25 drug peddlers, users surrender to Camarines Norte governor

Camarines Norte Governor Edgardo Tallado. JUAN ESCANDOR JR./INQUIRER SOUTHERN LUZON FILE PHOTO

DAET, Camarines Norte — At least 25 self-confessed drug peddlers and users surrendered to Camarines Norte Gov. Edgardo Tallado on Tuesday to heed the call of President Duterte to stop the illegal drug trade and use in the country.

Tallado said those who surrendered came from a village in this capital town, with ages ranging from 20 to 47.

He said he received feelers on Monday morning, informing him about the plan of several drug peddlers and users to surrender for fear that they would be harmed or killed after the President announced a bloody war against illegal drugs.

Tallado said the village where they came from has been known for illegal drug activities.

Daet, Camarines Norte. BANDERA FILE PHOTO

Those who surrendered signed a document confessing their illegal activities and agreeing to undergo any background check and investigation by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA).

Tallado, in turn, urged them to reform and promised to help them find alternative means of livelihood and put them in a rehabilitation program.

The event was witnessed by Daet Mayor Benito Ochoa, Camarines Norte PDEA chief Judith Rigo and Supt. Wilmor Halamani, Daet police chief.  SFM