PNP to ‘LIFT’ drug surrenderers

FILE: The program, “Life After Tokhang” (LIFT), seeks to assist drug users and help them recover from drug abuse and dependence, PNP spokesperson Chief Supt. Dionardo Carlos said in a statement Thursday.
(Photo: Philippine National Police/ Facebook)

MANILA – The Philippine National Police (PNP) is set to launch a progressive community-based recovery and wellness program to help rehabilitate drug users who have surrendered to authorities.

The program, “Life After Tokhang” (LIFT), seeks to assist drug users and help them recover from drug abuse and dependence, PNP spokesperson Chief Supt. Dionardo Carlos said in a statement Thursday.

During the one-year period from July 1, 2016 to June 30, 2017, a total of 1,309,776 drug personalities, both users and pushers, have yielded to the police during “Tokhang” operations.

Carlos said consultations are underway to finalize an agreement between the PNP and the non-governmental organization, Life Rispondé Foundation, to put their LIFT program into motion.

Rispondé is a duly registered non-stock and non-profit foundation that has been successfully conducting community-based rehabilitation and outpatient recovery programs for drug users.

In partnership with government agencies, Rispondé has successfully delivered the Baguio Emergency Response to Addiction (BERA), Bontoc Emergency Response to Addiction (BONTERA), Sablan Emergency Response to Addiction (SABERA), Naturopathic Addiction Recovery Programs (NARS), and Life Management Programs (LMP).

The PNP’s LIFT will complement the drug rehabilitation and treatment program being implemented by the Department of Health. (PNA)