Army camps eyed as drug rehab centers Army dog gets medal
BACOLOD CITY – At least two military camps have been identified as drug rehabilitation centers in the Negros Island Region.
Col. Francisco Delfin, 303rd Infantry Brigade (IB) commander, said Camp Maj. Nelson Gerona in Barangay Minoyan in Murcia town is being eyed for drug dependents in Negros Occidental while the camp of the 302nd IB in Tanjay City for drug users in Negros Oriental.
Negros Oriental Rep. Arnie Teves, who proposed outpatient drug rehabilitation said some public classrooms would also be used for therapy sessions.
More than 18,000 suspected drug pushers and users have surrendered on Negros Island since July 1.
“We have to do something about it now, or else, they would return to their old habits,” said Negros Occidental Gov. Alfredo Marañon.
The provincial board of Negros Occidental approved a P5million budget to support its drug rehabilitation program.
BACOLOD CITY – An Army dog that was part of the counterinsurgency drive as well as search and rescue operations for victims of calamities in Negros Occidental has been honored with a medal.
Kodak, a two-year-old Labrador, was awarded a Brown Eagle medal during the founding anniversary of the 303rd Infantry Brigade (IB) in Murcia town on Friday.
His handler, Cpl. Jaymar Lingco, received a certificate of appreciation.
Kodak is a member of the K9 Battalion of the Intelligence Service Group of the Army supporting the operations of the 303rd IB.
2nd Lt. Ma. Revekka Knothess Roperos, 303rd IB public information officer, said Kodak is being used to track fleeing communist rebels.
Five other Army personnel received medals during the ceremony. They are Lt. Col. Wesley Salvador, SSgt. Jovanie Luberas, 1st Lt. Romeo Guimiran, MSgt. Celestino Achuela and Cpl. Redgel Alanta-ol.
Negros Occidental Gov. Alfredo Marañon, who was among the civilian awardees, lauded the 303rd IB for making the province peaceful.
Provincial planning and development officer Ma. Lina Sanogal, Juan Jose Bonen, John Patrick Onggao, Patricio Baynosa and SM City-Bacolod are the other civilian awardees.