Pubdate: Sat, 29 Oct 2005
Source: Mindanao Times (Philippines)
Copyright: 2005 Mindanao Times.
Contact:  http://www.mindanaotimes.com.ph/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2980
Author: Jose G. Dalumpines
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/topics/Summary+Execution (Summary Execution)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/topics/Davao+Death+Squad (Davao Death Squad)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Cannabis)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/topics/Philippines

KILLINGS AFFECT DRUG REHAB PATIENTS - CHO

The fear to be another victim of summary execution is a factor
preventing patients undergoing drug rehabilitation to stop further
treatment.

Rustum Fanugao, After Care Officer of the City Health Office, said 25
recovering drug dependents in the city no longer reported to the After
Care Program for fear of their lives.

He said these patients can no longer be traced especially after three
among the 145 recovering drug dependents were killed.

Fanugao however declined to identify these drug dependents.

He said many patients are apprehensive of being suspected of indulging
on the vice again prompting them to leave the city.

Fanugao also believed that there are patients who slid back to the
vice.

"We presume of their relapse that is why some of them no longer showed
up for examination and assessment," he said.

Fanugao called on the patients to show up at the Philippine Drug
Enforcement Administration Office for their protection.

He assured that they can still be helped as long as they cooperate
with the After Care program.

Fanugao revealed there are more dependents to shabu than marijuana
among their patients and that the possibility of relapse is high among
their patients, especially in communities where there is a high supply
of the illegal substance. 
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