Drop in DDB voluntary rehab applications noted

CEBU, Philippines - The Parole and Probation Administration-7 noted a seven-percent decrease in the number of applications for voluntary submission program of the Dangerous Drugs Board in 2009.

There were only 176 drug dependents or relatives who applied for voluntary submission to a treatment and rehabilitation center last year compared to 190 who came for assistance in 2008.

PPA-7 Public Information Office said that the drop may likely be attributed to the growing trend where most persons involved in drugs would prefer to enter the rehabilitation centers incognito or secretly.

Of the 190 applications in 2008, only 163 pushed through and were verified by PPA. Last year, of the 176 applications, only 159 pushed through and were verified.

There were 150 applicants who were referred for Drug Dependency Exams last year, but only 87 DDE reports were received. “There may be those who opted not to pursue their applications after undergoing the DDE,” according to PPA-7.

Petitions filed in court however increased from 100 in 2008 to 118 in 2009. Of the 118 petitions filed, 109 were acted upon by the court last year compared to the record in 2008 where only 87 were acted upon.

The voluntary submission program of the DDB is pursuant to Section 54 of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 which provides that a drug dependent, fully realizing the danger associated with the abuse of drugs, may apply by himself or through his relative for treatment and rehabilitation of the drug dependency to the DDB or its duly recognized representative.

Upon application, DDB shall bring forth the matter to the court which shall order that the applicant be examined for drug dependency.

To increase the number of drug dependents voluntarily submitting for rehabilitation and in efforts to make the Voluntary Submission Program more accessible to drug dependents, DDB last year tied up with the PPA whose volunteer officers received technical assistance to become authorized DDB representatives.

With this partnership, drug dependents living far from the office in Quezon City may now come to PPA regional offices within their locality to accomplish their drug dependency exam, court petition and fulfill their temporary confinement and actual rehabilitation requirements. — Jessica Ann R. Pareja/MEEV (THE FREEMAN)