Pubdate: Sun, 17 Jul 2016
Source: Philippine Star (Philippines)
Copyright: PhilSTAR Daily Inc. 2016
Contact:  http://www.philstar.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/622
Author: Edith Regalado

'THERE'S STILL HOPE FOR DRUG SURRENDEREES'

DAVAO CITY - There is hope for the hundreds of drug users who have 
surrendered, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency ( PDEA) director 
general Isidro Lapena said yesterday

Lapena said the large number of drug users and dealers who 
surrendered shows that there is hope for them for the country.

In President Duterte's first week in office, 24,000 drug users and 
pushers surrendered. They will be given the chance to go back to 
mainstream society and be free of drugs.

"It is really overwhelming. We have these people who also wanted to 
change their lives. They see hope in the government's program," Lapena said.

"While we concentrate on supply reduction, high-value target and 
highimpact operation, we also have to address the need to educate our 
people on the ill effects of drugs so that they would be more aware 
and at the same time, shun illegal drugs totally," he added.

The PDEA chief said the President is keen on establishing 
rehabilitation centers all over the country.

Duterte has already instructed Secretary to the Cabinet Leoncio 
Evasco to work on the necessary funding for the construction of 
rehabilitation centers.

"There are those who will go through rehabilitation inside the 
centers while others could go on rehab on out-patient basis," Lapena said.

"We are also linking up with the pertinent agencies that could help 
us provide training if not livelihood assistance for those who need 
to have a source of income," he added.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom