Palma: prioritize rehab, aftercare of surrenderers

CEBU Archbishop Jose Palma urged the National Government to prioritize the rehabilitation and aftercare of drug surrenderers.

Palma made his appeal after President Rodrigo Duterte issued an order reinstating the Philippine National Police as the lead agency in the National Government’s war against illegal drugs.

Palma told reporters yesterday that he will continue to support Duterte’s campaign against illegal drugs, but he hopes that the National Government will also prioritize the rehabilitation and aftercare of drug surrenderers.

He believes that instead of neutralizing illegal drug sellers and users, the government must give a chance to drug surrenderers to change and go back as productive members of the community.

“Let’s be serious about the war on drugs but the whole idea is, what’s best to do with the surrenderers? What’s best to do with those who want to change but are not given the opportunity to rehabilitate themselves,” said Palma.

Duterte earlier called upon the PNP to renew their campaign against illegal drugs following a “notable” resurgence drug-related cases. (JKV)