Army trains Negros drug dependents

BACOLOD CITY—Around 50 drug users and pushers finished a weeklong livelihood and values formation training at an Army camp in Negros Occidental.

“This was one way of diverting the attention of drug dependents. Otherwise, they will go back to their old ways,” said Colonel Francisco Delfin, commander of the Army’s 303rd Infantry Brigade (303 IB).

The first batch of drug dependents were taught organic farming techniques and other livelihood skills at Camp Gerona, 303 IB’s headquarters in Murcia town.

Delfin said the training is a joint project of the 303 IB and Negros Occidental provincial government under Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr. in support of the Duterte’s administration war against drugs.

Marañon has said that the drug problem in Negros Occidental has been reduced by at least 50 percent with the surrender of more than 10,000 drug users and pushers.

Marañon said Mayor Jeffrey Tabujara of Cauayan town has offered a part of its district hospital as a treatment center for drug dependents.