61 ex-drug dependents ‘graduate’ from Tarlac rehab center

Sixty-one former drug dependents graduated from the Recovery and Wellness Program, otherwise known as the Bahay Pagbabago Reformation of the Philippine National Police, in Tarlac recently.

Senior Supt. Ritchie Posadas, Tarlac Police Provincial Office (TPPO) head, said these drug reformists are from Gerona, Pura, Moncada, Paniqui, San Clemente and Tarlac City.

“They are the recipient of the program who undergone treatment of physical, psychosocial, spiritual activities and livelihood training for two months,” Posadas said.

“To date, we have a total of 4,803 graduates from the Bahay Pagbabago program in our province,” Posadas added.

Police Community Relations Group head Chief Supt. Rhodel Sermonia commended TPPO for the extensive and effective implementation of reformation program. He urged the reformists to sustain the change they have started.

“Through this program, we hope that you will continue to generate true change in our community so that peace and order will reign supreme in our country,” Sermonia said.

Aside from certificates, graduates also received livelihood starter tools as assistance to start-up business and help them return to their normal lives.

More than 1.26 million drug personalities have surrendered to the Philippine National Police (PNP) and barangay officials during the first year of the government’s “relentless efforts” to combat illegal drugs under Duterte administration.

Data from PNP showed that from July 31, 2016 to Oct. 10, 2017, over 1.26 million drug personalities have surrendered to the authorities, including about 50,000 minors.