The first batch of 19 illegal drug ‘reformists’ started the initial phase of their rehabilitation process on Thursday, Nov. 11 at the newly-opened Balay Silangan Center in San Remigio, Cebu province.
In a statement, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) the first batch of ‘reformists’ are eager to be given a second chance of being reintegrated as productive members of their respective communities.
Starting Nov. 11, PDEA noted that “the 19 ‘reformists’, all plea bargainers, attended the formal opening of the center, which will be their home for one month as they complete the first of three phases of the program.’’
PDEA 7 Acting Deputy Regional Director Thessa A. Tiuzen in her speech cited the local government of San Remigio for being consistent in its implementation of the campaign against illegal drugs, from the drug-clearing of all its 27 barangays in 2017 and now to the opening of its Balay Silangan Center, an LGU-based reformatory program pursuant to Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) Regulation No. 2, Series of 2018.
She Tiuzen expressed her admiration to the ‘reformists’ for having “the courage and determination to turn their lives around’’ while assuring PDEA's support and assistance toward their complete reformation.
The town of San Remigio was a recipient of the DILG 2020 Anti-Drug Abuse Council Special Award.