CH alarmed by rising number of drug users

CEBU, Philippines - The increasing number of illegal drug users in government offices is now becoming alarming, according to the Cebu City Office on Substance Abuse Prevention.

"It's alarming already knowing that more employees were tested positive for illegal drug use," said COSAP chief Alice Utlang.

At least 89 barangay employees tested positive for illegal drug use following a series of random drug tests.

Of the 22 barangays where drug tests were conducted, only four were declared drug-free. These are Barangays Pulangbato, Taptap, Talamban and Agsungot.

Yesterday, eight barangay workers were tested positive for illegal drugs. Of the eight workers, five are in Barangay Sambag while three in Barangay Zapatera.

Utlang said most of the barangay workers found positive for drugs are barangay tanods, garbage loaders, drivers, Barangay Environmental Officers, among others.

Those found positive will undergo a three-month outpatient rehabilitation program provided by the city government. Another round of drug test will then be conducted on them.

Utlang said COSAP will submit recommendations to the City Council, city mayor and Association of Barangay Councils as to the employment of barangay tanods.

"There must be certain qualification or standard in hiring barangay tanods like atong i-professionalize," she pointed out.

She said the barangay workers must undergo productive activities like daily exercise, education enhancement program, among others.

Utlang said there are five non-governmental organizations that are helping the city through sending guidance councilors, psychologists and other medical experts to help those illegal drug users.

COSAP has mandates to "eradicate the illicit supply and demand for dangerous drugs and to promote a barangay cooperation in drug abuse prevention with an effective program in education the danger of drug use and vigilance on presence of drug peddlers so as to attain an environment that is safe, prosperous, and drug free community. — (FREEMAN)