Public Perception on Drug-Related Killings in General Santos City

__________________________________________________________

An Undergraduate Thesis
Presented to the Faculty of the Department of Sociology
College of Social Sciences and Humanities
Mindanao State University
General Santos City

___________________________________________________

In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements

for the Degree of Bachelor of Arts
Major in Sociology

_________________________________________________

By:

JAMES BRIAN G. GARAY

May 2018
 Republic of the Philippines
Mindanao State University – General Santos City
College of Social Sciences and Humanities
Department of Sociology
---oooOooo---

APPROVAL SHEET

This undergraduate thesis titled “PUBLIC PERCEPTION ON DRUG-RELATED

KILLINGS IN GENERAL SANTOS CITY” prepared and submitted by James Brian G.
Garay in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree Bachelor of Arts Major in
Sociology has been examined and recommended for Oral Examination.

LUZ P. DOCE, Ph.D (Candid)

Adviser

PANEL OF EXAMINERS
Approved by the Committee on Oral Examination

LOLYMAR J. REYES, Ph. D. GERRY JESUS J VILLANO

Panel Chairperson Member

Accepted and approved in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree Bachelor
of Arts Major in Sociology.

Recommended by:

ROMEO F. NARVAEZ
Chairperson
Accepted by:
_________________________
Date
MAULAWI L. CALIMBA, M.A
Dean

___________________________
Date
 ABSTRACT

This is a study on the perception on drug-related killing in General Santos City, specifically on

the level of awareness on drug-related killings, favorableness on police work and consequences of

being a drug user, and the government responses regarding illegal drugs as perceived by the community

members. The study was conducted in General Santos City. It employed a descriptive survey design

methodology and used simple random sampling technique, with a determined total population size of

one hundred ninety-six (196). Respondents of the study were the community members of General

Santos City, either male or female, ages 18-73, and are either professional, non-professional or

students. Statistical tool such us percentage and frequency distribution and mean and grand mean were

utilized in analyzing the data.

It was found out that most of the community members were from ages 18-28, female college

undergraduate, student, and from Barangay Fatima. Majority of the respondents are aware of the drug-

related killings in their community, which they were mainly informed through television. Community

members believed that drug-related killings were not done by the policemen. On one hand, community

members agree with the proposition of war on drugs and so thus consequences on the drug users. This

is because the majority of the community members believed that the governments’ advocacy towards

illegal drugs is effective. Moreover, the majority are aware of the government, and the plurality expects

intervention through rehabilitation, affordability, and accessibility of drug programs, and among the

least is the livelihood for the drug dependents.

It was recommended to pursue government information-dissemination programs through

schools, and so do schools be active on the public information propagation. Furthermore, the

government should also instill to develop more rehab programs, affordable and more accessible. It was

also suggested to pursue livelihood programs after rehab to promote effective intervention on

retaliation on drug use and abuse.

iii
 ACKNOWLEDGMENT

The researcher would like to extend his immeasurable thanks to all people expressed

concern, provided assistance and support as well as the inspiration for the realization of this study.

Without them, this study would not have been put into reality.

To his adviser, Prof. Luz P. Doce, for unhesitatingly spending time to read, provide

corrections, and brilliant ideas that helped make this study a reality, for the inspiring words and

thoughts, sincere encouragements and invaluable guidance and moral support that have all greatly

motivated the researcher to pursue and persist with work, until its completion, a profound gratitude

is expressed.

To his panel members, Dr. Lolymar J. Reyes and Prof. Gerry Villano for imparting their

knowledge, corrections, and suggestions to the researcher and for showing their undying concerns

and guidance and for being good to him. “Thank very much”!

To his respondents, thank you for the time that you spare in answering his instruments.

Your cooperation is highly appreciated.

To his most treasured friends, Zea, Clint, Krish, Eloi, Rey, Jel, Jay, Mans, Ces, Lij, Claire,

Drey, Nine, Minang, and Neil, for the short time you spent with him, the memories you shared,

the care you impart, the sincere friendship you showed, will always bear in his heart and mind;

You will all be missed. charot

To his loved college friends, Haidy, Eilnor, Jerson, Matet, Maika, Glada, Abbi, Nikki,

Rodel, and Cring for the memories, laughter, love, and care that encourage him to move forward

in times of trials. Thank you so much for your kindness and love guys!

iv
 To his beloved parents, thank you so much, especially her mother, mama yeyel, thank you

for your unending sacrifices, concerns, financial support, love, care and for being in there when

he’s down and out. To his dearest sibling, Cristine, thank you for your subtle support and care.

These women are loved beyond anything. Above all, to the Almighty God for making him a

resilient, independent and humble person, his deepest thanks are all for you. And also for His

endless love, guidance, comfort, sacrifices, care, guidance, and everything that is beyond measure.

Thank you so much, Lord, for this triumph and accomplishment. All of these without you won’t

be possible.

- 𝕆ℕ𝔻𝕆𝕐

v
 CURRICULUM VITAE

PERSONAL INFORMATION

Name : James Brian G. Garay

Home Address : 2nd Road Calumpang, General Santos City
Date of Birth : May 8, 1998
Place of Birth : General Santos City
Religious Affiliation : Roman Catholic
Ethnic Affiliation : Cebuano
Nationality : Filipino
Civil Status : Single
Father’s Name : Renante G. Garay
Mother’s Name : Cheryll G. Garay

ACADEMIC BACKGROUND Year

Graduated

Primary Education : Dadiangas West Central Elementary School 2007

Secondary Education: General Santos City National High School 2013
Tertiary : Mindanao State University - Gensan 2018
Major: Bachelor of Arts in Sociology

CLUBS AND ORGANIZATIONS Year

Red Cross Medic Member 2013-2014
Sociology Club Member 2013-2018
911 Initiative Member 2014-2015
Sociology Club Business Manager 2015-2016

vi
SEMINARS, WORKSHOPS, AND ACTIVITIES

Seminars Venue Year

 Maximizing Excellence on MSU-GSC AVR 2014

Leadership
 8 Habits of Effective People MSU-GSC AVR (Graduate School) 2014
 Seminar on Climate Change MSU-SSTC GSC 2015
 Fire Safety and Basic Rescue MSU CSSH Mini-Theatre 2015
Seminar
 Ethnic Forum MSU-STTC GSC 2016
 Biyahe Ng Pangarap Para T’boli School of Indigenous 2016
Sa Edukasyon Knowledge of Traditions (TSIKAT)
 Contemporary Social Problems: MSU-CSSH Mini-Theatre 2016
STD’s, HIV, AIDS, and other
Health Problems
 Forum on The Truth about MSU-GSC AVR 2016
Martial Law: Real Stories,
Real People
 Seminar Workshop on MSU CSSH Mini-Theatre 2016
Summarizing and Paraphrasing
 Political Advocacy Campaign MSU-GSC Gymnasium 2016
Of “BobotoKa Na Pala?”
 Seminar on Debate, “Language MSU-GSC AVR 2016
Of Intellect: The Power of
Speech”
 Seminar on Strengthening Gender MSU CSSH Mini-Theatre 2016
Sensitivity through Reproductive
Health and Violence Against
Women and Children Awareness

vii
 Forum on Sociological Research MSU-GSC Library AVR 2017
 Seminar on Focus Group MSU-GSC STTC 2017
Discussion and Key Informants
Interview (FGDKII)
 Forum on Cultural Sensitivity MSU CSSH Mini-Theatre 2017
 Forum on, “Making Sense of MSU-GSC Gymnasium 2017
Issues: Problems in the Transition
To a Modern Society”
 Budayaw Colloquium, KCC Convention Center, GSC 2017
“1st BIMP-EAGA Festival of
Culture”
 Professional Conversation MSU-Graduate School AVR 2017
On Federalism Graduate School

 Philippine Sociological Society University of the Philippines 2017

Annual National Conference Cebu

viii
 Table of Contents

Title Page ………………………………………………………………………….i

Approval Sheet …………………………………………………………………....ii

Abstract …………………………………………………………………………...iii

Acknowledgment…………………………………………………………………...v

Curriculum Vitae ………………………………………………………………....vii

Table of Contents …………………………………………………………………x

List of Figures …………………………………………………………………….xii

List of Tables …………………………………………………………………….xiii

Chapter Title Page

I. INTRODUCTION

Statement of the Problem ………………………………………………....3

Significance of the Study ……………………………………………….....4

Scope and Delimitation of the Study ……………………………………...5

Conceptual Framework…………………………………………………….6

Assumption of the Study…………………………………………………..10

Review of Related Literature ……………………………………………..12

II. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

Research Design ………………………………………………………......23

Variables of the Study ………………………………………………….....23

Sampling Procedure ………………………………………………………24

ix
 Instrumentation …………………………………………………………..25

Method of Data Gathering ……………………………………………....26

Method of Data Analysis ………………………………………………..27

III. PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION OF DATA

Age of the Respondents……...……………………………………..…...33

Sex of the Respondents……...……………………………………...…...34

Educational Attainment of the Respondents...………………...………...35

Occupation of the Respondents...……………………………………......38

Respondents’ Barangay Residence..………………………………...…...39

Awareness of the Respondents on Drug-Related Killings…...…….........40

Respondents’ Sources of Information………………………………...…40

Encountered Instances of People Killed in the Respondents’ Area...…...41

Respondent’s Perception on the Killings….………………………...…..42

Positive Impressions on the Suspected Police Drug-related killings...….43

Negative Impressions on the Suspected Police Drug-related killings ......44

Respondents’ Perception on Killing Drug Suspects………………..........45

Reasons of the Respondents for Supporting

Killing Drug Offenders .................................................................46

Reason of the Respondents for not Supporting on

Killing Drug Offenders………………………………..………….47

Favorableness of the Respondents towards Drug-related Killings….……49

Favorableness of the Respondents on the Policework ...………….……...51

Respondents’ Sources of Information…………….……………………....54

x
 Perception of the Respondents on the Issue of “Fighting Back”…….......55

Respondents’ Favorability in Regard the Actions towards the

Suspected Drug offenders……………………...………….…….58

Respondents’ Sources of Information…………...………………………58

Respondents’ Perception Government Program’s

Effectivity in regard Illegal Drugs………………………...…….59

Respondents’ Reason on Agreeing on the Effectivity of the

Government’s Program …………………………………………59

Respondents’ Reason on not Agreeing on the Effectivity of the

Government’s Program ………………………………....……....60

Awareness of the Respondents on the Government Agencies………..…61

Perceived Responses of the Respondents regarding Illegal Drugs……...63

IV. SUMMARY, CONCLUSION, AND RECOMMENDATION

SUMMARY .................................................................................................67

CONCLUSION ……………………………...…………………………….71

RECOMMENDATIONS …………………...…………………………….73

REFERENCES

APPENDICES

Appendix

A. Letter to the Panel Members

B. Letter to the Respondents

C. Questionnaire

xi
 LIST OF FIGURES

Figure Page

1. Conceptual Paradigm ………………………………………………...............12

2. Flow Chart …………………………………………………………...............32

xii
 LIST OF TABLES

Table Title Page

1 Age of the Respondents…………...…………………………………………………33

2 Sex of the Respondents…………...………………………………………………….34
3 Educational Attainment of the Respondents………………………………………....35
4 Occupation of the Respondents…....…………………………………………………35
5 Respondents’ Barangay Residence...……………………………………….......……39

6 Respondents’ Sources of Information…...……….……………………...…………...40

7 Positive Impressions on the Suspected Police Drug-related killings………………...43
8 Negative Impressions on the Suspected Police Drug-related killings……,,,……......44
9 Reasons of the Respondents for Supporting Killing Drug Offenders…………...…..46

10 Reason of the Respondents for not Supporting on Killing Drug Offenders................47

11 Favorableness of the Respondents on the Drug-Related Killings...……........…........49

12 Favorableness of the Respondents on the Policework…………………………........51

13 Respondents’ Sources of Information…………………………………………….…54

14 Respondents’ Favorability in Regard the Actions towards the

Suspected Drug offenders….………………………………………………..58

15 Respondents’ Sources of Information…………………………………….…...……59

16 Respondents’ Reason on Agreeing on the Effectivity of the

Government’s Program ……………………………………………...….….59

17 Respondents’ Reason on not Agreeing on the Effectivity of the

Government’s Program …………………………………………………….60

18 Awareness of the Respondents on the Government Agencies…………….….…….51

19 Perceived Responses of the Respondents regarding Illegal Drugs…………..,…….65

xiii
xiv
 Chapter I

Introduction

Drug-related killings are killings that are related to illegal drugs, whether it may be done

by individuals or groups, public or private entity, either to destroy illegal drugs or a result of death

because of illegal drugs. According to the European Monitoring Center for Drugs and Drug

Addiction, the term was defined as “drug-related deaths and mortality among drug users”.

(EMCDDA, n.d.)

The Philippines is one of the intersections of drug trafficking in Asia-Pacific Region,

geographically. It is in the “strategic location for the transit” of drugs in the market. The Philippines

is well-known as a producer, consumer, and an exporter of illicit drugs. (Palma, 2013) In 2001,

there were some 1.8 million illegal drug users in the Philippines. (Tope & Mercado, 2013), a survey

conducted by the Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) estimated a much lower figure of 1.7 million

drug users nationwide.

A great deal of domestic violence is associated with drug abuse and a huge proportion of

criminal acts are committed by individuals who are trying to satisfy their drug habits (Drug

Addiction in the Philippines, 2017) This growing concern for peace and order reflects that there

should be a way to mitigate the problem of the country.

In order to stem the high rates of the drug-related issue in the Philippines, elect president

Rodrigo Duterte, initiated a program to destroy illegal drugs and the individuals related to it. The

“war on drugs” he asserted has been followed by the killing of thousands of people by police who

claim to be acting in self-defense and unidentified gunmen. The “war on drugs” caused a lot of

deaths of drug users, which done by the policemen.

 General Santos City as part of the nationwide campaign, have been affected by the killings

that resulted into deaths of several suspected drug offenders and dealers. In 2016, 4 people was

killed that was linked to illegal drug trade. Same year in April, 8 cases of killings occurred, and

earlier this year, 2 suspected pushers were killed in Baluan. (Abs-cbn, 2016; GMA News, 2016;

Manila Bulletin, 2018)

These killings have been widely argued and contradicted by Human rights advocators.

(HRW, n.d.) because it violates the right of the people and generally, it is illegal. However, statistics

show that there is a high level of satisfaction on the president’s performance even with the order

he made. The SWS statistics shows that people remain positive on how the government does the

job in destroying illegal drugs.

General Santos City is an urban area located in Region XII. It is composed of 26 barangays.

Their main source of income is fishing and employment in government agencies and private

companies and others are self-employed. People in General Santos have been aware of the drug-

related killings. This study mainly deemed to seek awareness and favorableness of the community

members of General Santos City specifically, barangays, Fatima, Calumpang, Labangal, Mabuhay,

Apopong, Tinagacan, Sinawal, San Isidro, Bula, Lagao, West, North, Tambler, City Heights,

Baluan, and Conel, to identify how do they perceive and agree on the drug-related killings that is

happening at the present.

2
Statement of The Problem

This study sought to find out the Public Perception on the Drug-Killings in General Santos

City. Specifically, this study found answers to the following questions:

1. What is the socioeconomic profile of the community members in General Santos City?

2. What is the level of awareness of the community members in relation to drug-related

killings?

3. What are their perception in terms of the following:

a. Favorableness on police enforcement in regard to drug-related killings

b. Favorableness on the action towards suspected drug-related offenders

4. What expectations do community members have regarding the role of government agencies

in addressing drug-related killings?

3
Significance of the Study

This study has the following significance:

To the readers, this study may help to determine the level of awareness and favorableness

of the community members on the drug-related killings. This gives an overview of how the people

in the community perceive the drug-related killings in relation to the present program of the

government regarding illegal drugs.

To the Sociology students, data of this study may help them to have additional literature

about the drug-related killings; analyze the present society’s opinion in the actions of the

government, and scrutinize the reasons and perception, specifically on how the community

members perceive drug-related killings as a form of social control.

To the Department of Sociology, it may serve as another information to the students who

will conduct further studies related to this research, and to the faculty members, which can be used

in their held subjects, as for example or illustrations. Findings of the study may be useful to the

following subjects: Deviance, Social Change, and Social Contemporary Issues.

To the Researcher, it helped him develop his skills in conducting research which he can

use in the future. It also helped him develop fundamental characteristics for future interaction with

other people.

To the Local government, the outcome of this study may give an outlook about people’s

discernment on the killings happening in the country. In this study, it determined if there is a

significant feedback from the people towards their awareness and favorableness on drug-related

killings and expectations in illegal drug intervention that may help in pursuing programs and public

policies.

4
Scope and Delimitation of the Study

This study determined the awareness and favorableness of the people on the drug-related

killings and governmental agencies as perceived by the community members, as per experienced

by the community in General Santos City. It described the socioeconomic profile of the

respondents, as well as the awareness and favorableness on the drug-related killings and their

expectations of interventions through government agencies. Respondents of the study were one

hundred ninety-six (196) residents of General Santos City, specifically barangays Fatima,

Calumpang, Labangal, Mabuhay, Apopong, Tinagacan, Sinawal, San Isidro, Bula, Lagao, West,

North, Tambler, City Heights, Baluan, and Conel. They are Male and Female whose ages are 18-

73 years old. The respondents of this study are either students, professionals or non-professionals.

They are with or without children and are either single, married, widow or separated who have to

reside in General Santos City.

5
 Conceptual Framework

This portion has presented the context of conceptualization and provided the theory

underpinning the present study. Variables were also defined conceptually and operationally.

This study is anchored to the theory of social exchange. Social exchanges refer to actions

that are contingent and rewarding to the recipients. Social exchange theory posits that individuals

exchange resources with one another owing to the expectation of receiving something in return, or

so-called reciprocity (Blau, 1964; Emerson, 1976 as cited in Huang, 2018).

The theory develops a unit of analysis of social relationships, how two or more individuals

interact. It aimed to find an understanding of social structure by analyzing the social processes that

govern the relationship between individuals and groups. Social exchange changed how social

relationships are viewed, shifting the perception of social relationships as an economic relationship

and introducing terms like profitability, reciprocity, and power. (Ritzer, 2010)

Accordingly, the theory conceptualizes the study because of the how the perception of the

respondents was guided through a form of cost-benefit approach of the action, which made them

come to think on perceiving such action as beneficial or costly, specifically, on the issue on the

drug-related killings, their awareness and favorableness is guided through a perspective of

outweighing the costs while maximizing the benefits of the actions.

Socio-economic Profile

Socioeconomic status (SES) is a measure of an individual's or family’s economic and social

position in relation to others, based on various variables responsible for that like income,

education, occupation, family effluence, physical assets, social position, social participation, caste,

muscle power, political influence, etc. (National Center for Educational Statistics, 2008, as cited

6
in Gaur, 2013) In this study, the socio-economic profile which involves the gathering of

information on demographic and other socioeconomic and cultural factors that describes the

profile of the respondents is taken as a variable of the study. The researcher takes this as an

indicator to track economic standing and generally portray the respondents’ state of well-being

and quality of life. It would also indicate how it would influence the respondents’ way of

responding to the study.

Awareness and Perception

According to Oxford dictionary, it is the knowledge or perception of a situation or fact.

Concern about and well-informed interest in a particular situation or development. In this study, it

means the information or knowledge of the community members specifically on the illegal drugs,

the war on drugs, and on the government responses.

Awareness refers to the cognitive ability of a person to discern, decipher and judge a given

phenomenon. It refers to the knowledge about an object or event, the competences or skills as well

as the methods of operation; it has to do with background knowledge about the object, event or

any other phenomenon. (Reinhardt, Mletzko, Sloep and Drachsler, 2015, cited in Idiegbeyan-ose,

2016.). Merikle (1984) defined awareness as the ability of a person to discriminate among several

possible stimuli; it enables the person to make right judgment and decision as well as attain high

level of performance.

Awareness and perception are two coins that affect the judgment and action of any

individual. Perception is the process of recognizing, organizing and interpreting sensory

information, it deals with the human senses and generate signals from the environment through

7
the five sense organs: sight, hearing, touch, smell and taste. (Human Perception and Information

Processing, 2015).

Favorableness

According to the Cambridge Dictionary, Favorableness means showing that you like or

approve of someone or something or making you support or approve of someone or something. In

this study, Favorableness means the approval of someone unto a specifically on the illegal drugs,

the war on drugs, police work and consequences of being a drug user.

Drug-related killings

According to the U.S. Department of Justice, drug-related killings are killings which are related to

drugs use and distribution, however, in this study, drug-related killings are killings done by

individuals or groups, private or private entity, to destroy illegal drugs.

Government agencies

According to Bravo (2012), Philippine Government Agencies is organized and established

institutions which serve to maintain peace and order. These institutions are responsible for

preventing crimes, enforcement of laws, and apprehension and prosecution of those who violate

the law. However, in this study Government agencies are those agencies which are related to the

reinforcement of illegal drugs, namely the pillars of justice which consists of the Commision on

Human Rights, which provides appropriate legal measures for the protection of human rights of

all human beings; Department of Social Welfare and Development, which provides social

protection and the promotion of the rights and welfare of the poor, vulnerable and disadvantaged

individuals, families and communities; Public Attorney’s Office, which handle criminal and civil

cases and implement the Constitutional guarantee of free access to courts, due process, and equal

8
protection of the laws; Philippine National Police, which enforce all laws and ordinances relative

to the protection of lives and properties, maintain peace and order and take all necessary steps to

ensure public safety, and investigate and prevent crimes, effect the arrest of criminal offenders,

bring offenders to justice and assist in their prosecution; National Bureau of Investigation, which

Investigate crimes and other offenses against the laws of the Philippines, both on its own initiative

and as the public interest may require; Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, which initiates and

undertakes a national campaign for drug prevention and control programs, where it may enlist the

assistance of any department, bureau, office, agency or instrumentality of the government,

including government-owned and/or controlled corporations, conduct eradication programs to

destroy wild or illegally grown plants from which dangerous drugs may be extracted and monitors

and process crime statistical reports and the complaints; while Department of Interior and Local

Government promotes peace and order, ensure public safety, strengthen local government

capability aimed towards the effective delivery of basic services to the citizenry, and improve the

performance of local governments in governance, administration, social and economic

development which contributes to providing access to justice by the poor, especially women and

children., which in provides program and policy coordination, in regard to drug-related killings.

9
Assumptions:

This study assumes that most respondents are favorable and have a high level of awareness

of the killings. This can be referred from the latest survey of SWS wherein it shows positive

feedback from people in administering the war on drugs.

10
 Conceptual Paradigm

Fig. 1

Socioeconomic Profile of The

Community Members

Awareness of the community members in

relation to drug-related killings

Community Members
Perception on the Drug-killings in The
Country
a. Favorableness on police enforcement in
regard to drug-related killings
b. Favorableness on the action towards
suspected drug-related offenders

Perceived Government Agencies of the

Community that can Provide Responses

11
Reading Related Literature and Studies

The researcher collected various materials that are related to his study which concerns about drug-

related killings in the Philippines.

Philippines’ Situation on Illegal Drugs

The Philippines is one of the intersections of drug trafficking in Asia-Pacific Region.

Geographically, it is in the “strategic location for the transit” of drugs in the market. The

Philippines is well-known as a producer, consumer, and an exporter of illicit drugs. Law

enforcement agencies consider drug trafficking to be a national security threat because it

contributes to the increasing level of crime in the country. (Palma, 2013)

According to the U.S. Department of Justice (1992), Drugs are related to crime in multiple

ways. Most directly, it is a crime to use, possess, manufacture, or distribute drugs classified as

having a potential for abuse. It is related to crime and abuse through the effects that they have on

the user’s behavior by generating violence and other illegal activity.

In 2001, there were some 1.8 million illegal drug users in the Philippines. The Philippines

is a producer of cannabis for the global trade in illicit drugs. But the most popular drug is shabu,

which are smuggled in from southern China by boat. (Tope & Mercado, 2005) The Philippines has

the highest abuse rate for methamphetamine hydrochloride, or shabu, in East Asia, according to

the latest United Nations World Drug Report. The US Department of State in its 2012 International

Drug Control Strategy Report disclosed that 2.1 percent of Filipinos aged 16 to 64 were using

shabu, and domestic consumption of methamphetamine and marijuana continued to be the main

drug threats in the Philippines. According to the report of PDEA on 2011, out of the total 9880

illegal drug operation, 8,491 resulted in the arrest and 9,995 were being filed a case. (Philippine

12
Inquirer, 2012) and around one-fifth of barangays (or villages) in the Philippines have drug-related

cases. In 2014, 89% of drug seizures involved shabu while 8.9% involved marijuana, Cocaine,

ephedrine, and ecstasy constituted the rest of the confiscations. (Rappler, 2016)

President Rodrigo Duterte, in his first State of the Nation Address, said that, based on data

from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), there were about “3 million drug addicts”

in the country “two or 3 years ago,” and possibly 3.7 million now. However, in 2008, a survey

conducted by the Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) estimated a much lower figure of 1.7 million

drug users nationwide (1.9% of the 2008 population). In 2012, the DDB in cooperation with the

Philippine Normal University came up with a separate study that put the figure to be even lower

at 1.3 million (1.3% of the 2012 population). (Rappler, 2016)

Illegal Drug as a Social Issue

The drug causes bad decision making, committing crimes, and gets people addicted to bad

habits. A lot of crimes like robbery, murder, suicide, and homicide, are things related to using

illegal drugs. (Boise, 2008)

Addiction affects multiple brain circuits, including those involved in reward and

motivation, learning and memory, and inhibitory control over behavior. That is why addiction is a

brain disease. Some individuals are more vulnerable than others to becoming addicted, depending

on the interplay between genetic makeup, the age of exposure to drugs, and other environmental

influences. While a person initially chooses to take drugs, over time the effects of prolonged

exposure on brain functioning compromise that ability to choose and seeking and consuming the

drug become compulsive, often eluding a person’s self-control or willpower. (Volkow, 2018)

13
 According to the United Nations Office on Drug Abuse and Crime (2018), the problem of

drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking is one which has devastating consequences on all sectors of

all countries worldwide. It causes adverse effects on health, an upsurge in crime, violence, and

corruption. The draining of human, natural and financial resources that might otherwise be used

for social and economic development, the destruction of individuals, families, and communities,

and the undermining of political, cultural, social and economic structures.

Research studies have found that a lot of acquisitive crime (stealing) is committed by

dependent users of heroin and crack cocaine trying to pay for their drugs. Some show a high

proportion of people arrested for a range of offenses testing positive for drug use. It has been

suggested that one third to over a half of all acquisitive crime is related to illegal drug use.

(Drugwise, 2015)

According to statistics on crime in England and Wales published in January 2017, there

were 141,714 drug offenses committed. Of these, 25,175 offenses were for the trafficking of drugs

and 116,539 offenses were for possession. (McNamara, 2015)

Drug abuse leads to many problems such as many addicts fall into a life of crime and

eventually end up in prison or worse. When drug users run out of money to feed their habit they

will be tempted to turn to crime. This may mean stealing from family and friends or from complete

strangers. Additionally, the cost of drug addiction is high for the Philippines, which involves

association with a great deal of domestic violence, a huge proportion of criminal acts are

committed by individuals who are trying to satisfy their drug habit, and a situation where people

are afraid to leave their homes because of fear of crime. (Alcoholrehab, n.d.)

14
War Against Illegal Drugs

Historically, penalties have played a significant role in drug control. Sri Lanka, for

instance, had a law on the statute book that provided for serious penalties for drug offenders, which

was one of the earliest examples of such legal provisions. A law dated January 1675 provided for

the dismissal from service of government civil servants convicted of drug offenses. More

important was the provision for the deportation of foreigners convicted of drug offenses, who were

also liable to imprisonment if they returned to the country (Jayasuriya 1997).

The laws of Singapore and Malaysia provide for the death penalty, jail sentences, and fines.

Those two countries have also prescribed whipping as a form of punishment. Legislation in the

Philippines provides for the deportation of foreigners convicted of drug offenses and for the

confiscation of land used for the cultivation of certain plants from which prohibited drugs are

manufactured. Immigration authorities in Indonesia have been empowered to prohibit the entry of

foreigners who have been involved in drug offenses (Buddhist Era, 1979).

Sanctions against drug use are a preeminent feature of policy on illegal drugs, yet very little

is known about the actual effects of these sanctions on drug use (independent of the effects of other

social controls). Some observers have argued that enforcement of sanctions against users imposes

substantial costs on individuals and on society without a demonstrable preventive effect beyond

that achieved by the underlying illegality of the drug and strong social disapproval. Supporters of

these sanctions argue that strong penalties against use, including criminal punishment, are

necessary to deter drug use, to facilitate treatment of drug users, and to register social disapproval

in the strongest possible terms—often called “zero tolerance” These arguments raise important

empirical issues regarding the declarative, deterrent, and therapeutic effects of criminal

15
punishment and other sanctions. (New York County Lawyers’ Association, 1996; DuPont, 1996

as cited in, National Research Council. 2001).

In the Philippines, Rodrigo Duterte’s inauguration on June 30, 2016, as President of the

Philippines has brought a sense of cautious optimism across almost all sectors of the society. The

centerpiece of Duterte’s campaign platform was suppressing the three so-called evils: crime, illegal

drugs and corruption, which he believes are undermining security across all sectors and hampering

the growth of the domestic economy. Duterte wanted to re-establish law and order to promote

peace and efficiency among all sectors of the society. He pledged to instill discipline with an iron

fist for everyone to adhere to the rule of law and strengthen the country’s justice system. (Japos,

2017)

The policy aims to eradicate the illegal drug-related activities in the country that is widely

proliferating, which causes disturbances in the society and in the country.

Before President-elect Duterte won the election, he already promised to end the illicit drugs and

corruption in 3-6 months, otherwise, he resigns. He said, that “drugs were drowning his country'

and had to be stopped at all costs.” (Dailymail UK, 2016)

However, to make his agenda successful needs to have a perfect action which could

eradicate drugs in no time—summary killings, arbitrary executions, or known as “extrajudicial

killings” took place. The “war on drugs” he proclaimed has been followed by the killing of

thousands of people by police who claim to be acting in self-defense and unidentified gunmen.

The “war on drugs” caused a lot of deaths of drug users, which done by public officials particularly,

policemen. These killings have been widely argued and contradicted by Human rights advocators.

(HRW, 2017)

16
 In the Philippines, the term “extrajudicial killings” does not have a clear definition. In

Secretary v. Manalo, the Supreme Court, citing the Rule on the Writ of Amparo, opined that

extralegal killings are “killings committed without due process of law, i.e., without legal

safeguards or judicial proceedings.” However, the latter case of Razon Jr. v. Tagitis revealed that

the drafters of Amparo rule decided to “do away with [the] clear textual definition of [extrajudicial

killings].” Despite this, the Court recognized in Razon, Jr. that “extrajudicial killings and enforced

disappearances, by their nature and purpose, constitute State or private party violation of the

constitutional rights of individuals to life, liberty, and security.” (Ateneo Human Rights

Commision, 2017)

According to Tyler, (1990) Prescribing and enforcing punishments for drug use potentially

contribute to the instrumental goals of drug control policy mainly by depressing the incidence,

prevalence, and frequency of consumption.

Duterte’s “war on drugs”, state power is exercised through the body in a spectacle of

humiliation and violence. Duterte’s promise to kill drug dealers, users and criminals attracted

popular support in his presidential election campaign from January to May 2016. (Reyes, 2017)

Duterte encouraged police attacks against human rights groups and advocates, instructing police

to shoot them “if they are obstructing justice.” Duterte has publicly condemned the official

Commission on Human Rights, even threatening to abolish the constitutionally mandated body.

(HRW, 2018)

However, even with this, according to the First Quarter 2018 survey of the Social Weather

Stations, 70 percent of Filipinos were satisfied, 14 percent dissatisfied and 17 percent undecided

with Duterte’s performance during the polling period. This gives Duterte a 'very good' net

satisfaction rating of 56 percent (SWS Survey, 2018)

17
Drug-Related Killings and the “Oplan Tokhang”

Philippine National Police (PNP) issuance of the Anti-Illegal Drugs Campaign Plan

Project: “Double Barrel” was on 1 July, the day Duterte assumed the presidency. The lists of drug

dealers and users, public officials, and private individuals, based on information obtained from

investigations and intelligence reports, have been used in legitimate police operations. The names

of high-profile personalities – the elected officials, court judges and police generals – allegedly

involved in the trade of illegal drugs have been made public (Rappler 2016; CNN Philippines

2016).

According to the Municipal Government of Calamba, “Double Barrel” or Oplan Tokhang

is a Visayan word which means Tok-Tok Hangyo. Where police personnel knocks the doors of an

alleged drug user or pusher, asking him/her that he/she will surrender to the police in order that

they will be monitored for further assessment.

Oplan Tokhang has long been a top priority of President Rodrigo Duterte, who vowed to

eradicate illegal drugs in three to six months after his rise to power in 2016. But soon after it began,

Tokhang was unsurprisingly blamed for the spate of extrajudicial killings in urban poor

communities, with the police claiming that they were only forced to retaliate because suspected

drug operators and peddlers were resisting arrests. (The Diplomat, 2018)

Duterte suspended Tokhang in early 2017 after some police were accused of illegally

abducting a South Korean businessman under a Tokhang operation. However, it resumed with

more systematic guidelines (Abs-cbn, 2018)

However, more than 12,000 suspected drug users and dealers, mostly from poor families

in urban centers across the country, are estimated to have died in the “drug war,” including an

18
estimated 4,000 during operations led by the police and the remainder by “unidentified gunmen.”

(HRW, 2018) This includes the death of Kian Dela Santos, a 17-year-old boy who was believed to

be implicated in the drug war. (Aljazeera, 2017)

In General Santos City in 2016, Two suspected drug pushers were killed, while two others,

including a personnel of the Bureau of Jail Management Penology (BJMP), were nabbed in

simultaneous anti-drug operations launched on Monday by police-anti-narcotics operatives in

Barangay Baluan, this city. (Manila Bulletin, 2016) Additionally, Twenty-nine drug suspects were

killed in the country in just 35 days from May 10 to June 15, according to the Philippine National

Police (PNP).

This is compared to the 39 drug-related crime incidents in 4 months from January 1 to May

9, PNP data show. A total of 68 were killed this year from January 1 to June 15, police added.

Central Luzon has the most number of suspects killed at 25. Next is the Davao Region with 10

cases, Soccsksargen (South Cotabato, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani. General Santos City)

with 8 cases, Central Visayas with 5 cases, and Metro Manila with 2 cases. The PNP has denied

allegations that the ongoing police operations against illegal drugs are part of an alleged

"cleansing" of drug syndicates to prevent police assets and contacts from divulging information

about police officers involved in illegal drugs. (Abs-cbn, 2016) Recently this year, four people

linked to the illegal drugs trade were killed while three others were arrested following a police

entrapment operation in General Santos City. (GMA News, 2018)

According to the Equality and human rights commission, that nobody - including the

government - can try to end your life. It also means the government should take appropriate

measures to safeguard life by making laws to protect you and, in some circumstances, by taking

19
steps to protect you if your life is at risk. Public authorities should also consider your right to life

when making decisions that might put you in danger or that affect your life expectancy.

In addition, the Article 3 Philippine constitution also says that:

Section 1 No person shall be deprived of life, liberty, or property without due process of law, nor

shall any person be denied the equal protection of the laws. (Article 3 Section 1)

Section 12. (1) Any person under investigation for the commission of an offense shall have the

right to be informed of his right to remain silent and to have competent and independent counsel

preferably of his own choice. If the person cannot afford the services of counsel, he must be

provided with one. These rights cannot be waived except in writing and in the presence of counsel.

(2) No torture, force, violence, threat, intimidation, or any other means which vitiate the free will

shall be used against him. Secret detention places, solitary, incommunicado, or other similar forms

of detention are prohibited.

Section 14. (1) No person shall be held to answer for a criminal offense without due process of

law.

(2) In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall be presumed innocent until the contrary is

proved, and shall enjoy the right to be heard by himself and counsel, to be informed of the nature

and cause of the accusation against him, to have a speedy, impartial, and public trial, to meet the

witnesses face to face, and to have compulsory process to secure the attendance of witnesses and

the production of evidence in his behalf. However, after arraignment, the trial may proceed

notwithstanding the absence of the accused: Provided, that he has been duly notified and his failure

to appear is unjustifiable.

20
Section 15. The privilege of the writ of habeas corpus shall not be suspended except in cases of

invasion or rebellion when the public safety requires it. (1987 Philippine Constitution)

Section 16. All persons shall have the right to a speedy disposition of their cases before all judicial,

quasi-judicial, or administrative bodies.

On one hand, according to SWS survey, involving 1,200 adult respondents across the

country, found in March that 78% were satisfied with the administration’s performance in its

campaign against illegal drugs. Survey also noted that 73% of adult Filipinos are worried that they,

or someone they know, will be a victim of extrajudicial killing, underlining the campaign’s climate

of fear. Still, many gave the Duterte administration a “very good” satisfaction rating, according to

the survey. (Asia Times,2017)

Expected responses by Government Agencies

Drug abuse affects all sectors of society and countries at all levels of development.

Therefore, drug-related responses like policies and programs should address all sectors of society.

(Alexander, 2001) According to the Australian Drug Foundation (2014), Government has a role to

play in preventing drug abuse in a way that legislation and regulations are powerful tools in

molding their behavior.

It is estimated that about one-half of State and Federal prisoners abuse or are addicted to

drugs, but relatively few receive treatment while incarcerated. Initiating drug abuse treatment in

prison and continuing it upon release is vital to both individual recovery and to public health and

safety. Various studies have shown that combining prison- and community-based treatment for

addicted offenders reduces the risk of both recidivism to drug-related criminal behavior and relapse

to drug use—which, in turn, nets huge savings in societal costs. (NIDA, 2018)

21
 Drug treatment is intended to help addicted individuals stop compulsive drug seeking and

use. Treatment can occur in a variety of settings, take many different forms, and last for different

lengths of time. Because drug addiction is typically a chronic disorder characterized by occasional

relapses, a short-term, one-time treatment is usually not sufficient. For many, treatment is a long-

term process that involves multiple interventions and regular monitoring. (Lewis et al. 2014)

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (2018), Substance abuse costs over

$600 billion annually and treatment can help reduce these costs. Drug addiction treatment has been

shown to reduce associated health and social costs by far more than the cost of the treatment itself.

Rehabilitation programs are important for one’s recovery. New lifestyle, principles, and

coping styles are taught to help residents overcome drug addiction. Several studies suggest that

out of 100 patients rehabilitated, only 20- 30 percent (20 to 30) residents get well. They are able

to live a substance-free life. They became functional again and not anymore a threat to the society

(Gordon, 2003). According to Lee Weeber (2000), Drug rehab is the process of treatment and

recovery from drug abuse or addiction. Treatment and rehabilitation facilities are designed to help

the drug addict or drug dependent to overcome the physiological dependence but overcoming

psychological dependence is a lifetime struggle for the patient (Orbon, 2013).

22
 Chapter II

Research Methodology

This chapter described the research design, variables of the study, the population of the

study, instrumentation, method of data gathering and method of data analysis.

Research Design

This study utilized a descriptive design using a survey method. The survey method was

employed in the study to determine the public awareness and favorableness on drug-related

killings. A survey is a list of planned, written questions about a particular topic, with spaces

provided for the response to each question, intended to be answered by a number of persons.

(Cristobal, 2017) This descriptive research will use quantitative methods to assess the data from

the respondents. Descriptive research involves the gathering data that describe events and then

organizes, tabulates, depicts, and describes the data collection. (Glass & Hopkins, 1984) This

method is applied to determine the awareness and favorableness on the drug-related killings.

Variables of the study

The variables of the study included the socio-economic profile and the personal

background of the respondents such as age, sex, educational attainment, barangay/community, and

occupation, level of awareness on drug-related killings and level favorableness of the respondents

on police work and actions towards drug-related offenders, and the awareness of the respondents

on the governmental agencies and their expectations in regard their actions towards drug-related

offenders.

23
Sampling Procedure

The researcher used probability simple random sampling as a sampling technique because

the respondents are selected based on the criteria set by the researcher. In choosing the respondents,

the researcher used these criteria: they should residents General Santos City. They should be Male

and Female whose ages are 18-73 years old. The respondents of this study are either students,

professionals or non-professionals. The researcher used the formula of Lwanga & Lemeshow

(1991) which resulted in gathering one hundred ninety-six (196) for sampling, initially, the panel

have agreed to have a total of three hundred eighty-four (384) through the formula by Krejcie &

Morgan (cited in Barrot, 2017). However, it was later decided after the researcher requested to

have a lower number of respondents, to use the Lwanga formula to come up with a more

convenient number of respondents.

𝑧 2 𝑝𝑞
𝑛=
𝜎2

(1.96)2 (. 85). 15)

𝑛=
(0.5)2

= 1.96 or 196 respondents

Legend
Z = 1.96 (Confidence Interval)

P = .85 (Estimated Proportion)

q = .15 (Confidence Level)

σ = .05 (Level of Significance)

24
Instrumentation

The researcher used a questionnaire as an instrument to gather data. The questionnaire was

divided into four parts as conceptualized by the researcher, where the first part focused on the

socio-economic profile of the respondents. On the second part of the questionnaire, the awareness

on the drug-related killings, third, the favorableness of the respondents on the police work and the

action towards drug offenders in regard the drug-related killings, and lastly, the awareness of the

respondents on the governmental agencies and their expectations in regard their actions towards

drug-related offenders.

This instrument was presented to panel members and then incorporated the suggestions

and comments to the questionnaire. The instrument was revised, and through the approval of the

adviser, it was reproduced and distributed to start conducting the study.

The researcher used five-point Likert five-point scale in determining the level of

favorableness of the respondents. In order to determine the level of awareness of the respondents

on drug-related killings and on the government agencies,

Scale Verbal Description Interpretation

5 Very Highly Aware
4 Highly Aware
3 Moderately Aware
2 Less Aware
1 Least Aware
Means that you are very much knowledgeable of it at about
9 out of 10 in range of 1-10 or about 81-100 %
Means that you are much knowledgeable of it at about 7-8
out of 10 in a range of 1-10 or about 61-80%
Means that you are knowledgeable of it at about 5-6 out of
10 in a range of 1-10 or about 41-60%
Means that you are knowledgeable of it at about 3-4 out of
10 in a range of 1-10 or about 21-40%
Means that you are knowledgeable of it at about 1-2 out of
10 in a range of 1-10 or about 1-20%

25
The researcher used five-point Likert in determining the level of favorableness of the respondents.

Scale Verbal Interpretation

Description
5 Strongly Means that you are very much in favor of it at
Agree about 9 out of 10 in range of 1-10 or about 81-100
%
4 Agree Means that you are much in favor of it at about 7-8
out of 10 in a range of 1-10 or about 61-80%
3 Moderately Means that you are in favor of it at about 5-6 out
Agree of 10 in a range of 1-10 or about 41-60%
2 Disagree Means that you are in favor of it at about 3-4 out
of 10 in a range of 1-10 or about 21-40%
1 Strongly Means that you are in favor of it at about 1-2 out
Disagree of 10 in a range of 1-10 or about 1-20%

Method of Data Gathering

The researcher used the questionnaire as an instrument in gathering the needed data to

determine the perception of community members regarding drug-related killings.

Prior to the data gathering, the researcher asked few of his classmates and schoolmates to

help on the gathering of data, considering that the research was all throughout General Santos City,

thus the help of other classmates and schoolmates in gathering from one area and another is

significant to hasten the process of data gathering. With that, the researcher and other individuals

who helped in gathering the data met and discussed how to collect the data and to choose

respondents for the study, rightfully. It was also instructed to them not to manipulate the perception

of the respondents through giving information on the subjects. However, they can give assistance

to those who are incapable of reading and writing and for translation of the other sentences, words,

26
and phrases into Visayan or Filipino, because the questionnaire prepared, was written in the

English Language. The data gathering took almost a month, from the preparation of the

questionnaires, and to the places, the researcher has gone by collecting data. It was a despairing

part for the researcher because of the numerous respondents, which was initially 384, that was then

lessened to 196. The hope of finishing on time encountered, knowing that the researcher had been

having problems financially and on his remaining days for his thesis defense. The struggle of

looking for people who had the interest to answer the questionnaire was bitten an issue because

most were busy doing their errands. However, through self and significant others’ motivation, it

was pursued to be finished, though completed not so on time.

On the data gathering, the researcher presented his intentions and explained his purpose in

conducting the study to the respondents. They are given letter for their approval to be part of

respondents for the study. Upon the approval of the community members, questionnaires were

given to the respondents to be answered afterward. Even if instructions were already in the

questionnaire, the researcher still explained to the respondents how to answer the questions per

item properly to ensure the reliability of the answer. In case that the respondents would like to

clarify something from the questionnaire that requires translation, the researcher will translate it.

When they finished answering instruments, the researcher gave them his sincerest gratitude on

them for their help and cooperation.

Method of Data Analysis

The researcher used the quantitative approach in analyzing the answers of the respondents.

The data gathered was presented in tabular form. Frequency and percentage distribution were used

27
in analyzing the socio-economic profile of the respondents. Mean and grand mean was used in

analyzing the data on the level of awareness and favorableness of the respondents. In addition,

some questions in the awareness on the drug-related killings were analyzed through percentage

and frequency distribution.

In order to interpret the data on the level of awareness of the respondents on the drug-

related killings, the researcher used the five-point Likert scale. The presumed scale had the

corresponding verbal description and interpretations.

Scale Verbal Description Interpretation

4.50-5.00 Very Highly Aware Means that you are very much knowledgeable of it at about
9 out of 10 in range of 1-10 or about 81-100 %
3.50-4.49 Highly Aware Means that you are much knowledgeable of it at about 7-8
out of 10 in a range of 1-10 or about 61-80%
2.50-3.49 Moderately Aware Means that you are knowledgeable of it at about 5-6 out of
10 in a range of 1-10 or about 41-60%
1.50-2.49 Less Aware Means that you are knowledgeable of it at about 3-4 out of
10 in a range of 1-10 or about 21-40%
1.00-1.49 Least Aware Means that you are knowledgeable of it at about 1-2 out of
10 in a range of 1-10 or about 1-20%

28
 On the other hand, in analyzing the level of awareness of the respondents on the drug-

related killings, the researcher will use mean and grand mean.

The formula below will be used to compute the weighted mean:

 X

x =
 N

Where:

F= Frequency

X= weighted (or scale)

N= Total number of the sample

The computed mean will be used to analyze and interpret the level of awareness of the

respondents. The results will be described below:

Scale Mean Description

5 4.51-5.0 Very Highly Aware

4 3.51-4.50 Highly Aware

3 2.51-3.50 Moderately Aware

2 1.51-2.50 Less Aware

1 0.5-1.50 Least Aware

In order to interpret the data on the perception, specifically, the favorableness of the respondents

on the police enforcement and on the action towards suspected drug-related offenders, the
29
researcher is going to use the gathered data on the checklist and gather the answers. After which,

it will be totaled and interpreted.

Scale Verbal Interpretation

Description
5 Strongly
Agree
4 Agree
3 Moderately
Agree
2 Disagree
1 Strongly
Disagree
Means that you are very much in favor of it at
about 9 out of 10 in range of 1-10 or about 81-100
%
Means that you are much in favor of it at about 7-8
out of 10 in a range of 1-10 or about 61-80%
Means that you are in favor of it at about 5-6 out
of 10 in a range of 1-10 or about 41-60%
Means that you are in favor of it at about 3-4 out
of 10 in a range of 1-10 or about 21-40%
Means that you are in favor of it at about 1-2 out
of 10 in a range of 1-10 or about 1-20%

In analyzing the level of favorableness of the respondents on the police enforcement and on

the action towards suspected drug-related offenders, the researcher will use mean and grand mean.

The formula below will be used to compute the weighted mean:

 X

x =
 N

Where:

F= Frequency

X= weighted (or scale)

N= Total number of the sample

The computed mean will be used to analyze and interpret the favorableness of the

respondents. The results will be described below:

30
Scale Mean Description

5 4.51-5.0 Strongly Agree

4 3.51-4.50 Agree

3 2.51-3.50 Moderately Agree

2 1.51-2.50 Disagree

1 0.5-1.50 Strongly Disagree

31
 Flow Chart
Figure 2

TITLE: PUBLIC PERCEPTION ON DRUG-RELATED KILLINGS IN

GENERAL SANTOS CITY

Research Methodology
Research Design
Descriptive Design
Survey Method
Variables of the Study
Socio-Economic Profile
Level of awareness of the respondents on the drug-related killings
Level of favorableness on police work and drug user consequences
Responses of the government as previewed by the community members
Sampling Procedure
Probability Sampling Technique
Simple Random Sampling
196 respondents
Instrumentation
Questionnaire
Validation of Instrument
Informal Validation of Instrument
Sociology Faculty Members
Method of Data Gathering
Questionnaire
Methods of Data Analysis
Frequency and Percentage Distribution for the data on socio-economic profile
Mean and Grand Mean for the level of awareness and favorableness on drug-
related killings
Frequency of the perception of the respondents on drug-related killings

32
 CHAPTER III

PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS, AND INTERPRETATION OF DATA

This chapter covers the presentation, analysis of finding and interpretation arranged in the

following subheadings. First, socioeconomic profile of the respondents in terms of age, sex,

educational attainment, occupation, barangay, second, awareness on drug-related killing activities,

level of favorableness on the law enforcement on drug use by the police and drug users, and lastly

the level of awareness on the government agencies in relation to drugs.

Table 1. Socio-Economic Profile of The Respondents

This part presents the socio-economic profile of the respondents in terms of age, sex,

educational attainment, occupation, and their barangay.

Table 1. Age of the respondents

Age Frequency Percentage (%)
18-28 124 64.00
29-39 34 17.00
40-51 24 12.00
52-62 10 5.00
63-73 4 2.00
Total 196 100

Table 1 shows that (64.00%) of the respondents were from the age range 18-28, (17.00%)

of the respondents were 29- 39, (12.00%) of the respondents were 40-51 years old, (5.00%) were

from the age bracket of 52-62 and lastly, (2.00%) of the respondents were from the age range of

63-73.

The table implies that majority of the respondents were from the teenagers and on their early and

late 20’s. Basically, the respondents of these ages are mostly more intellectually active and

33
participative. In the gathering of data, most of the respondents from the community were people

from the millennial and post-millennial generation, this is because most of these respondents were

either students, newly graduate, and employed individuals, which in relation to answering the

questions, were more comprehensible and willing to take part of the study.

If being observed as age range bracket goes higher, the number of respondents declines.

This could be because of the fact that most of the respondents were busy with their work or either

unable to answer the questionnaire because of some errands. Basically, when in the process of

gathering the data, even if there are numbers of people in ages 30 and above, they choose to decline

the offer of being part of the study. Instead, they pass the questionnaire to the younger people,

which is why there are more respondents in the bracket of 18-28 years old. Mostly people from

the ages 52-62 and 63-73 were already people who are those in needs of assistance in reading

because of some complications. The generation gap and social isolation may also a factor that is

so high that most of these respondents were unable to cope up with the societal changes, for

example, the information and technology. Many of them may have never used a computer in their

working life while others may not have had the same level of contact with technology as those

who are currently part of the workforce (Sankari, 2005, as cited in Maniger, et al, 2011), and so

thus answering the questionnaire could be difficult to them. This basically explains why most of

the respondents in this age bracket are less than the younger respondents.

34
Table 2. Sex of the Respondents
Sex Frequency Percentage (%)
Male 76 38.78
Female 120 61.22
Total 196 100

The table 2 shows that (38.78%) of the respondents were male, and (61.22%) were female

respondents.

This implies that most of the respondents were female and thus male respondents are

outnumbered by the sex counterpart. According to Yale global (2018), Women tend to stay at

home more than men. Women continue to bear most of the responsibilities for the home: caring

for children and other dependent household members, preparing meals and doing other chores.

(Mrkic et. al, 2010) This could be the reason why they are more female respondents than male

respondents. Women are more present in their home because they tend to do the house

responsibilities, which most of the male community members are in their workplace.

Table 3. Educational Attainment of the Respondents

Educational Attainment Frequency %
College undergraduate 82 41.84
College graduate 72 36.73
High school graduate 28 14.29
High School undergraduate 6 3.06
Elementary graduate 4 2.04
Vocational 2 1.02
Elementary undergraduate 1 0.51
Graduate School/Law 1 0.51
Total 196 100.00

35
 Table 3 shows that (42%) were either college undergrad students and respondents who

have not finished college, and (37%) were able to graduate college, (14%) have been able to finish

high school, and lastly, others are comprised of elementary and high school undergraduate and

graduate, vocational, and law school.

The table implies a number of college undergraduate and college graduate as the most

numbered. This implies that the majority of the respondents were in the tertiary education. They

are already able to comprehend social issues well and so does the drug-related killings. Most of

the respondents, if not college graduates are college undergraduates. This is because of the higher

number of people in ages 18 above but not less than 28 years old, (see table 1) which depicts that

most respondents came from the age bracket. However, the least number of respondents were

elementary undergrad and graduate, vocational and law school graduate, which is if being summed

only results in 5.10% of the general population of the study. One explanation of this is because, in

the process of gathering the data, the community members who have not finished elementary and

even an elementary graduate would refuse to answer the questionnaire because they tend to

prejudge themselves that they lack the capacity to answer the question, which also is written in

English form. However, there are some who accepted to take part, which the researcher has

translated and explained them well for them to comprehend the questions thoroughly.

36
Table 4. Occupation of the Respondent
Occupation Frequency %
Student 60 30.61
No occupation 20 10.20
Teacher 11 5.61
Housewife 11 5.61
Clerk 9 4.59
Manager 8 4.08
Salesperson 7 3.57
Driver 7 3.57
Virtual Assistant/Call Center Agent 6 3.06
Engineer 5 2.55
Cashier 4 2.04
Housekeeping 4 2.04
IT Specialist 3 1.53
Office Staff 3 1.53
Factory worker 3 1.53
Vendor 3 1.53
Accountant 2 1.02
Security Guard 2 1.02
Carpenter 2 1.02
Fisherman 2 1.02
Teller 1 0.51
Production employee 2 1.02
Businessman 2 1.02
OFW 1 0.51
Supervisor 1 0.51
Food Handler 2 1.02
Electrician 1 0.51
Messenger 1 0.51
Marine Transportation/Seaman 1 0.51
Lady guard 1 0.51
Costumers’ service associate 1 0.51
Admin assistant 1 0.51
Retired Government Employee 1 0.51
Custodian 1 0.51
Checker 1 0.51
Nurse 1 0.51
Planning staff 1 0.51
Lawyer 1 0.51
Data Analyst 1 0.51
Dress Maker 1 0.51
Blogging 1 0.51
196 100.00

37
 Table 4 shows that 30.61% of the respondents are students, both 5.61% of the respondents

are teachers and housewives, 4.59% are sales clerk, 4.08% of the respondents are manager, 3.57%

are sales person and driver, whereas 3.06% are virtual assistant, 2.55% of the respondents are

Engineer, followed by both 2.04% of the respondents which is cashier and housekeeping, while

others 20.92% were comprised of, Accountant, Security Guard, Carpenter, Fisherman, Teller,

Production Employee, Businessman, OFW, Supervisor, Food Handler, Electrician, Messenger,

Marine Transportation/Seaman, Lady Guard, Costumers’ Service Associate, Admin Assistant,

Retired Government Employee, Custodian, Checker, Nurse, Planning Staff, Lawyer, Data Analyst,

Dress Maker, and Blogging, IT Specialist, Office Staff, Factory worker, Vendor, and ten percent

(10%) have no occupation.

The table above implies that most of the respondents were employed and others were still

schooling as senior high school and college students, while some who don’t have jobs. Most

numbered job among the occupation of the respondents was a teacher, housewife, and clerk.

However, least numbers were occupations of Checker, Nurse, Planning Staff, Lawyer, Data

Analyst, Dress Maker, and Blogging, etc. These shows that most of the respondents were

employed because based on Table 3, it shows that community members are educated, which

resulted in jobs.

38
Table 5. Barangay of the Respondents

Barangay Frequency %
Fatima 41 20.92
Calumpang 32 16.33
Labangal 23 11.73
Mabuhay 20 10.20
Apopong 18 9.18
Tinagacan 9 4.59
Sinawal 11 5.61
San isidro 10 5.10
Bula 6 3.06
Lagao 6 3.06
Brgy. West 6 3.06
Tambler 4 2.04
City Heights 4 2.04
North 4 2.04
Baluan 1 0.51
Conel 1 0.51
196 100.00

Table 5 shows that 20.92% of the respondents were from Fatima, 16.33% were from

Calumpang, 11.73% were from Labangal, 10.20% from Mabuhay, 9.18% were from Apopong,

5.61% were from Sinawal, 5.10% from San Isidro, while 4.59% were from Tinagacan, while and

the remaining (16.33%) of the respondents were comprised of barangays from Bula, Lagao, West,

Tambler, City Heights, North, Baluan, and Conel.

The data above implies that most of the respondents were from Fatima, Calumpang,

Labangal, and Mabuhay, which is few of the most populous barangays in General Santos City,

whereas least numbers of respondents were from Bula, Lagao, West, Tambler, City Heights, North,

Baluan, and Conel.

39
II. Awareness of The Respondents on Drug-Related Killings

This part reveals the findings that deal with the awareness of the respondents on the drug-

related killings.

In terms of their awareness of the respondents towards drug-related killings, the majority

of the respondents, which is ninety-five percent (95.88%) were aware of the drug-related killings,

whereas five percent (5.12%) of the remaining respondents were not aware of the drug-related

killings in their community.

From the data, it is clear that majority of the respondents were aware of the drug-related

killings. They could either be knowledgeable through sources of information or they were able to

witness it themselves, which made them aware of the drug-related killings.

Table 6. Respondents’ Sources of Information

Sources of Information Frequency Percentage (%)
Television 178 95.70
Social Media 135 72.58
Internet 125 67.20
Radio 116 62.37
Social (Family, Friends, Colleagues, Officemates, etc.) 99 53.23
Magazine, Newspaper and News Columns 78 41.94
*Multiple answers n = 186 *blank questions not included

When being asked of how do they acquire their information sources towards their

awareness on the drug-related killings, (as being shown in Table 6.) 95.70% of the respondents

were able to acquire sources from television, 72.58% were from social media, 67.20% from the

internet, 62.37% from radio, 53.23% from social influences, and 41.94% of the respondents get

their sources of information through magazines, newspaper and news columns.

40
 The table above implies that majority of the respondents were able to get their information

sources through television, social media, internet and radio, or collectively known as mass media.

According to Maciones (2012), mass media have enormous influence on our attitudes and

behavior. The result shows that television comes the highest as a source of information. This data

is supported by the Neilsen Media Research (2008) which shows that average household has at

least one television set turned on for eight hours each day and people spend more than half their

free time watching television. This clearly depicts why more people are informed through

television. Aside from it, social media also plays as a powerful tool of information. Social media

such as Twitter and blogs in general and networks such as Facebook and LinkedIn have become a

very widely used form of social discourse (Edwards, 2010). Though it is basically used for

communication, however, the social media evolved more into a complex form of an avenue of data

source, which why most respondents are informed through it. On the other hand, more than half

of the respondents answered social as a source of information. Social influence is one of the most

important socialization agents, which includes family and peer groups. According to Giddens

(2009) Family remains the major agency of socialization from infancy to adolescence and beyond.

Whereas people of similar ages, at work and in other situations, are usually of enduring importance

in shaping individuals' attitudes and behavior.

Based on the data gathered, most of the respondents (63.92 %) were unable to witness

people killed in their community, while the remaining (37.11%) of the respondents were able to

encounter such instance in their community.

This leads to the perception, over which they claim it to be an action by the government or

not. Even if most of the respondents were not able to witness such instance, they still were aware

of the drug-related killings through other information sources as being shown in the data above.

41
However, there are some who answered that they have witnessed it, this could mean that among

the respondents they were those who could say that it is an action done by the government or not.

Gathered data shows that majority of the respondents (58.25%) think that these killings

were not done by the policemen, whereas 38.66% of the respondents believed that these were done

by the policemen, while other 4.08% refrained from answering the question.

The data shows that majority of the respondents do not consider the killings that are present

in the community as an act of the government. Even if almost every time there is news being shown

on the television that depicts the government as the actor of the killings, the majority still agrees

that these were not done by the government. However, there are some respondents who consider

the killings in their community to be an action done by the government. This could be because of

the influence of mass media to the respondents from news platforms like, Abs-Cbn, GMA News,

and internet media sources like Rappler, Philippine Star, Manila Bulletin, etc. shows the presence

of the drug-related killings, or either that they encounter people being killed in their community

by some police personnel.

42
 Tables 7 and 8 shows the data of when respondents were if they believed that these killings

that were done by the policemen. These tables present the impression of the respondents on the

suspected police killings. The total multiple answers indicated was divided into two tables, which

shows the positive and negative impression of the respondents.

Table 7. Positive Impressions on the Suspected Police Killings

Positive Impressions Frequency
I feel more secured 35
I know these were systematically imposed 32
I feel that this is only done to those people who are on drugs 16
I don’t feel bothered because this doesn’t happen in our community 16
I know that government impose this because it is for good of many 13
I trust the government especially the officials 13
*multiple answers n = 72

Table 7 shows the positive impressions of the respondents in regard to the suspected drug-

related killings. It shows that 35 of the respondents have felt more secure because of these killings,

32 of the respondents answered that these killings were systematically imposed, and both 16

respondents answered that the killings were only being done to those who do illegal drugs, and

aren’t bothered because this doesn’t happen in their community, and both 13 of the respondents

answered that the killings were imposed because it is a welfare for everyone and because they trust

the government officials’ actions.

The table implies that among the respondents who answered that these killings were done

by the government, most of them have felt at ease because they felt security by the government’s

action on the drug-related killings. Most of the respondents agreed that these were all

systematically imposed by the government. Whereas few have answered that it is for the many and

that they trust government officials. The security could root also unto who deploys this kind of

action. In relation to the latter statement, this could be because that they support the leadership of

43
the present government, putting a sense of security over the actions. These can also self-supported

because the respondents answered that they believed that it is systematically imposed. This can be

seen through the level of trust of the respondents towards present administration, specifically,

towards the President. According to the SWS Survey (2018) on the first quarter of 2018, the net

trust of Rodrigo Duterte resulted in a “Very good” rating to the Filipinos. This only does not depict

the trust but also the performance, which in relation to the war on illegal drugs can also affect their

perception of how the leader employs its power in creating interventions into the community.

Table 8. Negative Impressions on the Suspected Police Killings

Negative Impressions Frequency
This is unfair to those who are killed 31
I feel that I may be also implicated (Madamay) 28
This is immoral and against the values of the people 28
This is against the rule of law 25
I don’t trust the government people (Policemen) 25
This is imposed unsystematically 22
I feel that I’m not secured 21
*multiple answers n = 72

Table 8 shows the negative impressions of the respondents in regard to the suspected drug-

related killings. It shows that 31 of the respondents answered that these killings were unfair to

those who are killed, both 28 of the respondents answered that they might be implicated in the

killings and that it is immoral and against the values of the people, both 25 of the respondents

answered that this is against the rule of law and that they don’t trust the policemen, 22 of the

respondents answered that it is unsystematically imposed and lastly 21 of the respondents

answered they felt that they are not secured.

The table above shows that almost half of the respondents who answered that these killings

were done by the government answered that the killings were unfair, immoral and they might be

also implicated. These perceptions might root from the media reports that show the view of the

44
drug-related killings. Reports have been saying that there is a relationship between killed

individuals and the war on drugs by the government. According to the Human Rights Watch

(HRW, 2017), reports show that the Philippine National Police (PNP) are responsible for the

vigilante-style killings of drug suspects. Since then, there have been more than 7,000 deaths due

to drug-related killings. This creates worrisome to the respondents especially that they might be

implicated. According to the first quarter survey of SWS (2017), 73% of the Filipinos worry about

becoming victims of the drug-related killings.

Table 7 and 8 shows that there are a fraction of negative and positive perceptions of the

drug-related killings. The plurality answered that there is security to the killings, however, most

of the respondents also have answered the unfairness with the killings. These show that there is

really a division of perception into the drug-related killings. It shows that almost half are

comfortable with the killings and others felt uneasiness. These are because most of them believe

that there is really a good outcome into the killings and on the other side most people believe that

it is not a right action to be done. This cannot be argued because people basically have their own

views on the issue. This could be supported by the study of Lee et. al (2014) where the people’s

perception is affected by the cultural differences. Cultural background influences the way people

feel and think about many objects. “Culture includes standards for perceiving, believing,

evaluating…” (Shavitt et al. 2008, as cited in Kastanakis et. al) thus if they believe that if these

killings are beneficial or not, it depends too how the respondents translate this action by the

government.

In the question, wherein they were questioned if they support killing persons involved in

the illegal drugs, 42.78% of the respondents support that they support killings of these suspected

45
drug offenders, whereas the majority (57.22%) of the respondents disagrees in the idea of killing

the suspected drug offenders.

The data above shows that most of the people do not agree by the fact that suspected drug

offenders should be executed by the policemen, whereas almost half of the number of respondents

adhere on the idea of killing the suspected drug offenders. Tables 9 and 10 shows the reason for

the respondents of why do they agree and disagree on the drug-related killings.

Table 9. Reasons of the Respondents on Supporting Drug-Related Killings

Positive Reasons Frequency
The criminal who has committed crimes against innocent people have to deal
with the consequence of their action 51
This solves crime and corruption in the country 49
It creates a security and safety in the community 44
This will alleviate the situation in the Philippines in criminality 35
This intervention is one effective solution in attaining peace in the country 31
*multiple answers n = 75 *blank questions not included

Table 9 shows the positive reasons of the respondents on supporting drug-related killings.

51 respondents answered that criminals should deal the consequences in their action, 49 answered

that this is a solution to the crime and corruption to the country, 44 answered that these actions

create security and safety in their community, 34 answered that this alleviate the situation of the

Philippines in regard to the criminality, and lastly, 31 answered that these actions will be an

effective solution in attaining peace in the country.

The table above implies that majority believed that they should pay the consequences of

being an illegal drug dependent person. According to Ahern (2007), Persons who use illicit drugs

are stigmatized. People who use drugs are correlated to deviance, specifically, on violence and

crime. This could be supported by the Drugs and Crime Data of the U.S Department of Justice

(1994), which shows that about 59% of the reported offenders were under the influence of alcohol

46
and/or drugs. These implied that drug is related to crime through the effects they have on the user’s

behaviors generating violence and other illegal activity. These could be explained why most of the

respondents agreed to the action of killing the drug offenders. They think that it is rightful to do

violence to people who do violence to the innocents. In the same vein, the majority of the

respondents also answered that these will solve the crime and corruption in the country and will

promote safety and security. Drugs have been related to crime, which leads to the respondents in

answering that these could be an effective way of solving the criminality in the country. On the

other hand, killing the suspected criminal base on the result promotes safety and security because

the respondents believe that factors of the violence in their community roots from drugs and the

people who use it

Table 10. Reasons of the Respondents for Not Supporting Drug-Related Killings
Negative Reasons Frequency
This is an injustice and prejudice in the legal system. 74
They deserve to be given chance to live and change. 69
People have a right to a trial/ Rule of law 65
Because not all that are subjected to these executions are drug-related people. 63
This is a breach of fundamental rights and freedoms. 61
Families of the suspect are also affected by the deaths of these people. 57
Because this gives an abuse of authority and power to the police personnel. 52
This will only create more problems rather than solutions. 44
The victim may be a fall guy 36
Because these killings are illegal. 35
*multiple answers n = 113 *blank questions not included

Table 10 shows that, 74 respondents answered that the killings were injustice and

prejudicial to the legal system, 69 respondents answered that they should be given a chance to live

and change, 65 answered that they have the right to trial, 63 respondents answered that not all that

are subjected to these executions are drug-related criminal people, 61 respondents answered that

it is a breach of fundamental rights and freedoms. 57 respondents answered that families of the

suspects are also affected by the deaths of these people, 52 respondents answered that this gives
47
an abuse of authority and power to the police personnel, 44 respondents answered that this will

only create more problems rather than solutions, 36 respondents answered that the victim may be

a fall guy, and lastly 35 respondents answered that these killings are illegal.

The table above shows that majority of the respondents responded that the killings to be

done on suspected drug offenders is a form injustice to them and to our laws. Most of the

respondents agree that drug offenders deserve the second chance to have a better life, to have a

court trial of whatever they may have done. That’s why there are drug-related assistances like the

rehabilitation centers and program because basically addiction is a complex but treatable disease

that affects brain function and behavior (National Institute of Drug Abuse, 2018). Additionally,

everyone deserves to have the rule of law which is stated under the Philippine constitution, that

states the right of the person to life, to be under investigation, and free from violence. In addition,

most of them answered that people involved in the killings may not all be part of the suspected

drug offenders. this is parallel to the SWS’ study on the people’s perception on the drug-related

killings (Rappler, 2017) wherein around half of the survey respondents also don't think that those

killed in police operations were actually drug pushers. This is seen in the happening wherein a

teenager was shot three times by a police. Kian Lloyd, the victim, was one of the alleged drug

suspects and other robbery suspects which was killed in a simultaneous operation against illegal

drug trade and criminality. (Inquisitr, 2017) This is an example of abuse of power, which plurality

of the respondents answered. On one hand, families of these affected people are affected in a way

that it will only burden them, that will cause more problems. Which is supported by the study of

Rivera (2017) which he viewed the impact of the war on drugs on the families who were left behind

by the breadwinners who were killed because of the alleged connection to the illegal drugs. In

48
which the study shows that families that were left behind bear the effect of the cause from

“emotional, juridical, to economic aspects of their lives.”

Table 11. Favorabless of the Respondents Towards the Drug-related Killings

Favorableness on The Drug-Related Killings Frequency
I am neutral on it 65
I agree but with reservations 47
I fairly disagree but with reservation/s 38
I strongly disagree with all terms 27
I strongly agree with no reservation/s 17
Total 194
*Blank questions not included

Table 11 shows that 65 of the respondents have answered that they are neutral on how it is

how the drug-killing were imposed, 47 of the respondents “agree but with reservations”, followed

by “fairly disagree but with reservation/s” by 39 respondents, 27 of the respondents answered that

they “strongly disagree at all terms”, and lastly, 17 of the respondents answered that they strongly

agree with no reservation/s, with the average mean score of 2.9.

The table above shows that majority of the respondents are neutral on it. However, the

opinions of the respondents were divided. It implies that not all are in favor and favor of the drug-

related killings in their community. This can be also seen in the analysis above, which shows that

there is a fair distribution of those who agrees and disagrees on the killings. However, most of the

respondents agree but with reservation/s. This reservation/s may root to their beliefs and perception

towards the killings. This could be because of the social structure of Filipinos’ culture specifically

on morality, values, and spirituality that may interfere or a reference of how and what do they

believe in. These Filipino values are stated in the “Patriotic Oath” (Panatang Makabayan)

“makatao, makabayan, at makabansa” which translates to humane, nationalistic, and the

49
patriotism of a Filipino citizen. According to Talisayon, (1994, as cited in Bernardo, 2014)

Filipinos were identified as being maka-Diyos (“belief in a transcendent force that is present

within; a truth that guides in life”), maka-tao (being humane) and makabayan (being nationalistic).

This shows why most of the respondents have their own reservation towards these killings. It may

be against on their faith, as Philippines is widely a religious country (Miller, NA) or because it is

against the morality of the people because clearly killing people is an immoral act, which explains

that there are respondents who disagree on the killings.

On the other hand, further notions that might explain the responses of the community

members are through the phenomenon of populism, charismatic leadership, and the populist

public. “Populism is best defined as a political strategy through which a personalistic leader seeks

or exercises governmental power based on direct, unmediated, institutionalized support from large

numbers of mostly unorganized followers” (Wevyland, 2001, as cited in Arguelles, 2017)

Charismatic leaders use their personal skills to turn an audience into followers. They use personal

abilities that inspire devotion and obedience. (Maciones, 2012). The rise of populism, not only in

the Philippines but also in America and North Korea as an example, creates a formation of the

populist public. Due to the promises which the leaders are offering them, they tend to be fascinated

of what the leader could offer them, plus the persuasion of the leader because of its charismatic

leadership that ways them to have the sympathy of the mass, which according to Maciones,

“creates their own rules and challenge the status quo”. In the case of Duterte, the populist public

are attracted to his promise of peace and order in the country by countering the prevalence of drugs.

Despite the widespread international and domestic criticism on his drug war policy, the populist

see it as a recognition of the hidden suffering that they have been experiencing due to the

proliferation of illegal drugs addicts and pushes. (Arguelles, 2017) The representation of their

50
misery in the mainstream public makes them assurances that this is beneficial to them. Thus, even

if there are killings, the respondents still agree that this a positive action of the government that

results in positive implications.

Table 12. Favorableness of the Respondents in Regard to the Police work

Purview of Police Work as Provided by the Law Mean Interpretation
Operatives must wear proper uniform and body cameras 4.6 Strongly
Agree
Policemen should undergo a pre-deployment briefing for every operation. 4.5 Strongly
Agree
Operatives tagged as “Tokhangers” will also be required to first validate 4.4 Agree
all information provided on the list of houses to be visited.
Cops violating given PNP’s guidelines should be reported immediately to 4.4 Agree
police stations where they belong to, or to local government officials.
During operation, policemen are joined by a representative from the 4.2 Agree
barangay council, human rights group, or religious sector.
Oplan Tokhang or “Knock and plead” campaign may not arrest suspected 4.1 Agree
drug dependents but only urge them to seek medical help.
Drug pushers will be targeted in buy-bust operations outside the Tokhang 3.9 Agree
campaign
Policemen are barred from forcibly entering homes of suspects without 3.8 Agree
the owners’ permission.
Instead of arresting suspected drug users, they may instead endorse 3.8 Agree
hostile drug dependents to drug enforcement units for the conduct of case-
build up.
The operation can only go two ways for the drug suspects: either they 3.8 Agree
surrender or they don’t.
Taking of suspects’ mugshots and fingerprints is voluntary 3.7 Agree
Killing drug users only when they resist arrest 3.2 Moderately
Agree
Grand Mean 4.04 Agree

Table 12 shows that 9 out of 12 questions are determined as “Agree”, 2 out of 12 of the

respondents’ answers are labeled as “Strongly Agree”, while 1 out of 12 is determined to be

“Moderately Agree”. Out of all the questions, the item which shows “Operatives must wear proper

uniform and body cameras” scores the highest that results a mean of 4.6, followed by “Policemen

should undergo a pre-deployment briefing for every operation.” with a mean score of 4.5, and

51
“Operatives tagged as “Tokhangers” will also be required to first validate all information provided

on the list of houses to be visited” and “Cops violating given PNP’s guidelines should be reported

immediately to police stations where they belong to, or to local government officials” which both

totals a mean of 4.4, followed by “During operation, policemen are joined by a representative from

the barangay council, human rights group, or religious sector” by a mean score of 4.3, and “Oplan

Tokhang or “Knock and plead” campaign may not arrest suspected drug dependents but only urge

them to seek medical help” by a total mean score of 4.2. While “Drug pushers will be targeted in

buy-bust operations outside the Tokhang campaign” has a mean score of 3.9, whereas “The

operation can only go two ways for the drug suspects: either they surrender or they don’t”,

“Policemen are barred from forcibly entering homes of suspects without the owners’ permission.

and “Instead of arresting suspected drug users, they may instead endorse hostile drug dependents

to drug enforcement units for the conduct of case-build up” have the same mean score of 3.8,

followed by “Taking of suspects’ mugshots and fingerprints is voluntary” by a mean score of 3.7

and lastly, “Killing drug users only when they resist arrest’ by a mean score of 3.2, with a grand

mean of 4.04 that interprets to “Agree”.

The table above implies that among the given guidelines of the Philippine National Police

(PNP) against illegal drugs and other realities, the majority of the respondents are favorable of it.

Which shows a positive implication for the government that these actions are favorable to the

community members. During the first employment of the “Oplan Tokhang,” it was criticized

heavily for alleged abuses during anti-drug operations, including the killing of teenagers Kian

Delos Santos, Carl Arnaiz and Reynaldo de Guzman. (CNN, 2018) These resulted into a halt of

the government. “Drug busts, service of warrants and any operation related to illegal drugs were

put on hold in compliance to Dela Rosa's directive.” (Sunstar PH, 2017) It was early this year that

52
the “Oplan Tokhang” resumed through its newly implemented guidelines in order to adhere a

systematic war on drugs.

Majority of the community members were favorable on the notion that “Operatives must

wear proper uniform and body cameras”. This ensures that is an evidence in the case that there

will be a misconduct that the police will be done. In the recent happening of the war on drug, there

has been seen a lack of accountability of the authorities that are responsible for killings. Through

these new guidelines, at least there will be security to the community members. With the

guidelines, they can be able to report immediately, the cops who are violating the given guidelines.

Majority of the new guidelines favors the community members. However, violence against the

suspects is moderately facorable to the community members. Even if there are some who agrees

that this is a must done action, however, some is not favorable to the violence that may be

employed. This can be explained by the exchange theory, wherein the respondents make their

decision through a series of systems of costs and benefits—the benefit of the action over which it

is employed. For example, the items showing that Policemen should undergo a pre-deployment

briefing for every operation and must wear proper uniform and body cameras shows a high

approval for them because it is purely beneficial. The action has no downside to be criticized and

argued because it shows a positive action in the process of the Tokhang. However, when

respondents were given opinions towards killing drug suspects when they resist arrest, it went

down into a mean score of 3.2, which implies moderately agree. This clearly shows that the

respondents were also considering the between the cost and benefit of the action. It may be

beneficial to some because this can form a concept of solving the problem but it can be also costly,

a cost of cultural belief defiance, inhumane, immoral, etc. The perception of the respondents

towards given items hold into the notion of greater benefits or rewards and fewer the costs.

53
 In general, the perception of the community members towards the war on drugs is in a

positive skew, however, some objectives may not be favorable to some but majority agrees on the

operation, which puts a positive impact to the community members.

Table 13. Respondents’ Sources of Information in Regard to the Police Work

Respondents’ Sources of Information Frequency Percentage (%)
Media (TV, radio, print), etc 177 89.39
Social (family, friends, Schoolmates, church mates and
officemates)
147 74.24
Personal observation/ Opinion 113 57.07
School 34 17.17
Personal experience with the police 26 13.13
*Multiple answers n=196 *Blank questions are not included

When being asked of how do they acquire their information sources towards their

favorableness on the police operation, (as being shown in Table 13) 89.39% of the respondents

were able to acquire sources through Media (TV, Radio, Print, etc.), 74.24% of the respondents

were through Social (family, friends, Schoolmates, church mates and officemates), 57.07% of the

respondents were from their personal observation and opinion, 17.17% of the respondents

answered from school, and 13.13% from their personal experience with the police.

The table above shows that media is still one of the most influential drivers regarding the

perception of the respondents towards the war on drugs. As also seen in Table 6., media is still one

of the most numbered answers of the respondents. The impact of news media representations on

public perceptions is important. Since most people have limited direct contact with police officers,

information about the police comes largely from the media, including traditional news sources

whose reporting is now often redistributed through social media (Pew Research Center, 2016, as

cited in Lee et al, 2017 ). Followed by social, which consists of Family, peers and the significant

54
others, school, which is an essential agent of socialization, and some through personal experience

with the police.

Respondents were asked if they believe that killings that were done by the policemen,

which to be a “nanlaban” or fought back a legitimate case. 42% of the respondents answered yes,

whereas 45% of the respondents answered no, while 13% refrained from answering the question.

The data above implies that plurality agreed that it is not legitimate, on the other hand,

most of the respondents have answered that it is legitimate. There is a percentage of 3 percentage

between both variables. However, there are some who did not answer because they may either

believe that it is both legitimate and not. The presence of this division of perception that can be

seen on the tables and data above is still seen on their perception on the legitimacy of these killings.

This can be supported by the study of the SWS (Rappler, 2017) which shows around half of the

survey respondents don't think that those killed in police operations are legitimate cases. Both

areas in Mindanao and Visayas said that the killings were not legitimate with a 49-percentage

rating.

55
Table 14. Respondents’ Favorableness in Regard the Actions to the Suspected Drug
Offenders
Favorableness in Regard the Actions to the Suspected Drug Mean Interpretation
Offenders
Drug dependents may surrender voluntarily, go to the police station or 4.6 Strongly Agree
seek rehabilitation.
Minor offenders who will surrender must be accompanied by a parent 4.5 Strongly Agree
or a guardian to the nearest social welfare office
Livelihood programs should be established to discriminate drug 4.5 Strongly Agree
dependents from coming to drugs again.
Acting on suspected drug users shall have the process by the law 4.4 Agree
On the process of Tokhang, drug dependents should be prioritized to 4.4 Agree
be caught alive.
Killings must be investigated in order to attain fairness 4.4 Agree
Suspected drug offenders who surrendered is given a number of 4.3 Agree
months of rehabilitation.
Uncooperative suspects must be reported to the police Drug 4.3 Agree
Enforcement Unit for case build up
It is, however, valid to cause violence on drug-related personnel when 3.6 Agree
they resist arrest.
Grand Mean 4.3 Agree

Table 14 shows that 3 out of 9 questions were determined as “Strongly Agree” while 6 out

of 9 were “Agree”. Out of all the items “Drug dependents may surrender voluntarily, go to the

police station or seek rehabilitation.”, scores the highest mean of 4.6, followed by the items which

states “Minor offenders who will surrender must be accompanied by a parent or a guardian to the

nearest social welfare office” and “Livelihood programs should be established to discriminate drug

dependents from coming to drugs again.” with a mean of 4.5, while “Acting on suspected drug

users shall have the process by the law”, “On the process of Tokhang, drug dependents should be

prioritized to be caught alive.” And “Killings must be investigated in order to attain fairness” have

the same weighted mean of 4.4, whereas “Suspected drug offenders who surrendered is given a

number of months of rehabilitation.” And “Uncooperative suspects must be reported to the police

Drug Enforcement Unit for case build up” scores both a mean score of 4.3 and lastly “It is,
56
however, valid to cause violence on drug-related personnel when they resist arrest. with a mean

score of 3.6, with a grand mean of 4.3, which means “Agree”.

The table implies that the community members believe that suspected drug offenders can

still surrender into the authority to be able to be given an intervention into their problem. It is

followed by the idea that there should be a livelihood program that must be established in order

for them to discriminate in coming back to illegal drugs again and that minor offenders who will

surrender must be accompanied by a parent or a guardian to the nearest social welfare office.

According to the evaluation done by the US Department (2016) in their livelihood programs, it

shows little evidence that shows livelihoods programs evaluated helped participants meet needs or

improve livelihood security. Through this program, it will help drug dependents become

productive members of society while also pushing the campaign against illegal drugs. (Philstar,

2016) On one hand, teenagers that are associated with the illegal drugs should be one of the main

targets in rehabilitation. Mostly teenagers are influenced by their ecological and social conditions.

The environmental condition, whether they reflect physical conditions on the community, poverty,

or available health care, are thus seen as risk factors for drug use and abuse; and social conditions

on the influence of peers, school, and family. (Borgatta et. al., 2000) Thus, teenagers that are

influenced by drugs should be given guidance because they are only influenced by factors that lead

them to engage in substance abuse. On the other hand, the item which promotes violence towards

the suspected drug offenders, came the lowest, with the weighted mean of 3.6. It was stated that

“It is, however, valid to cause violence on drug-related personnel when they resist arrest”. It is

clear that they still agree however the level over which they agree on the situation is lower in

acceptability than the rest of the given statements. These depict the same concept of acceptability

to the community members (on Table 12.) which was stated that because it is not a table to the

57
community members to inflict violence to the drug-related suspects however not a point that they

disagree with the given notion. In Table 12 it was explained in accordance to l exchange theory,

which the main idea is community members estimate the rewards of the upon agreeing on the

action. It is a universal norm and principle that violence is acceptable, however, because of the

benefits of these is rewarding to them, thus they agree never other might also think that it is not

beneficial to them, which why there is a division of those who agree on the action and do not

Table 15. Respondents’ Sources of Information in Regard to the Suspected drug offenders
Sources of Information Frequency Percentage (%)
Media (TV, radio, print), etc 179 90.86
Social (family, friends, Schoolmates, church
mates and officemates) 150 76.14
Personal observation/ Opinion 122 61.93
School 32 16.24
Personal experience with the police 18 9.14
*Multiple answers n=193 *blank questions are not included

Table 15 shows how do they acquire their information sources towards their favorableness

in regard to the action to the suspected drug offenders. 90.86% of the respondents were able to

acquire media (TV, radio, print, etc.), 76.14% were from social (family, friends, schoolmates,

church mates, and officemates.), 61.93% from the personal observation/opinion, 16.24% from

school, and 9.14% of the respondents get their information from their personal experience with the

police.

The table above still shows that Media is one of the main information sources that influence

them in conceptualizing their perception towards the actions of drug offenders. This can be seen

on the past tables, 6 and 13, that illustrates the prevalence of media as the foremost information

source by the respondents, followed by the social, opinion, school, and experiences or information

they acquired from the policemen.

58
 On the part where respondents were asked if the government is effective in implementing
their action against drugs, 73.50% of the respondents responded it to be effective, while 22.50%
of the respondents said it to be not effective. Tables 15 and 16 shows the reasons for why they
responded it to be effective and not.

Table 16. Respondents’ Reason on Agreeing on the Effectivity of the Government’s Program
Frequency
People became more aware of what the drug’s effects on the people 115
Because of the less presence of drugs and drug abusers, there is a
confidence that there will be less criminality in the community. 96
It made people more cautious of the law 84
The community became more peaceful 74
*Multiple answers n= 148

The table 16 show reasons why the respondents have considered the program of the

government to be effective. 115 respondents answered that “People became more aware of what

the drug’s effects on the people”, followed by 96 respondents of the item “Because of the less

presence of drugs and drug abusers, there is a confidence that there will be less criminality in the

community.”, while 84 respondents answered that “It made people more cautious of the law”, and

74 respondents answered that “The community became more peaceful”.

The data above implies that majority of the community members said “Yes” because of the

action of the government towards the illegal drugs, they became more aware of the consequence

of illegal drugs. This shows the action of the government created a positive reinforcement from

the punishment that it imposed. Most of the community members considered it effective in a way

because they observed that there is less presence of crime in their community. On the other hand,

more than half of those who believed that the program is effective said that it became more

peaceful to their community.

59
Table 17. Respondents’ Reason on Disagreeing on the Effectivity of the Government’s
Frequency
It is an immoral act to execute one’s life. 29
Killing people involved in drugs cannot solve the problem in this country. 26
This affects the family of the criminals 25
It created more problems than interventions. 24
It doesn’t solve the problem of the community. 23
Program *Multiple answers n= 48

Table 17 show reasons why the respondents have considered the program of the

government as not effective. 29 out of 48 respondents have answered that “It is an immoral act to

execute one’s life”, while 26 out of 48 respondents answered that “Killing people involved in drugs

cannot solve the problem in this country” followed by “This affects the family of the criminals”

of 25 out of 48, whereas 24 out of 48 of the respondents answered that “It created more problems

than interventions”, and 23 out of 48 of the respondents answered that “It doesn’t solve the problem

of the community”.

The data above implies that majority of those who said “No” said that the actions are

immoral and this cannot solve the problems of the country. This clearly shows that still, some

community members uphold the quality of life—the human right. In which they oppose the idea

of killings in the community. These killings according to the community members are not seen to

be a solution to the problem of their community and their country. These could mean that people

may not see it be correlated with the issues they face in the present. Corruption (Forbes, 2018),

Poverty, and Human Rights (Reference, 2017) are most felt problems in the Philippines. In relation

to the effectivity of Tokhang, they might not see it as a solution to the given problems.

60
III. Expectations of Community Members Regarding the Role of Government Agencies in

Addressing Drug-Related Killings.

This part reveals the findings that deal with the awareness of the respondents on the government

agencies and their expectations towards addressing the drug-related issues.

Table 18. Awareness of the Respondents Towards Governmental Agencies in Relation to

Drug
Government Agencies
I expect Commission on Human Rights (CHR) to: Mean Interpretation
Investigate, on its own or on a complaint by a private party, all forms of 4.0 Aware
human rights violations involving civil and political rights.
Provide appropriate legal measures for the protection of human rights of 4.1 Aware
all human beings.
Provide for preventive measures and legal aid services to the 4.0 Aware
underprivileged whose human rights have been violated or who need
protection.
Exercise visitorial powers over jails, persons, or detention facilities. 3.9 Aware
Recommend to Congress effective measures to promote human rights 3.9 Aware
and to provide for compensation to victims.
Monitor the Philippine government’s compliance with its treaty 4.0 Aware
obligations on human rights.
Grand Mean 3.9 Aware
I expect Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to:
Provide social protection and the promotion of the rights and welfare of 4.2 Aware
the poor, vulnerable and disadvantaged individuals, families and
communities.
Develop policies, programs, projects and services implemented to 4.1 Aware
contribute to poverty alleviation and empowerment.
Provide preventive, protective, and rehabilitative and developmental 4.2 Aware
programs and services.
Grand Mean 4.17 Aware

61
Continuation of Table 18 Awareness of the Respondents Towards Governmental Agencies

in Relation to Illegal Drugs

I expect Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) to:

Implement the Constitutional guarantee of free access to courts, due process, and equal 4.1 Aware
protection of the laws.
Provide the indigent sector access to counsel at the time of need. 4.1 Aware
Provide the oppressed, marginalized, and underprivileged members of the society free 4.1 Aware
access to courts, judicial and quasi-judicial agencies, by rendering legal services,
counseling and assistance
Handling criminal and civil cases and preliminary investigation of cases before the 4.0 Aware
Office of the Public Prosecutor.
Grand Mean 4.08 Aware
I expect Philippine National Police (PNP) to:
Enforce all laws and ordinances relative to the protection of lives and properties. 4.2 Aware
Maintain peace and order and take all necessary steps to ensure public safety. 4.3 Aware
Investigate and prevent crimes, effect the arrest of criminal offenders, bring offenders 4.3 Aware
to justice and assist in their prosecution.
Exercise the general powers to make arrest, search, and seizure in accordance with the 4.2 Aware
Constitution and pertinent laws.
Detain an arrested person for a period not beyond what is prescribed by law, informing 4.2 Aware
the person so detained for all his rights under the Constitution.
Grand Mean 4.24 Aware
I expect National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to:
Investigate crimes and other offenses against the laws of the Philippines, both on its 4.3 Aware
own initiative and as the public interest may require.
Assist, when officially requested, in the investigation or detection of crimes and other 4.2 Aware
offenses.
Establish and maintain an up-to-date scientific crime laboratory and conduct researches 4.2 Aware
in furtherance of scientific knowledge in a criminal investigation.
Coordinate with other national or local agencies in the maintenance of peace and order. 4.1 Aware
Give technical help to all prosecuting and law enforcement offices, agencies of the 4.1 Aware
government, and courts which may ask for its services.
Grand Mean 4.18 Aware

62
Continuation of Table 18 Awareness of the Respondents Towards Governmental Agencies

in Relation to Illegal Drugs

I expect Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) to:
Implement or cause the efficient and effective implementation of the 4.3 Aware
national drug control strategy formulated by the Dangerous Drugs Board
Attached agency to the Department of the Interior and Local 4.2 Aware
Government (DILG) for purposes of program and policy coordination.
Arrest and apprehend as well as search all violators and seize or 4.1 Aware
confiscate the effects or proceeds of the crimes as provided by law
Initiate and undertake a national campaign for drug prevention and 4.2 Aware
control programs, where it may enlist the assistance of any department,
bureau, office, agency or instrumentality of the government, including
government-owned and/or controlled corporations
Conduct eradication programs to destroy wild or illegally grown plants 4.2 Aware
from which dangerous drugs may be extracted
Monitors and process crime statistical reports and the complaints. 4.1 Aware
Grand Mean 4.18 Aware
I expect Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) to:
Promote peace and order, ensure public safety. 4.4 Aware
Strengthen local government capability aimed towards the effective 4.3 Aware
delivery of basic services to the citizenry.
Improve the performance of local governments in governance, 4.3 Aware
administration, social and economic development which contributes to
providing access to justice by the poor, especially women and children.
Grand Mean 4.33 Aware
Total Grand Mean 4.0 Aware

Table 18 shows present different major government agencies that are related to the pillars

of justice that are also related to the dealing with illegal drugs’ interventions. The table is being

divided by different grand mean, which is summed up to create a total grand mean. This table

shows an indirect question of their level of awareness to the government. Out of all the given

statements questioning their awareness, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)

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scored the highest mean of 4.33. followed by a mean of 4.24 of Philippine National Police, while

both National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA)

scored a mean of 4.18, whereas Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) have a

mean score of 4.17, followed by the Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) with a weighted mean of

4.08, and lastly by the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) with a mean of 3.9, with a grand

mean of 4.0, which means “Aware”

The table above implies that they are aware of the “Pillars of Justice” of the Philippine

government. These institutions are responsible for preventing crimes, enforcement of laws, and

apprehension and prosecution of those who violate the law (Bravo, 2013). In this regard,

community members are aware of the of the presence of these governmental agencies, and so do

their functions and thus they have their knowledge towards access to justice. According to UNDP

(2005), access to justice is essential for poverty eradication and human development because this

empowers the poor and the disadvantaged individuals who suffer from discrimination, illegal acts,

including human rights violation. In relation to the drug-related killings, the community members

are vested authority in being part of determining the issues that are faced by the community through

information to the community members and to the authority. Through it, they can be empowered

in insisting programs that are relevant to the problems, which is in case of this study, is on the

drug-related killings. Community members are most aware of the DILG. This is because the

people are aware that the DILG is one of the which promotes basic services and order to the

community, followed by the PNP, which community members are aware of because they enforce

all laws and ordinances and maintains peace and order. the community members’ awareness of

these government agencies creates an expectation towards them. They are aware because these

agencies were able to observe by the community members to be functioning in the community.

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Table 19. Possible Responses that can Address Illegal Drug Related Issues as perceived by

the Respondents
Possible Responses that can Address Illegal
Drug Related Issues Frequency Percentage (%)
Rehabilitation Centers and Programs 140 74.47
Livelihood Programs 121 64.36
Increase the availability, affordability, and access to
drug treatment programs 102 54.26
Counseling 101 53.72
Public Information Advocacy 86 45.21
Promote recreational activities in the community 85 45.74
Governmental Assistance (i.e 4ps) 80 42.55
*Multiple answers n=188 *Blank questions not included

Table 19 shows the possible responses that can be addressed to drug-related issues as being

perceived by the respondents. 74% of the respondents answered rehabilitation and center

programs, followed by 64% of the respondents answering livelihood programs, while both ideas

of increasing the availability, affordability, and access to drug treatment, and counseling equaled

into the same percentage of 54, whereas 46% of the respondents answered that public information

advocacy should be implemented, 45% of the respondents answered promoting recreational

activities in the community, and lastly giving governmental assistance to address drug-related

issues.

The table above implies that majority of the respondents suggested that rehabilitation

centers and programs should be implemented in the intervention of the persistence of the use and

abuse of illegal drugs, followed by livelihood programs, and on the increase of the availability,

affordability, and access to drug treatment programs.

It is true that drug rehabilitation centers are proven effective towards intervention and mitigation

of drug abuse. However, majority individuals that are affected in by drug abuse are poor. In a study

by Knestner (1998), which sought to provide information in the relationship between drug use and
65
poverty, it showed a positive relationship between poverty and drug use. Drug users had lower

family incomes and were indicated that marijuana and cocaine use significantly increase the

probability of being poor. In the Philippines, shabu is the most consumed drug, which also is

considered as the “poor man’s cocaine” (Spalding, 2006; Palma, 2013) from the term “poor”

implies that it is less expensive and thus explain why there are more unaffluent people who use

this drug, which implies that not all can be able to avail rehabilitation programs. It is expensive

that they either choose not to rehabilitate themselves or they persist taking drugs. An offered price

raised by the alcoholrehab.com, ($4,995 for 4 weeks) and alcoholdrugrehabphilippines.com,

Privately owned rehab facilities usually cost more, with monthly prices ranging from 10,000.00

PHP – 100,000.00 PHP and monthly fees ranging from 5,000.00 PHP – 10,000.00 PHP for

government operated rehabs. It shows that it is really expensive to avail rehabilitation programs.

Thus, there is really an incapacity to those drug dependents on availing rehabilitation programs.

Even minimum wage earners might still be troubled to pay for extra expenses aside from their

basic necessities. In addition, according to the statistics of DDP (Dangerous Drug Board) rehab

patients tend to be male, poor, and addicted to shabu. (Rappler, 2016) Nevertheless, drug use for

most rooted from poverty thus livelihood programs should be implemented by the government to

areas, which are prone to drug influences. This can be a good implication on combining the

prevention and intervention on illegal drug use. Promoting livelihood programs to the drug

dependents will not only give them occupations but it will also be a form of distraction for them

to come back to drug dependency.

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 Chapter IV

SUMMARY, CONCLUSION, AND RECOMMENDATION

This chapter presents the summary, conclusion, and recommendation of the study drawn from the

result of the study.

SUMMARY

Socio-economic Profile

Most of the respondents are 18 to 28 years old (64.00%), which are female (61.22%) in the

majority. Plurality of the respondents were college undergraduate (42.86%), mostly students

(30.61%) and was from barangay Fatima (20.92%).

Awareness of Drug-related Killing Activities

The study found out that most of the respondents (95.88%) were aware of the presence of

drug-related killings in their community. Most of the respondents got their information through

television (95.70%) and social media (72.58%). Majority of the respondents were not able to

encounter instances of people killed in there are (63.92%), and most of them believed that these

killings were not done by the government (58.25). Respondents disagree that there should be an

operation in regard killing the suspected drug offenders (52.22%). Among those respondents, they

believed that this is an injustice and prejudicial to the legal system (67.89%) and suspected drug

offenders deserve to be given a chance to live and change (63.30%). However, most of the

respondents were on how it is imposed.

67
Favorableness on the Policework in Regard the Drug-Related Killings

The study found out that the respondents agree on the work by the police towards illegal

drugs specifically “Oplan Tokhang”. “Operatives must wear proper uniform and body cameras”

scores the highest that results a mean of 4.6, followed by “Policemen should undergo a pre-

deployment briefing for every operation.” with a mean score of 4.5, and “Operatives tagged as

“Tokhangers” will also be required to first validate all information provided on the list of houses

to be visited” and “Cops violating given PNP’s guidelines should be reported immediately to

police stations where they belong to, or to local government officials” which both totals a mean of

4.4, followed by “During operation, policemen are joined by a representative from the barangay

council, human rights group, or religious sector” by a mean score of 4.3, and “Oplan Tokhang or

“Knock and plead” campaign may not arrest suspected drug dependents but only urge them to seek

medical help. by a total mean score of 4.2. While “Drug pushers will be targeted in buy-bust

operations outside the Tokhang campaign” has a mean score of 3.9, whereas “The operation can

only go two ways for the drug suspects: either they surrender or they don’t”, “Policemen are barred

from forcibly entering homes of suspects without the owners’ permission.” and “Instead of

arresting suspected drug users, they may instead endorse hostile drug dependents to drug

enforcement units for the conduct of case-build up.” have the same mean score of 3.8, followed

by “Taking of suspects’ mugshots and fingerprints is voluntary” by a mean score of 3.7 and lastly,

“Killing drug users only when they resist arrest’ by a mean score of 3.2, with a grand mean of 4.04

that interpret

Favorableness on the Consequences of Being a Drug Suspect

The study found out that the respondents agree on the consequences of being a drug suspect. Out

of all the items “Drug dependents may surrender voluntarily, go to the police station or seek

68
rehabilitation.”, scores the highest mean of 4.6, followed by the items which states “Minor

offenders who will surrender must be accompanied by a parent or a guardian to the nearest social

welfare office” and “Livelihood programs should be established to discriminate drug dependents

from coming to drugs again.” with a mean of 4.5, while “Acting on suspected drug users shall have

the process by the law”, “On the process of Tokhang, drug dependents should be prioritized to be

caught alive.” And “Killings must be investigated in order to attain fairness” have the same

weighted mean of 4.4, whereas “Suspected drug offenders who surrendered is given a number of

months of rehabilitation.” And “Uncooperative suspects must be reported to the police Drug

Enforcement Unit for case build up” scores both a mean score of 4.3 and lastly “It is, however,

valid to cause violence on drug-related personnel when they resist arrest. with a mean score of 3.6,

with a grand mean of 4.3, which means “Agree”. To the respondents, they acquired their

knowledge mostly from media (90.86%) and social influences (76.14%). Majority of the

respondents consider the program effective (73.50%) they reason out because people became

aware of the effects of drugs to them (88.15%) and because they were made cautious of the law

(74.58%).

Expectations of Community Members Regarding the Role of Government Agencies in

Addressing Drug-Related Killings

The study found out that respondents are aware of the government agencies. Out of all the

given statements questioning their awareness, Department of the Interior and Local Government

(DILG) scored the highest mean of 4.33. followed by a mean of 4.24 of Philippine National Police,

while both National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency

(PDEA) scored a mean of 4.18, whereas Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)

have a mean score of 4.17, followed by the Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) with a weighted mean

69
of 4.08, and lastly by the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) with a mean of 3.9, with a grand

mean of 4.0, which means “Aware”. Respondents were expecting responses by the government

through rehabilitation centers and programs (74.47) and livelihood programs (64.36) for the drug

dependents.

70
 CONCLUSION

Base on the findings of the study, the following conclusions were drawn.

1. Most of the respondents were ages 18 to 28. Mostly are from populous barangay communities

in General Santos City, which better access from basic necessities like electricity and information.

Most of the respondents were college undergraduate and students, and generally are employed.

2. Majority of the community members were of the drug-related killings in the community. This

reflects from the influence of information through television and social media, which plays role in

informing the public regarding the drug-related killings because this not only present in General

Santos City but throughout the Philippines. Community members however do not believe that

these killings were done by the policemen, and disagrees on the notion of killing drug-suspected

offenders. However, in general respondents are neutral on its presence.

3. Majority of the community members were favorable on the police work in regard to the drugs

and on the suspected drug offender's action towards them. This is explained through the

perspective of social exchange theory, where people look to those more favorable or positive

action, to outweigh the cost and maximize the benefits. In line with it, community members see

benefits on the actions by the policemen from the guidelines of oplan tokhang. Statements showing

costly action to the people, for example, the killings of suspected drug offenders, resulted in a low

favorableness, while positive actions resulted into high favorableness from the community

members. This validates the relationship of the community members' decision making into the

cost-benefit of the actions. In one hand, respondents believed that the actions of the government

are effective, however, the incidents of fighting back or “nanlaban” were not legitimate in general.

71
4. Community members were aware of the government agencies, especially the DILG and PNP,

where in fact one of the most observed agencies in relation to the drug-related killings and

responses in it. DILG serves the welfare of the people through services while the PNP is through

enforcement and implementation of the law. Regarding their expectations, the majority of the

respondents were aware of these agencies thus they have the knowledge of what agencies should

their problem be assisted with. Moreover, community members believed that particular solutions

to the problem of the illegal drug should be rehabilitation centers and programs, accessibility,

affordability and the availability of the treatment programs and livelihood should be pushed as

perceived by the community members.

5. The assumption of the researcher study was supported given that most of the respondents are

aware of the drug-related killings and favorable of the police work and actions towards suspected

drug offenders.

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 RECOMMENDATIONS

Based on the findings and conclusion of the study, the following recommendations are drawn:

1. There is a need to better understand programs of the government, specifically, on the war on

drugs. This can be met through the power of information and media, which have seen in the study

as one of the most influential sources of information. Through this, it could help the government

and the community members to understand the policy well and thus creating cooperation with the

same agenda of eliminating the illegal drugs.

2. The government needs to intensify programs to solve issues on drugs and consequent drug-

related killings through the intervention of school and the media

3. The government specifically, the DILG and PNP, needs to promote and establish more

rehabilitation programs and centers, where problems about drug abuse can be addressed. The use

and abuse of drugs are observed to be driven by economic need that the government may introduce

programs to allow users to be economically productive. In addition, admission to the rehab centers

can be adjusted to accommodate low income individuals through government subsidy. As a result,

incidence of drug-related killings are expected to reduce when users are treated and healed.

73