EDITORIAL — All the help they need

Another batch of former inmates has completed Cebu City’s six-month after-care program.

This batch consisted of 66 individuals who have passed the program conducted by the Cebu City Office for Substance Abuse Prevention intended for them find new skills as well as work following rehabilitation.

This is a good development, but now they need all the help to make sure they stay on the straight and narrow path. That’s because it’s usually those who have been in jail for drug offense who have trouble getting free of this nefarious business.

Last October 14, police arrested Roy Fiel Ahig, 52, with ?7.2 million worth of shabu in a buy-bust operation in Purok Bangan, Barangay Cabancalan, Mandaue City.

Earlier this month another ?7 million worth of illegal drugs was seized from Renan Talledo Pardo, 31, in a buy-bust operation in Sitio Paglaum, Barangay Bulacao, Cebu City.

Just last week an estimated ?1.7 million worth of shabu was seized from Andrian Aligam Aro, 24, in a police operation conducted in Purok Kapayas Kimba, Barangay San Roque, Talisay City.

All three have been in prison before for drug offenses. While there is no indication they attended any after-care program, they are examples of former prisoners not being able to leave a life of crime behind.

We are sure they learned something during their stay in prison and aren’t eager to return to that kind of life. However, something compelled them to return to a life involving drugs. The reasons must have been very convincing or their situation very desperate indeed.

By “all the help” we don’t mean just the government, of course. The community, the workplace, and especially the friends and families of these newly-liberated individuals must do their share to make sure the temptation of using and selling drugs will be far and away.

Considering how much of a bane illegal drugs has become, any person who can be weaned away from using it or stopped from selling it can be considered a victory. They can also serve as proof that people can say no to drugs even after they have said yes to it.