Pubdate: Wed, 31 Aug 2005
Source: Sunstar Davao (Philippines)
Copyright: 2005 Sunstar
Contact:  http://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1991
Note:  also listed for feedback
Author: Raquel C. Bagnol
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/rehab.htm (Treatment)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/areas/Philippines

USERS FAR OUTNUMBER DRUG REHAB CAPACITY

GOVERNMENT and private rehabilitation centers for drug dependents in
the country can only accommodate 10,000 patients at a time.

This is too small to respond to the country's estimated 3.4 million
drug users, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) director general
Anselmo Avenido said in a recent interview at the Royal Mandaya Hotel.

"We lack the facilities to rehabilitate drug dependents, so let us
focus instead on preventing people from needing the services of drug
rehabilitation centers," Avenido said.

He added that the PDEA is focusing on the drug supply reduction and
drug demand reduction.

"We are calling on all sectors to join us in our all-out sustained
efforts to reduce, if not totally eradicate the supply and demand side
of the drug chain," Avenido said.

The campaign includes anti-drug advocacy, preventive education, drug
awareness programs, intervention, treatment and rehabilitation.

He said that since the implementation of the Republic Act 9165
(Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002) in July 2002, they can say
that the PDEA have successfully trimmed down the drug supply by half.

"The drug problem in the country been with us for the past 30 years,
despite efforts of the law enforcement agencies mandated to implement
RA 6425 (Dangerous drugs act of 1972), the drug problem has
escalated," Avenido said. In this line, Avenido said his agency is
bent on the campaign for controlling the drug problem.

Avenido was in the city to speak on the status of the revitalized
national anti-drug campaign whose ultimate purpose is to create a
drug-free Philippines by the year 2010 during the First Minsupala
media summit.

Avenido said that from July 20, 2002 to June 30, 2005, PDEA has seized
P40 billion worth of illegal drugs, chemicals and laboratory
equipment. He added that the anti-narcotics authorities dismantled 30
secret illegal drug laboratories and 21 chemical storage facilities
including those in Davao and Cagayan de Oro cities.

During the three-year period, 19 transnational and 407 local drug
groups has been neutralized, 75,455 persons were arrested, and 51,213
drug cases were filed in court.

Dangerous drugs, which were destroyed in 17 destruction ceremonies
also reached P15.7 billion and P6.617 million reward money was given
to 58 informants of operation: Private Eye that led to successful
arrest of 122 drug personalities and confiscation of P368.47 million
worth of illegal drugs.

"We still have a long way to go, our drug problem is still at an
alarming level, and we, together, have to meet the challenge of
realizing our common noble vision of drug-free Philippines by 2010,"
Avenido said. 
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