Calamba Police Chief Pushes ‘Kabuhayan Kontra Krimen’ to Break the Cycle of Drugs and Crime

**** by: Edjun Mariposque

****

July 23, 2026

3–5 minutes

CALAMBA CITY, Laguna — Calamba City Chief of Police PLTCOL Dennis De Guzman has called for a long-term, community-driven approach to crime prevention, emphasizing that sustainable peace can only be achieved by addressing the root causes of illegal drugs and criminality.

In a statement, De Guzman said that based on his experience leading the Calamba City Police Station, around 60 to 70 percent of illegal drug personalities and focus crime suspects come from only a handful of communities where poverty, unemployment, and informal settlements are concentrated.

He explained that these areas often become home to individuals and families who cannot afford housing elsewhere, leaving many residents with limited employment opportunities and increasing their vulnerability to illegal activities.

During the recent Oplan Galugad, police encountered around 40 individuals who admitted to either using or selling illegal drugs in small quantities. According to De Guzman, nearly all of them already had police records, making it difficult to secure legitimate employment and forcing many to survive through scavenging and other informal jobs.

“I asked many of them a simple question: ‘Kung bibigyan kayo ng pagkakataon, gusto ba ninyong magtrabaho?’ Almost all answered yes. The problem is that very few employers are willing to hire them because of their records. Simply giving cash assistance is also not the answer, as it often ends up feeding the same destructive habits,” De Guzman said.

The police chief proposed a program that would provide former offenders and vulnerable residents with opportunities to work in cleaning and improving their own communities. Instead of receiving financial aid, participants would earn rice and food for their families based on the work they complete.

He stressed that such an initiative would allow beneficiaries to regain their dignity through honest labor while contributing to cleaner and safer neighborhoods.

De Guzman also suggested complementing the program with regular community cleanups, sports activities, skills training, and livelihood opportunities to help steer participants away from crime and illegal drugs.

“We invite everyone—our local government, private sector, civic organizations, and the community—to collaborate in a Kabuhayan Kontra Krimen approach. Because lasting peace is achieved not only by arresting offenders, but by creating pathways for people to become productive citizens once again,” he said.

The Calamba police chief emphasized that while law enforcement operations remain essential, lasting public safety requires a collective effort to provide hope, employment, and a second chance to those willing to rebuild their lives.

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