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Guimaras to undergo drug-free assessment

JORDAN, Guimaras, Jan. 12 (PNA) -- The island province of Guimaras is hopeful it will be declared drug-free.

Governor Samuel Gumarin said assessors from the Philippine Drug Enforcement (PDEA) and the Philippine National Police (PNP), among others are set to visit the island-province on January 14.

"Hopefully, Guimaras will be the second province in the country to be declared drug-free as it will further boost the tourism industry in the island," Gumarin said.

The assessment on Saturday will be done after the bike ride dubbed 'Padyak Kontra Droga.'

Chief Superintendent Jose Gentiles, Police Regional Office (PRO)-6 regional director, is expected to grace the event.

Citing Guimaras Police Provincial Office (GPPO) data, Gumarin said 78 percent of the identified drug dependents surrendered to the police, and only eight of the 82 percent high value targets remain at large.

"The problem is the remaining targets are reportedly no longer here in Guimaras," Gumarin said.

Meanwhile, the provincial government is set to implement this year the Php1.5-million rehabilitation program for about 600 drug dependents who surrendered in the PNP Operation Tokhang.

The province did not implement the project in 2016 as staff that will man the program underwent a training first.

"Of the 600 assessed drug dependents, seven were severely dependent," Gumarin said.

The program is set to pilot at Nueva Valencia, with the 7th Day Adventist as partner.

Even the province will be declared drug-free, "We will not be complacent, instead, we will continue the anti-drug campaign, with the help of barangay captains," Gumarin said.

Meanwhile, Gumarin is now the head of Western Visayas Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC).

His appointment was signed by President Duterte and Interior Secretary Ismael Sueno.

"It's a pride for Guimaras. We were given the chance to lead the RPOC even if we are a small province," Gumarin said.

"We will continue the initiatives of President Duterte, particularly the campaign against illegal drugs," the governor said.

Gumarin said he will also work to improve the other sectors needed to ensure peace and order in the region.

He said the goal is to sustain the gains of the region's campaign against illegal drugs, with the help of the PNP, Army, local government units, and the private sector. (PNA)
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