NARCOPOLITICS-FREE COUNTRY

The following is an edited version of the joint declaration of the
delegates to the National Consultation on Drug Abuse and Narcopolitics
held at the Cebu Grand Hotel last June 25-27, 2004.)

"Evil triumphs when good men and women do nothing."

Inspired by these immortal words, we, the 109 delegates from Luzon,
Visayas, and Mindanao have gathered to listen to, discuss and pray
with one another on the topic: "Towards a Drug and Narcopolitics-free
Philippines."

We stand united against the twin evils of drug abuse and
narcopolitics, recognizing the vital role of faith in this advocacy
and the need to build trust by living in truth. We are inspired by a
vision larger than ourselves; of a dream that transforms us even as it
transforms society.

In the past, rhetoric not translated into action led to failure in the
efforts against illegal drugs.

Efforts to recover moral ascendancy must begin by weeding out corrupt
and incompetent officials from law enforcement, prosecution, judicial,
and correctional institutions.

Recent successes in the government's effort to reduce supply are
encouraging. We commend committed members of the five pillars of the
criminal justice system whose united actions have erupted in a
melodious song of hope.

Yet there is no room for complacency.

No rest

Effective awareness and drug education programs remain largely
non-existent. Law enforcement ranks and government resources are very
thinly stretched while drug money corrupts government, business, and
civil society.

Increased government budgetary allocations for the anti-drug campaign,
particularly the government rehab centers, must be assured and
released. Continuing education vis-a-vis R.A. 9165 is a must.

Poverty and unemployment need to be addressed; fear and public apathy,
overcome. The financial and managerial infrastructure of the drug
trade must be countered through effective police work and strict
implementation of the Anti-Money Laundering Act.

All sectors of society need to get their acts together. There will be
no rest until Nanay Maria, the typical Filipino mother, feels safe
from illegal drugs.

While distorted values contribute to the problem, drug dependency is
primarily a physiological disease affecting the brain. It is triggered
by a multitude of social, economic and environmental factors which
impacts on the individual, the family, the Church and society.

These are aggravated by the lack of community, institutional, and
spiritual support systems and coping mechanisms and the seeming
incapacity of our leaders to implement the law.

Role of the family

The role of the family is essential to the recovery of the drug
dependent and in eradicating the debilitating effects of
co-dependency, guilt, anxiety, fear, and anger. Family-focused
programs make individuals realize and gain their self-worth and
security. Compassion heals.

Concerted and sustained initiatives from civil society do bear fruit,
proving that ordinary citizens can make a difference. Twelve-step
programs, such as Narcotics Anonymous and Alcoholics Anonymous,
provide psycho-spiritual recovery to victims of drug abuse.

They are rays of hope to all of us in our constant battle to overcome
the drug problem.

There is still an enormous need for cooperation and coordination among
various sectors of society to make RA 9165 work. We need to mobilize
and empower the family, community, schools, barangays, and parishes,
as the last bastion of integrity.

Media collaboration is essential. We need to help our government and
law enforcers in this crusade. Efforts to make the PNP - and other
institutions - God-centered, service-oriented, and family-based
deserve support. A god-size problem requires a God-size solution.

Commitment

We must start with our own commitment. Evil will not triumph when good
men and women do something. Today.