangay officials are enacting the Barangay Anti Drug Abuse Council (BADAC) where its officials are church pastors who can provide a more enlightening way for those people who are trying to change their habits.
On the other hand, Celis' vision, as an individual, of resolving the issues about illegal drugs is to lessen the burden of the parents in making their children go to school. As the head of the Education Department of the Barangay Muzon, he said that education is the solution, especially for those youths who got involved in these infamous activities. In line with these, the Barangay Muzon has now more than 300 scholars who continuously receive financial help every semester.
To sum it up, Barangay Muzon has not yet free illegal drugs. there are still measures and actions the officials are laying their hands on to ensure the safety of the people of their jurisdiction.
But the big question is: Is there someone to blame?
The spread of these illegal drugs roots in various reasons. It is not limited to the living who perpetuate this activity.
It is greed and poverty.
Comments