Battle Against the Drug Menace: Narratives of Law Enforcers in Implementing the Anti-Drug Program

Abstract

The study explored into the work life of station commanders in the tri-cities, of Cebu, Philippines. The study sought to answer the work life of police station commanders. Transcendental phenomenological approach was used in the study. The study involved fifteen (15) research informants who are who are currently assigned as Station Commanders in the tri-cities of Cebu. It was conducted in the tri-cities of Cebu, Philippines namely: Cebu City, Mandaue City and Lapu-lapu City. The researcher utilized research guide questions with an open-ended question for individual in-depth interviews. Thematic content analysis was used in the treatment of collected data. The researcher generated four (4) themes for the experiences of the informants in the implementation of the anti-drug program. For the positive experiences there were two (2) themes namely: Triumph in Shared Victory and Justice in Motion: Fulfilment in Every Rescue. For the negative experiences there were two (2) themes namely: Fighting a Battle That Resets Itself and Stand Amidst the Storm. As to addressing the challenges encountered by the informanats in the implementation of the anti-drug program, there were three (3) themes namely: Leading with Resolve in the Midst of Limitations; Presence with Purpose and Unity in Action. For the impact of the implementation of the anti-drug program to the peace and order of the community, there were two (2) themes namely: Peace Built on Persistence and Precision and Trust at the Center of Peace. The implications emphasize that effective and humane anti-drug implementation requires shared responsibility across sectors. Strengthening leadership, trust, collaboration, and community engagement forms the path toward safer and more resilient society.