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Danger in a box
CAN the so-called “drop box system” solve drug trafficking, criminality or ensure security of citizens? Can it address the roots of rebellion? Or will it spark a witch hunt and pave way for more killings?
The truth is, methods like this could be used to target political or personal adversaries. This touted solution to drug trafficking is unreliable and short-sighted, and could promote unnecessary paranoia and rift between and among members of a community. In the course of the bloody drug war and counterinsurgency programs, anyone may be affected and can be targeted, regardless of guilt or innocence.
With this drop box scheme – one of the provisions in the revised Mamamayang Ayaw sa Anomalya, Mamamayang Ayaw sa Iligal na Droga (MASA-MASID) guidelines – the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the police are essentially re-creating a hit list, and they are asking everyone to write it for them.
The MASA-MASID program, according to its own rationale, “promotes community involvement on corruption, illegal drugs, criminality, violent extremism and other threats to peace and security.” On Aug. 29, 2017, the DILG ordered the setting up of a drop box system to receive anonymous tips on illegal activities. But this scheme is a random, irresponsible and ineffective campaign that can target anyone, not just suspected drug users but even activists and concerned citizens.
Even without this drop box system, scores of people have already fallen victim; how much more if such arbitrary measures are implemented? We have had previous reports of the drug war campaign being used to fast-track counterinsurgency operations, and this scheme will inevitably lead to more similar cases.
This drop box scheme has been designed irresponsibly. It is not only prone to abuse but will endanger civil liberties and people’s lives. It is off-target and completely devoid of any systemic analysis of the socioeconomic factors primarily triggering illicit drug use and trade, criminality or rebellion.
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