On its first anniversary last Thursday, the Movement Against Drugs (MAD) drew thousands of supporters from all walks of life who marched to the uptown area to denounce the proliferation of illegal drugs.
With an intensified outcry for a drug-free Cebu City, the event was a success if we based on the huge crowd converging at the Fuente Osmeña. Some motorists even avoided the area for fear of being caught in the heavy traffic.
It was really a show of force. MAD organizers, led by the Cebu City Police Office, and those anti-drug crusaders managed to flex their muscles. They have shown to the world that the campaign against the prohibited drugs in the city has just gotten more serious with the participation of all sectors.
However, it remains to be seen whether this show of force has really served its purpose of scaring those involved in the drug trade – from the street pushers the bigtime suppliers. That is because a year into its existence, MAD is yet to find its mark as far as its campaign is concerned.
It is undeniable that drug personalities are still giving authorities a severe headache. And police should admit that drug trade remains hugely profitable in the city. But since drugs still sell like hotcakes, perhaps there’s something wrong with the way police exhaust their resources in confronting this evil.
It’s too early to judge the movement. It still has a long way to go to achieve its purpose. But the only way for it to succeed is to intensify its presence in the community, especially in areas where drugs proliferate.
And yes, information dissemination is very important. The movement should aggressively tap volunteers to carry out its crusade to educate the people about the drug menace.
The fight against drugs will never be won without the support of those in the barangays upon which the lifeline of the illegal trade depends. The battle should begin in sitios, against those sachet peddlers.
While the movement still has a lot to do to succeed, it’s good it is gaining ground going into its ultimate goal of making drug trade irrelevant in the city.