LGU assistance needed on accommodating drug surrenderees, says police

DAVAO CITY, Philippines - Police has sought coordination with the city government for the "proper accommodation" of drug pushers and users who voluntarily surrendered for reformation as jails and rehabilitation centers are now overflowing with prisoners and patients.

On Thursday's I-Speak Forum at the City Hall Conference Room, Davao City Police Office (DCPO) deputy director for operation Superintendent Angel Sumagaysay admitted having trouble in handling huge number of surrenderees here.

"Nabigla tayo sa laki ng number of surrenderees," Sumagaysay said.

Dr. Gene Gulanes, manager of the Davao City Treatment and Rehabilitation Center for Drug Dependents, earlier said the center is getting crowded.

"The number suddenly increased this month, a spike attributed to the series of surrenders of drug personalities following an intensified anti-drug campaign of the Duterte administration," Gulanes said.

Should the center continue to be swamped with court orders for more admissions of clients from outside the city, "I would probably be forced to write back the court and respectfully decline," he added.

Sumagaysay said DCPO had worked with the Police Regional Office (PRO) 11 to craft a program that will address the problem on congested jails and rehabilitation centers in the city as well as in the country. The proposal was already sent to the Philippine National Police (PNP) Director General Ronald dela Rosa but he has not replied yet.

"The police cannot handle this thing alone, now that it has gotten this big," Sumagaysay added.

He said staff from the Department of Health (DOH) should assess those who surrendered whether they should be sent to the rehab or reformation.

"There should be personnel assigned to facilitate the counseling of those who are not sent to rehab, once they pass the counseling, they would be integrated back to the community," he said.

They also aim to hold livelihood workshops to those who submitted themselves to authorities so they could channel their time to more sensible matters.

On Wednesday, Councilor Diosdado Mahipus, committee head on Peace and Public Safety, said he plans on putting up a livelihood training institute for drug suspects who surrender to authorities.

Mahipus will propose this plan to the City Council next week.