Leyte cops push rehab project for drug surrenderers

PALO, Leyte, Nov. 11 (PNA) –- The Philippine National Police Leyte provincial office is pushing for a holistic approach in the rehabilitation of thousands of drug dependents and drug traders who yielded to authorities.

The police asked local government units to take part in the project dubbed as "Recovery through education, spiritual counseling, health management and involvement in social responsibilities" with the active collaboration of the barangays (villages) and other stakeholders (REHAB) project for thousands of arrested and surrendered drug pushers and users.

As of October this year, there are 7,631 self-confessed drug dependents and 127 drug traders who either surrendered or arrested in the anti-drug campaign.

These drug personalities are from 885 drug infected villages in the province.

“The REHAB project will focus on these arrested and surrendered drug pushers and users' drug abuse problems. There will be activities that can help them get over with the abuse, change their lives and make them become more productive,” said Leyte police provincial chief Sr. Supt. Franco Simborio.

The police provincial office mandated local police stations to implement the project in their respective areas. The project is now ongoing in the towns of Tanauan, Barugo, and Julita. (PNA) LAP/SQM/Aldwin John M. Cadayong (OJT)