I am in detention for over a year now and in the company of victims of the war on drugs in Butuan City Jail, an unfamiliar territory where I am being charged on false charges. We are victims of the war on drugs and the war on leftist and progressive forces, suffering from human rights violations.
Many victims of buy-bust operations cry of planted evidence, false charges and lack of witnesses.
How can their addiction be cured when they are incarcerated in congested cells and basic human conditions are not guaranteed? The situation can only create more problems like depression or addiction in other forms, like gambling.
Addiction and depression are both mental health issues that should be treated by medical and psycho-social therapy.
The best way is for addicts to undergo such therapy while in the first year of incarceration, and to be monitored, and treated if necessary, for depression. This way, sentences can be reduced, because they are already rehabilitated and ready to go back to society.
Let the long arm of the law punish the drug lords, manufacturers and big-time pushers. There is really something wrong with this war if we only focus on small-time users and pushers. The government needs a comprehensive program that will include providing decent jobs to the victims and those who have completed their jail terms.
A review of Republic Act No. 9165, or the Dangerous Drugs Act, is in order.
BENITO CONCIO QUILLOY, political detainee, Butuan City Jail