FOLLOWING the graduation of 33 drug surrenderers in La Trinidad under the community-based rehabilitation program, another 14 will soon complete the six month program.
Municipal Anti-Drug Abuse Council (MADAC) Secretariat Lourdes Tagiba said the 33 drug surrenderers who have graduated in July is currently undergoing 18 months after care program which comprise of group and individual counseling, spiritual enrichment, medical intervention, community service, case management, family dialogue, and sports activities.
The program is led by the Municipal Health Services Office (MHSO) and MSWDO of La Trinidad which started this month where 25 drug surrenderers are actively reporting out of the 33 who finished the community-based program.
Since ‘Oplan Tokhang’ was launched nationwide in July 2016, some 217 drug surrenderers turned over themselves to local authorities.
Most of the surenderers comprised the 31 to 35 – year – old age group ranging from driver, farmer, laborer and porter.
The Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSDWO) recorded three barangays recorded the highest number of drug surrenderers in the valley with Barangay Pico (50), Poblacion (26) and Balili (20).
Pico barangay captain Juan Mendoza said since they are most populated barangay in the town, they already expected large number of drug surrenderers.
La Trinidad Mayor Romeo Salda said as part of their anti - illegal drug campaign, several programs and activities are being implemented in the municipality while barangay officials are sought to report any illegal activities in the valley.
Salda pledged more support to drug surrenderers who completed the valley’s program.
“They are still part of the community despite what happen. They have changed,” added the mayor
Salda added reports from the La Trinidad Municipal Police Station said there are still arrested drug users coming from different barangays in the valley.