PDEA-10 Regional Director Benjamin Gaspi refutes claims that illegal drugs enhance relaxation and academic performance, warning of their long-term physical and psychological effects during the Lambo Dyes radio program, March 7. (Photo courtesy of PDEA-10)
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA) — Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Regional Director Benjamin Gaspi dismissed claims that illegal drugs offer stress relief or enhance academic performance.
Responding to claims that some students and professionals use drugs to to stay awake or improve their studies, Gaspi cautioned about the long-term risks. “Hindi natin kailangan hikayatin o i-advise kasi nga may medical effect, ‘yang side effect. Hindi nangangahulugan na ikaw ay parang okay ka du’n dahil nakakapag-review ka, nare-relax ka. Baka may mas matinding long-term effect ‘yun sa pisikal,” he said.
(We do not need to encourage or advise people to use drugs because there are medical side effects. Just because you feel okay and more relaxed while studying does not mean there won’t be serious long-term effects on your physical health.)
Gaspi compared drug use to smoking, explaining that while it may provide temporary relief, it has detrimental effects on the body.
“Maraming epekto na pwedeng masira ang iyong katawan, ang utak, ang loob ng iyong sikmura. Baka pang-madalian lang na epekto. Baka nga psychological. Parang paninigarilyo lang, kapag ang tao daw ay naninigarilyo, binubuga ang usok na ‘yong stress sa buhay niya ay nawawala, ‘yan yang mga pansamantala lang,” he said.
(Drugs can harm the body, the brain, and the stomach. The effects might be short-term and even psychological. It’s similar to smoking—people think it relieves stress, but it only offers temporary relief.)
Despite the perceived benefits, Gaspi emphasized that drugs like methamphetamine hydrochloride (shabu) pose a significant threat to both individuals and communities in the region.
He noted that in Northern Mindanao, including Cagayan de Oro and Misamis Oriental, shabu remains the primary drug used by addicts, drug pushers, and facilitators. The second most commonly used drug is cannabis sativa, more commonly known as marijuana.
Gaspi also pointed out that engaging in any illegal drug-related activity, including using, selling, delivering, transporting, or manufacturing drugs, carries severe legal consequences.
Efforts vs illegal drugs
Gaspi highlighted the Barangay Drug Clearing Program (BDCP) as the government’s key initiative in addressing the spread of illegal drugs in communities. The program evaluates the effectiveness of anti-drug efforts and ensures that cleared areas remain free of drugs.
He also said that the primary strategy to combat drug proliferation is supply reduction, which involves continuous anti-drug operations, arrests, legal actions, and the destruction of illegal drugs. These measures are focused on law enforcement.
“Sa kabilang banda ‘yung tinatawag natin na demand reduction na strategy, ito ‘yung palaganapin, iangat, or palakasin ang programa ng gobyerno para pangaralan ang mga tao, ibigay ang impormasyon, tamang edukasyon sa tao na kailangan hindi tayo gumagamit ng ilegal na droga at kung hindi naman maiwasan talagang gumamit ng ilegal na droga, ay magsagawa ng mga iba’t ibang mga klase ng reformation or rehabilitation,” he added.
(On the other hand, the demand reduction strategy involves promoting, strengthening, and enhancing government programs to educate the public about the dangers of illegal drug use. If drug use cannot be avoided, various forms of rehabilitation or reformation should be pursued.)
Gaspi said the Regional Oversight Committee on Barangay Drug-Clearing Program (ROCBDCP) has declared 1,550 barangays as drug-cleared in northern Mindanao. Only 308 barangays remain affected by illegal drugs, reducing the overall drug affectation rate in the region to 15.23 percent.
“Kapag ang barangay mo masabi mong drug cleared o drug-free, ay makakaiwas ka sa mga anumang sakit, anumang kriminalidad kasi nga ang paggamit ng ilegal na droga, ito’y nagdadala ng iba’t ibang sakit, social cancer din ‘to,” he said.
(When a barangay is declared drug-cleared or drug-free, it can avoid various diseases and crimes because drug use leads to different health issues and social problems.)
With this, Gaspi urged barangay captains and their BADAC members to apply to the regional oversight committee for their barangay to be declared drug-free, helping ensure peace and protection from criminal activities in their communities. (RTP/PIA-10)
