39 drug surrenderers in Cebu town complete community-based treatment

Drug surrenderers from Barangay Tunghaan, Minglanilla town, south Cebu receive certificates from the local government to prove they already completed their community-based treatment on Friday, August 5. (MARY GRACE OBERES / INQUIRER VISAYAS)

MINGLANILLA TOWN, Cebu — At least 39 drug surrenderers from Barangay Tunghaan here have completed their community-based treatment on Friday.

According to Jomar Lozada, the focal person of the Municipal Anti-Drug Abuse Council, they adopted a program introduced by the Philippine National Police called “taphang” or tapok hangyo where they gathered persons hooked to illegal drugs.

For three months, the surrenderers underwent lectures and other interventions by village leaders in Minglanilla.

Barangay Tunghaan Captain Sarah Ababon Alicaya encouraged those who are into illegal drugs to not lose hope.

“We want them to change their lives and move from the dark side of life to a brighter future,” she said.

Mayor Rajiv Enad of Minglanilla town said surrenderers only have to make the right decision and leave their involvement in the narcotics trade.

Laarni (not her real name) felt relieved that she no longer used illegal drugs for three months.

“I keep on praying because I was scared that I might be arrested, jailed, or killed,” she said.

“I’m grateful that our barangay has this program. It made me recover and helped transform my life,” she added.

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