Go: Government focusing on drug users’ rehab

MANILA, Philippines — In the war on illegal drugs, the government is also focused on the rehabilitation and recovery of drug users, Sen. Bong Go said during a Senate hearing yesterday.

Go made the manifestation during a hearing of the Senate committee on public order and dangerous drugs on drug rehabilitation center bills.

“We have already enacted laws directed towards subduing the criminals responsible for drug-related crimes. However, the elimination of drug-related crimes is merely one aspect of the two-pronged approach that must be taken in dealing with the effects of dangerous drugs. Apart from the fight for the nation’s safety and security against the menace of illegal drugs, attention must also be directed towards the rehabilitation and recovery of its victims,” he said.

Go said drug dependents should be treated as “victims in dire need of medical, psychological, and spiritual help, with a chance of being successfully reintegrated into society as healthy and productive citizens.”

He added that these drug dependents can be given a chance at a new life.

Go said that in the past years, President Duterte inaugurated drug rehabilitation centers in Bukidnon and Nueva Ecija as well as in Las Piñas.

“Today, we have 64 drug rehabilitation centers accredited by the Department of Health,” he added.