Archdiocese of Manila launches program for drug surrenderees

MANILA, Philippines – The Archdiocese of Manila yesterday launched a program that will provide drug surrenderees psycho-spiritual rehabilitation for six months in parishes on an outpatient basis.

In his homily at the Manila Cathedral, Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle said the program Sanlakbay Para sa Pagbabagong Buhay is the archdiocese’s response to the rising number of drug users who surrendered under the Oplan Tokhang of the Philippine National Police (PNP).

At least 700,000 drug users have surrendered to the PNP. In Manila alone, there are about 29,000 suspected drug users.

The program intends to provide drug surrenderees values formation, counseling, sports, cultural and livelihood programs geared toward healing, rehabilitation and restoration.

The services will be given to drug surrenderees who volunteer to take the program. 

The program will be implemented in all parishes in the cities of Manila, Pasay, Makati, Mandaluyong and San Juan.