Bishops admit failure to curb illegal drug use in the Philippines

Philippine Catholic bishops have confessed that they were not able to support the control of illegal drugs in the country.

The issues that were brought during the conference of Catholic bishops were the smuggling of drugs and the illegal drug addiction in the country.

The bishops encouraged dioceses and parishes to “invigorate and energize their youth ministry” to form it a “creative, pro-active and responsive” for the necessities of the young individuals.

Aside from that, they also call the attention of law enforcement groups to prohibit the smuggling of illegal drugs and to ensure that the illegal drugs they captured are not given the chance to return on the streets.

After the bishops released the letter, the president of the Philippines, Benigno Aquino requested the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency to strengthen its program to eliminate drug smuggling in the country and make way to the social assistance and security of the young individulas.

Last year, one hundred eighty one youngsters were saved in one hundred sixty one anti-drug operations and one hundred fourteen drug hideouts demolished. This was a higher improvement of thirty seven percent. On the same year, 17, 619 cases of illegal drugs were officially recorded in different courts all around the country.

The officers of anti-illegal drugs said that because of its geographical spot, the Philippines have become a critical business path for illegal drugs.

Torres M.