ALAMINOS CITY– The city government with the police, the Church and other concerned agencies have decided on a holistic approach to help combat drug menace and help self-confessed drug users and pushers have a new life.

This was reached after City Mayor Arthur Celeste invited the Department of Social Welfare and Development, City Health Office, Catholic Church, barangay officials, Departments of Education and Agriculture to a meeting on July 28.

“The drug problem in an area cannot be solved alone by the police but by a collaborative participation of various sectors,” he said.

Mr. Celeste said the agreed approach will include medical examination of those who surrendered to determine their health condition, assess their capabilities and attitude and provide them skills training for livelihood as well as spiritual guidance.

He said that as much as possible, he would not want anybody killed because of drugs.

“But if something bad happens to you because of your illegal drug activities, then no one is to be blamed except yourselves for being stubborn,” he warned people hooked on drugs and have not surrendered.

As of latest count, more than 200 have surrendered to the police but Mayor Celeste said he is still not satisfied with the number. “This will multiply on Tuesday,” he said.

He said he required barangay officials to submit more names of suspected drug users and pushers because they were initially reluctant for fear that that it will make them lose votes in the coming barangay elections.

“But I explained it to them very well,” he said.

He has also required mandatory drug tests among city government officials and two were found positive. They were dismissed from service outright, he added.

The mayor said a similar drug test was conducted for barangay officials and the police but no one proved positive of drug use.

The city government spent for the expenses used in the drug tests. (Tita Roces)

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