Crusades for Drug-Free Communities: Hands-on Experiences of Rural Police Managers in the Second District of Bohol, Philippines

This study explored the lived experiences of Chiefs of Police in managing anti-drug programs in the Second District of Bohol, Philippines, with a focus on enhancing grassroots-level drug prevention strategies. Conducted from January 2024 to December 2024, the study aimed to examine three key aspects: the experiences of police chiefs in managing anti-drug programs, how they addressed challenges in implementation, and their aspirations for improved performance. A qualitative phenomenological design was employed, utilizing a validated interview guide to facilitate in-depth interviews with ten (10) purposively selected Chiefs of Police who met the inclusion criteria. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using Colaizzi’s method for phenomenological data analysis. Findings revealed both encouraging and challenging themes in managing anti- drug initiatives. Positive experiences centered on community support and a sense of achievement, while negative encounters were marked by budgetary constraints and the tactical use of technology by offenders. In overcoming obstacles, informants highlighted inter-agency collaboration and strategic monitoring as critical. Aspirations focused on sustained community engagement and access to professional development opportunities to enhance leadership capacity. The study recommends stronger funding mechanisms, capacity- building for police leadership, and multisectoral collaboration to reinforce anti-drug efforts at the local level. Future research should examine the emotional and psychological impact of sustained anti-drug operations on rural police managers and evaluate the long-term effectiveness of collaborative anti-drug strategies.