Some 1,057 surrenderees in the ongoing crackdown on illegal drugs in Makati took an Oath of Reformation signifying their desire to reform and lead a productive life.
Makati Mayor Abby Binay led the oathtaking of over 1,000 Oplan Tokhang surrenderees from various barangays in a ceremony dubbed “Panunumpa kay Mayor” held Thursday at the Makati Coliseum.
Binay told drug dealers that there was “no compromise” on drug-related matters even in the administration of her father, former vice president Jejomar Binay.
The mayor reminded concerned individuals not to waste the last chance being given to them, as there will not be another one.
“The city government is willing to give you the needed support to help you get back on your feet and become responsible members of society. In turn, we expect you to make good on your promise. Your loved ones expect nothing less,” she said.
The city government through the Makati Anti-Drug abuse Council (Madac) will screen surrenderees who need to undergo rehabilitation. Through a memorandum of agreement with the Department of Health-Bicutan, clients referred by Madac are enrolled in the rehabilitation program for free.
Binay also revealed plans to provide livelihood training for the surrenderees and a scholarship program for the out-of-school-youth among them.
She commended the Makati police and the barangay officials for the “encouraging results” of the initial implementation of Oplan Tokhang in the city, which started in July.
After the oath-taking ceremony, the participants listened to lectures given by Rev. Fr. Moises Ciego and personnel from the MADAC and the Makati Social Welfare Department.
They discussed the ill effects of illegal drugs on the spiritual, mental and physical well-being of a person, on his or her family, and the various services offered by MADAC.
Meanwhile, the afternoon session of the whole-day event was devoted to family counseling by the MSWD and more motivational activities for the surrenderers and their families.