Community-based rehabilitation

FIGHT AGAINST ILLEGAL DRUGS --- Barangay chairmen and officials of the city’s 37 barangays have sworn to defend their communities against proliferation of illegal drugs during a gathering last August 24 at D&M Catering. At inset is Mother Barangay Rosary Heights Chairwoman Janeth Dalagan as she signs the pledge of commitment in the fight against illegal drugs within her community. (GILMHAR A. LAO - MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

COTABATO CITY --- This city government remains committed to the concerns of illegal drug surrenderees with the conduct of one-day orientation on “Basic Guidance for Community-Based Treatment and Care for People with Stimulant Use Disorder” as it implements community-based rehabilitation program last August 24 held at D&M’s catering.

Participated by the city’s 37 barangay chairmen and officials, the activity was spearheaded by the Office on Health Services (OHS).

Joannah Ruffa B. Mangelen, focal person of the Anti-Drug Abuse program of the OHS, imparted to the participants the benefits of the community-based rehabilitation program for illegal drug surrenderees.

“The community-based rehabilitation program is an effort to address all forms of addiction by administering interventions or treatments of every affected community in the city to their respective surrenderees,” Mangelen said.

She added surrenderees may undergo counselling, community service or interventions which aim to prevent them from retaking drugs or avoid relapses, and simply to keep them busy.

“There will be active patient involvement, community support, and promotion of paradigm change with society to acknowledge drug dependence as a multi-factorial disorder. It is also less invasive and the treatment and rehabilitation are accessible and affordable,” Mangelen said.

Mangelen said they assess the illegal drug surrenderees into low, moderate, and high risk on illegal drug dependency.

“During the assessment, illness and symptoms will be checked if it has already affected their mental state. When they don’t have any manifestation of mental disorder, they can be referred to the community rehabilitation in the barangay. But for severe cases and those who have mental manifestation, they will be endorsed to a facility,” Mangelen said.

Mangelen stressed there are three major components of community-based treatment.

“First is the community that helps in the identification of drug users, conduct basic interventions, and refer patients to primary health services when required. Second would be the health services which will be provided by the health centers and hospitals. Lastly, the social welfare agencies where they offer education, vocational and skills training, and income generation opportunities, among others,” Mangelen added.

Accordingly, the project will run until such time that there will be no more surrenderees in the city.

Further, Mangelen said the program also gives the Philippine National Police (PNP), Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), and other law enforcement agencies the following roles: consider options other than arrest, direct referral to residential centers for drug users, and assist drug users in receiving help in the community.

“Still, their primary role is to enforce the law,” she said.

As of July 2017, the city has recorded a total of 2,247 illegal drug surrenderees where they get involved into various physical activities under the supervision of the barangay.

Senior Superintendent Victor Valencia, city police director, said that they are exerting much effort to protect the city away from illegal drugs.

“However, this is not a sole responsibility of our local authorities; it is the responsibility of everybody. Let us help our policemen and barangay officials in this fight. I urge each and every Cotabateño to remain vigilant and be cooperative with our law enforcers at all times,” said Valencia.

In a previous meeting, Mayor Atty. Frances Cynthia J. Guiani-Sayadi, together with the 37 barangay chairmen, agreed to maximize their campaign against illegal drugs.

The city government even ended up with a consensus to draft maps of all barangays to fast track pursuit of those who are involved in illegal drug activities.

“I am truly confident that the barangay captains will do their best. Let me tell you that the law-enforcement activities of barangay tanods in our 37 barangays are closely coordinated with our police and military men,” Guiani-Sayadi said.

Guiani-Sayadi, who chairs the City Peace and Order Council, also called on the attention of the barangay officials to ensure visibility of barangay tanods in strategic locations to prevent the movement of illegal drug activities.

She also reminded the barangay chairmen to also expand their intelligence operations.

PDEA-Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao officer Marlon Santos, who was also present during the activity, said: “I am very much pleased with the efforts of the city government and barangay officials in the campaign against illegal drugs.”(GILMHAR A. LAO - MINDANAO EXPOSE’)