Camp Olivas, Pampanga—Police authorities in Central Luzon are eyeing abandoned buildings in former military bases Subic and Clark to house illegal drug dependents in the region, which has now ballooned to 12,000.
Subic and Clark, both freeport zones, have such buildings which can be converted into temporary rehabilitation centers for the drug dependents. Both former naval and air force bases are under the control of Bases Conversion and Development Authority.
The idea surfaced as seven provincial police directors of Central Luzon were ordered to produce rehabilitation centers within months for drug users who have surrendered to authorities.
The figure is expected to swell to 50,000 in the coming days.
Chief Supt. Aaron Aquino, regional director of the PRO 3 in Central Luzon, said that the rehabilitation need only to be habitable for the dependents.
For instance, Bahay Pagasa in Lamao, Bataan is an old building that has been converted into a rehabilitation center to house the 700 drug dependents.
Aquino said he was surprised because only 8,000 dependents including 600 pushers were in the watchlist of the command. The figure has grown to 12,000 as of July 10.
Under the signed undertaking between the police stations and barangay captains, the dependents must report three times with police in their areas and promise to help in the eradication of illegal drugs campaign of the government. They will also be given counseling to complete their rehabilitation process.
