MikeLigalig.com

First published in 2015
Rehab center for ‘drug addicts’
Following the historic decision by Liberal Party-Bohol candidates to submit to a voluntary drug test, the provincial government is now mulling the plan of establishing a drug rehabilitation center to help out those acutely addicted to the illegal substance, including politicians who need immediate treatment, government sources said.

   This developed after Gov. Edgar Chatto issued a directive creating a technical working group (TWG) that would study the requirements and necessity of putting up a drug rehabilitation center in Bohol, the first of its kind.

   The governor’s directive came even as his Liberal partymates continue to urge Carmen Mayor Che Ordoñez Delos Reyes, a gubernatorial bet in the May 2013 polls, to submit herself to a complete drug test amid public clamor for her to come out clean and prove she is not linked to alleged illegal drug trade and addiction.

   LP candidates said elected leaders in Bohol should not be ‘drug pushers or drug addicts’ otherwise “Bohol and its people would be doomed if the politicians here are involved in illegal drugs.”

   They have also expressed fears that money from illegal drug trade, guns and goons by non-LP candidates could be used to manipulate people’s will during the May 2013 polls.

   The belief surfaced after a scathing testimony of Richelyn Tecson of Carmen town aired over DYRD’s Inyong Alagad program, disclosing that Carmen Mayor Delos Reyes is allegedly involved in illegal drug business and drug addiction.

   Earlier, Chatto had submitted to a comprehensive drug test conducted by medical experts and witnessed by top officials of the province, and was proven negative, to set as a model to Boholanos for the nationwide anti-drug campaign and to debunk allegations made by the mayor of Carmen. Later, all Liberal Party candidates in Bohol unanimously decided to face a voluntary drug test, challenging their opponents to do the same and set a moral ascendancy in the fight against illegal drugs.

   First to answer the call were Atty. Alexander “Aleckoy” Lim and city businessman Zenaido “Djingo” Rama, city councilor bets, and Albur Mayor Efren Tungol and all his town councilor slate. On Monday all members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) will undergo a drug test, a move that would intensify Capitol’s crusade against anti-illegal drugs.

For years drug addicts in Bohol would seek treatment in drug rehab centers located in Cebu or Manila because there is not one in Bohol.

Ms. Liza M. Quirog, SEEM Cluster Head at the Capitol, said it is high time that Bohol would put up its own drug rehabilitation center which could cost up to P50 million or more.

Quirog said she will soon convene the possible TWG members who would consolidate and evaluate conflicting reports of a recent Holy Name University (HNU) Poll and that of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA).

In the HNU survey, only five percent of the respondents say that drug addiction is a problem in the province. But according to the Provincial Police Office and the PDEA, drug trade and abuse are rampant in certain areas in the province, including Carmen town and Tagbilaran.

In several media interviews, former Carmen Mayor Manuel “Boy” Molina revealed that for the last three years, ‘shabu is selling like hot cake’ in Carmen, Bohol.

TECHNICAL WORKING GROUP
   The possible members of the TWG include Quirog as chairperson; SP members Cesar Tomas Lopez and Josephine Socorro Jumamoy; Police Provincial Director Constantino Barot; Atty. Menedio Thaddeus Bernido (Provincial Legal Office); Roberto Cajes (LMP President); Ms. Papiasa Bustrillos (DSWD); Loisella Lucino (DILG); Carmelita Tecson (PSWDO); Esperanza Brunidor (CWL); Marietta Gasatan (BOhol Chamber of Commerce and Industry); and Secretariat (Marilou Makinano and Ramil Rodela). 

   â€œThe TWG work is to check the need or demand for a rehab center – that is in the light of HNU survey result where only five percent feels that drug is a problem,” Chatto said in a text message to the Chronicle.

   Public reaction to the HNU survey on drug problem showed that many have disagreed to the poll result saying most ordinary Boholanos surveyed do not possess a first-hand knowledge of the problem considering that illegal drug trade and abuse involve clandestine operations, and only police authorities on the field have a “clear and strong” grasp of this evil menace in society.

   Meanwhile, Quirog noted that the provincial government is operating two rehab centers, but such do not specifically cater to drug addiction.
   One is the Stimulation and Therapeutic Activity Center (STAC) designed for children with physical or mobility problems; children with disabilities aging 14 years old and below. Services include physical therapy, occupational therapy , special education and social services.

   Another is Bohol Crisis Intervention Center (BCIC) intended for women and children who are victims of various social problems where they can seek assistance, security, defense and rehab in order to face the community or world again as a strong person. Services include, psycho social services, education support, legal support, security support, livelihood trainings, psycho therapy, etc.

   â€œThere is one which a Technical Working Group is currently working on. The PPOC (Provincial Peace and Order Council) created a TWG to draft and prepare the establishment of a Bohol Youth Home for the Children in Conflict with the Law.  This is ready for presentation to the PPOC for approval and implementation beginning 2013. This facility covers youth offenders and recidivists both boys and girls. Services include, psycho social services, education support, legal support, security support, livelihood trainings, psycho therapy, etc,” Quirog said in an email message to the Chronicle.

A government source said the planned drug rehab center could be linked up with laboratory testing services provided by the Bohol Medical Care Institute (BMCI), a facility initiated by the Provincial Government of Bohol, First Consolidated Bank Foundation, Homereach Foundation, and DYRD/Bohol Chronicle.


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