Lived Experiences of the Philippine National Police Anti – Drug Operation Officer

Abstract

The study explores the lived experiences of police officers in the implementation of the Philippine National Police anti–drug operation program. It highlights the experiences of the police officers involved in a drug operation and the strategies applied in solving the issues and challenges, including its effect on the personal and official career of the police officers. The study utilizes qualitative interviews where the participants include 10 police officers involved in anti-drug operations in Southern Leyte. Purposive sampling was used in selecting the informants from the top three police stations in Southern Leyte with the most significant number of drug operations conducted. The study resulted in eight major themes emerging from the experiences of the informants. For the lived experiences of the participants in the conduct of drug operations, the following are the emergent themes: Feeling great when there is a catch, facing tall and hard wall, and being uncooperative. The strategy applied by the informants in solving the issues and challenges came up with the emergent themes: Having police initiative and securing an effective plan, contentment in the working performance, compromised personal and family security, and commendation for the accomplishment were the emergent themes regarding the effect of operation in the personal and professional careers of the participants. The results of study suggest that the PNP organization must provide all the necessary facilities and equipment for the operations. Continuous training and seminar should be initiated to strengthen the skills and capabilities of police officers in conducting drug operations.