Leyte town maps out long-term plan for surrendered druggies

CARIGARA, Leyte, Aug. 25 (PNA)-- The local government is mapping out strategies for the rehabilitation of 350 drug pushers and users who voluntarily yielded to the Philippine National Police (PNP) since last month.

Carigara Mayor Eduardo C. Ong said the local government presented their long-term rehabilitation plan during the recent executive-legislative agenda (ELA) for consideration.

"The surrenderers will undergo several training for self renewal as they’re integrated back to the community," Ong said.

Self-confessed drug personalities, according to Ong, were made to sign an affidavit that they will do away with illegal activities and live normal lives through the help of the government.

The official believed that with the very limited funds, the plan to put up their own rehabilitation center is impossible, however, they can ask for assistance from the national government.

“We will coordinate with other government agencies to implement programs that will benefit the surrenderers. One is with the Department of Social Welfare and Development for the implementation of food for work,” Ong said.

The local government will also seek assistance from the Department of Labor and Employment to provide drug dependents with livelihood support so they will not return to drug trading and dependency.

Ong said they are intensifying their campaign against illegal drugs. He said they will pay extra attention to drug suspects who have warrant of arrests.

“The move of the government in the crackdown on drugs is very welcome because illegal drugs destroy the life of the user, their families and put in danger the future of the incoming generations,” the mayor added. (PNA)

FPV/SQM/LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA/EGR