Reaction Paper

Name: Mohamedin H. Salik

Course/Year: Bs Criminology -4

In your opinion, how well did the previous Duterte

Administration performed in

terms of reducing or eliminating the drug problem in the

Philippines?

-President Rodrigo Duterte’s murderous “drug war” entered its second

year in 2017, resulting in the killing of more than 12,000 drug suspects,
Human Rights Watch said today in its World Report 2018. Duterte has
responded to increased criticism of his anti-drug campaign by
impugning, harassing, and threatening critics of the government and
human rights defenders.

A.) How effective is the Anti-Drug Campaign? Is it effective or

not?

-The effectiveness of the Anti-Drug Campaign in the Philippines, also

known as the “War on Drugs,” is a matter of debate and depends on
how it is evaluated. Some argue that the campaign has been successful
in reducing crime rates and disrupting the supply of illegal drugs, while
others claim that it has been ineffective and has led to human rights
abuses and extrajudicial killings.
B.) What are the effects/aftermath of the Duterte
Administrations campaign? Cite

at least three (3) effects and discuss each thoroughly.

-Decrease in crime rates: According to the Philippine National Police,

the number of crimes reported in the country decreased by 24% in the
first half of 2017 compared to the same period the previous year. Some
attribute this decrease to the campaign against drugs, which targeted
individuals involved in criminal activities such as drug trafficking and
drug use.

-Human rights abuses: The campaign has been criticized for violating
human rights, including the right to due process and the prohibition of
extrajudicial killings. There have been numerous reports of individuals
being killed by the police or vigilantes in the context of the campaign,
often without proper investigations or judicial proceedings.

-Social and economic impacts: The campaign has also had social
and economic impacts, such as causing fear and distrust in communities
and putting a strain on the criminal justice system. Many people who
use drugs have been arrested and imprisoned, leading to overcrowding
in prisons and a burden on the justice system.

C.) Should the succeeding Philippine administrations to come

sustain the Anti-Drug

War or not?

-It is up to the succeeding Philippine administrations to decide whether

to sustain the Anti-Drug War or not. Some may argue that the campaign
has been effective in reducing crime and disrupting the supply of illegal
drugs, while others may argue that it has been ineffective and has led to
human rights abuses and should be discontinued.
D.) And what policies should the Philippines pursue and develop
in terms of combatting the drug problem in the Philippines?

-In terms of combating the drug problem in the Philippines, some

possible policies that the country could pursue and develop include:

Increasing access to drug treatment and rehabilitation services: Instead

of focusing on punishment, the Philippines could invest in programs that
help people with drug addiction overcome their dependency and
recover. This could include providing access to detoxification,
counseling, and support groups.

Reducing demand for drugs: The Philippines could also focus on

reducing the demand for drugs by addressing the root causes of drug
use, such as poverty, unemployment, and mental health issues. This
could involve investing in education, job training, and social support
programs.

Ensuring respect for human rights: Any policies related to the drug
problem in the Philippines should prioritize respect for human rights and
the rule of law. This could involve ensuring that law enforcement
agencies are held accountable for any abuses and that individuals
accused of drug offenses have access to fair and impartial judicial
proceedings.