Drug users and pushers in Quezon City have less than a week to surrender as the city government launched an all-out campaign against illegal drugs on Friday.
Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista gave them until June 30 to turn themselves in to authorities and change for the better.
“You have seven days remaining. Pitong araw pa para sa lahat ng magbalik loob na sa pamahalaan at tutulungan kayo na magbago at magbagong buhay,” Bautista said.
“Yung mga pasaway, wala na tayong magagawa, ang makakasagupa niyo na ay ‘yong kamay na bakal ng pamahalaan. Huhulihin kayo, at kung kayo ay lumaban, walang magagawa ang kapulisan kundi lumaban din. Hindi na natin alam kung anong ikahahantong niyo,” Bautista said before more than 700 drug users and pushers who surrendered at the launching of the Quezon City Police District “Oplan Katok at Pakiusap” or “Kapak” Friday.
The program, conducted in coordination with the city government in line with the incoming administration’s campaign against illegal drugs, aims to encourage drug users and pushers to surrender, voluntarily submit themselves to drug testing, and undergo rehabilitation. They will also be asked to name their illegal drug suppliers.
“We, the local government, also gave ourselves an ultimatum to be serious in the campaign against prohibited drugs, especially that incoming President Rodrigo Duterte asks us to,” said Bautista.
The mayor said the city government will assist those who have and will surrender in their rehabilitation. “We have rehabilitation centers,” he said.
Bautista also promised to aid their children’s education, even their spouses, through the government’s Alternative Learning System or Technical Educations and Skills Development Authority programs. Loans will also be provided for those who want to start their own livelihood, the mayor added. (Vanne Elaine P. Terrazola)