SC urged: Designate Benguet drug court; surrenderees 1,901

By Susan C. Aro

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet -- The newly created multi-agency task force on anti-illegal drugs urged  the  Supreme Court   to designate a  temporary  drug court  in the province in line with the government’s campaign  against  illegal drugs.

This, as provincial police director  Senior Supt. FloranteCamuyot said to date, total number of drug surrenderees in the province is 1,901.

In a meeting convened by task force chairperson Gov. Crescencio Pacalso, the members agreed to seek the Supreme Court’s designation of a temporary drugs court to facilitate issuance of court orders for rehabilitation of drug surrenderees.

Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Legal Officer lawyer Ernesto Marzo  cited  urgency for a specialized court to attend to drug surrenderees  since  going to the regular court will take longer time as cases will  be have to be  raffled and calendared.

Marzo said the issuance of a court order is to ensure drug dependent will undergo full rehabilitationas indicated in his commitment upon applying for rehabilitation, otherwise if discontinued the court could file a case against him or her.

There is a legal process to follow in undergoing drug rehabilitation program of the government. First is for the drug dependent to file an application with the Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) accredited representatives.

Marzo and two other PDEA officials are the accredited DDB representatives in the region.

The   applicant will undergo DDT examination from accredited physicians at the Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center.  After determining drug dependency, PDEA files the petition in court for treatment and rehabilitation.

Pending the issuance of a court order, a 15-day temporary confinement of the patient can be done, Marzo said.

Meanwhile, the provincial government is eyeing establishment of rehabilitation center in Wangal this town to cater to drug dependents.