Pubdate: Sun, 16 Jan 2005
Source: Manila Times (Philippines)
Copyright: 2005, The Manila Times
Contact:  http://www.manilatimes.net/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/921
Author: Mark Louie P. Roxas
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/rehab.htm (Treatment)

118 DRUG DEPENDENTS IN ANGELES UNDERGO REHAB

ANGELES CITY: A total of 1l8 drug dependents in this city have submitted 
themselves for rehabilitation at the Central Luzon Drug Rehabilitation 
Center (CLDRC) since January.

Mayor Carmelo Lazatin said that since he launched his "Lambat Droga" 
project on August 12, 2002, in response to President Arroyo's campaign 
against illegal drugs, less local drug dependents have been using illegal 
drugs.

He said that 53 of 118 drug dependents shouldered their own expenses, 46 
were cost shared by the city government and the patients' family and 19 
others were sponsored by the city government.

Lazatin said that some of the patients are living a new life with their 
families after having been rehabilitated for six months at CLDRC.

In line with the program, the Angeles City Police Office (ACPO) has 
conducted 110 operations that resulted in the arrest of 185 persons.

Bong Mariano, the Lambat Droga head said, that 78 of these persons were 
arrested for drug pushing, four for possession of illegal drugs.

Mariano added that 61 were arrested for using illegal drugs; the remaining 
12 for possession of drug paraphernalia.

A total of 185 drug cases were filed in court last year and are presently 
being heard in court, Mariano said.

Monitoring activity in different barangays is also conducted regularly by 
the Lambat Droga team together with the ACPO and other barangay leaders. At 
least 20 of the city's 33 barangays are drug free.

Lambat Droga team also conducted 36 drug symposia, consultations and 
meeting with various schools and nongovernment organizations in the city.

The project aims to neutralize the illegal-drug trade, rehabilitate drug 
victims and to promote awareness on its ill effect.
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