Erap wants lists of drug users in 896 barangays

Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada has ordered the chairmen of 896 barangays in the city to submit the lists of known and suspected drug users in their jurisdictions.

In a memorandum to Manila Barangay Bureau chief Arsenio Lacson Jr., Estrada said the city government needs the lists to facilitate the counseling and rehabilitation program for drug dependents who want to change their ways.

Estrada directed the Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Council (BADAC) to come up with the lists of drug users who want to undergo rehabilitation.

The barangay chairmen were also ordered to update the mayor’s office about their campaign on drug demand reduction strategies in the areas.

“We have to treat these drug users because they are victims of the drug menace. We cannot win the war against illegal drugs if we don’t help drug dependents first,” Estrada said.

The mayor said he would launch a comprehensive and community-based drug rehabilitation program amid the growing number of drug surrenderees in the city.

Estrada said the program would complement the antidrug operations conducted by police that have so far resulted in the surrender of 10,174 drug dependents and deaths of 92 drug pushers in the city.

Estrada formed the BADAC when he assumed office in 2013 to tap the cooperation of barangay officials and the communities in eliminating illegal drugs.