Edward Kenneth A.

Dragas

2015-46053

BA-Political Science

Alia (not her real name) was once a happy and cheerful youth living in Rodriguez, Rizal, far
away from the buzz of the metropolitan Quezon City. She told me that she was just buying vinegar for
her grandparents to use for cooking when suddenly a tall man presumably handed to her a bunch of pills
she has not encountered before. It was big, she said in an anxious voice. The man suddenly ran away
from her. Before she could ever react, several police officers surrounded her and accused her of being a
drug courier. She was brought to the nearest police station that day. It was one of the worst experiences
of my life, she admitted. She stayed for one whole day there, just sitting, waiting for the police to issue
orders. During the next day, she was transferred to the Molave Youth Homes. I felt a great sense of pity
for her and anger for the man whove done this to her and to the police officers who did not treat her
well. I also felt connected to her story and was amazed that shed have to courage to tell this all to me,
even if we have just known each other.
Because of her story, I have learned much information about the current criminal justice system
our country currently has and how syndicates exploit children and blame them for all the dirty things
they have done. The police officers should know better that what they are dealing are young people, and
is prone to trauma. I really think we should reform our current police system and replace them with an
environment were people, whether youre young or old will be given the right to due process. It makes
me work hard as a political science student, so I can help the many victims who suffer the same fate
such as Alia. I wanted their voice to be heard by the government and demand them an appropriate
response for the steps that they would take to make sure this would never happen again. I am glad that
Im a part of this community immersion experience. I learned many insights and stories that I will keep
close to my heart as I battle on with life, and remembering the words that define UP that I should always
embody, Paglingkuran ang sambayanang Pilipino!.