MABALACAT CITY — The City Government here has officially launched the “Mamamayang Ayaw sa Droga, Mamamayang Ayaw sa Iligal na Droga” (MASA-MASID) on Friday.
Mayor Marino “Boking” Morales along with city government officials, barangay leaders and the PNP launched the program at the Jade Hall, Xevera Lot Only in Barangay Tabun, Xevera.
The MASA-MASID is a barangay-based anti-criminality, anti-corruption and anti-illegal drugs program that encourages multi-sectoral partnership through volunteerism.
The city government reported that between July 1 and October 25, 2016, some 1,068 drug users and 16 pushers have surrendered. A total of 87 drug users have surrendered to government authorities between October 26 and December 2, 2016.
Under the “Double Barrel Alpha” program of the PNP, a total of 1,171 houses were visited.
The PNP had earlier identified the 11 villages cleared of drugs as Barangays Bundagul, Paralayunan, Mangalit, Sapang Balen, Sta. Maria, Santo Rosario, Cacutud, Calumpang, Macapagal Village, Mawaque and Sta. Ines.
At the Bahay Pagbabago in Barangay Sapang Biabas, the first batch of 13 former drug users had already finished the month-long treatment. They were identified as Jennifer Canlas, Editha Medina, Marian Santos, Erlinda Bernal, Ignacio Canlas, Joseph Medina, Danilo Bernal, Edwin Canlas, Jenell Suba, Carrlo De Guzman, Alvin Rivera, Elyson Supan and Arjane Justo.
There are currently 17 patients at the rehabilitation center here.