74 surrenderees negative for drugs

SAN SIMON – A total of 74 drug surrenderees from this town yesterday underwent mandatory drug examinations facilitated by the Municipal Health Office here.

The drug tests was initiated by Chief Insurrenderees spector Ger m an Pascua, this town’s chief of police, who wanted to ensure that the surrenderees are serious in relinquishing the use of illegal d r u gs.

Pascua said the were required drug testing in preparation for their entrance to the Bahay Pagbabago reformation center set today.

“Third batch na sila ng reformists na papasok sa Bahay Pagbabago. Pero bago sila tuluyan pumasok, gusto muna natin makasiguro na gusto na nilang pagbabago at tinalikuran na talaga nila ang drugs sa pamamagitan ng drug tests,” he said.

The one-day drug examination revealed the 74 are eligible for the local government’s reformation program, Pascua said.

Pascua added that from the total 1,048 drug surrenderees of San Simon, 97 of them already underwent the three-month reformation program which was recognized as one of the best in the region. Aside from the drug tests, a one-stop shop of activities was also organized yesterday by the local police.

The event was participated in by the provincial government, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and Department of Health (DOH) for the benefit of the reformists.

Pascua disclosed that the Pampanga Capitol offered a small engine mechanic course while the DSWD and DOH conducted family assessment and medical program, respectively.