Lesson 2: Procedure in the custody & disposition of confiscated, seized and

surrendered drugs, plants as sources of dangerous drugs

REPUBLIC ACT NO. 10640

AN ACT TO FURTHER STRENGTHEN THE ANTI-DRUG CAMPAIGN OF THE GOVERNMENT, AMENDING FOR
THE PURPOSE SECTION 21 OF REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9165, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE "COMPREHENSIVE
DANGEROUS DRUGS ACT OF 2002"

Section 1. Section 21 of Republic Act No. 9165, otherwise known as the "Comprehensive Dangerous
Drugs Act of 2002", is hereby amended to read as follows:

"SEC. 21. Custody and Disposition of Confiscated, Seized, and/or Surrendered Dangerous Drugs, Plant
Sources of Dangerous Drugs, Controlled Precursors and Essential Chemicals, Instruments/Paraphernalia
and/or Laboratory Equipment. – The PDEA shall take charge and have custody of all dangerous drugs,
plant sources of dangerous drugs, controlled precursors and essential chemicals, as well as
instruments/paraphernalia and/or laboratory equipment so confiscated, seized and/or surrendered, for
proper disposition in the following manner:

"(1) The apprehending team having initial custody and control of the dangerous drugs, controlled
precursors and essential chemicals, instruments/paraphernalia and/or laboratory equipment shall,
immediately after seizure and confiscation, conduct a physical inventory of the seized items and
photograph the same in the presence of the accused or the person/s from whom such items were
confiscated and/or seized, or his/her representative or counsel, with an elected public official and a
representative of the National Prosecution Service or the media who shall be required to sign the copies
of the inventory and be given a copy thereof: Provided, That the physical inventory and photograph
shall be conducted at the place where the search warrant is served; or at the nearest police station or at
the nearest office of the apprehending officer/team, whichever is practicable, in case of warrantless
seizures: Provided, finally, That noncompliance of these requirements under justifiable grounds, as long
as the integrity and the evidentiary value of the seized items are properly preserved by the
apprehending officer/team, shall not render void and invalid such seizures and custody over said items.

"x x x

"(3) A certification of the forensic laboratory examination results, which shall be done by the forensic
laboratory examiner, shall be issued immediately upon the receipt of the subject item/s: Provided, That
when the volume of dangerous drugs, plant sources of dangerous drugs, and controlled precursors and
essential chemicals does not allow the completion of testing within the time frame, a partial laboratory
examination report shall be provisionally issued stating therein the quantities of dangerous drugs still to
be examined by the forensic laboratory: Provided, however, That a final certification shall be issued
immediately upon completion of the said examination and certification;

https://lawphil.net/statutes/repacts/ra2014/ra_10640_2014.html

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Republic Act 9165

Section 21. Custody and Disposition of Confiscated, Seized, and/or Surrendered Dangerous
Drugs, Plant Sources of Dangerous Drugs, Controlled Precursors and Essential Chemicals,
Instruments/Paraphernalia and/or Laboratory Equipment. – The PDEA shall take charge and
have custody of all dangerous drugs, plant sources of dangerous drugs, controlled precursors
and essential chemicals, as well as instruments/paraphernalia and/or laboratory equipment so
confiscated, seized and/or surrendered, for proper disposition in the following manner:

(1) The apprehending team having initial custody and control of the drugs shall, immediately
after seizure and confiscation, physically inventory and photograph the same in the presence of
the accused or the person/s from whom such items were confiscated and/or seized, or his/her
representative or counsel, a representative from the media and the Department of Justice (DOJ),
and any elected public official who shall be required to sign the copies of the inventory and be
given a copy thereof;

(2) Within twenty-four (24) hours upon confiscation/seizure of dangerous drugs, plant sources of
dangerous drugs, controlled precursors and essential chemicals, as well as
instruments/paraphernalia and/or laboratory equipment, the same shall be submitted to the
PDEA Forensic Laboratory for a qualitative and quantitative examination;

(3) A certification of the forensic laboratory examination results, which shall be done under oath
by the forensic laboratory examiner, shall be issued within twenty-four (24) hours after the
receipt of the subject item/s: Provided, That when the volume of the dangerous drugs, plant
sources of dangerous drugs, and controlled precursors and essential chemicals does not allow
the completion of testing within the time frame, a partial laboratory examination report shall be
provisionally issued stating therein the quantities of dangerous drugs still to be examined by the
forensic laboratory: Provided, however, That a final certification shall be issued on the completed
forensic laboratory examination on the same within the next twenty-four (24) hours;

(4) After the filing of the criminal case, the Court shall, within seventy-two (72) hours, conduct an
ocular inspection of the confiscated, seized and/or surrendered dangerous drugs, plant sources
of dangerous drugs, and controlled precursors and essential chemicals, including the
instruments/paraphernalia and/or laboratory equipment, and through the PDEA shall within
twenty-four (24) hours thereafter proceed with the destruction or burning of the same, in the
presence of the accused or the person/s from whom such items were confiscated and/or seized,
or his/her representative or counsel, a representative from the media and the DOJ, civil society
groups and any elected public official. The Board shall draw up the guidelines on the manner of
proper disposition and destruction of such item/s which shall be borne by the offender: Provided,
That those item/s of lawful commerce, as determined by the Board, shall be donated, used or
recycled for legitimate purposes: Provided, further, That a representative sample, duly weighed
and recorded is retained;

(5) The Board shall then issue a sworn certification as to the fact of destruction or burning of the
subject item/s which, together with the representative sample/s in the custody of the PDEA, shall
be submitted to the court having jurisdiction over the case. In all instances, the representative
sample/s shall be kept to a minimum quantity as determined by the Board;

(6) The alleged offender or his/her representative or counsel shall be allowed to personally
observe all of the above proceedings and his/her presence shall not constitute an admission of

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 guilt. In case the said offender or accused refuses or fails to appoint a representative after due
notice in writing to the accused or his/her counsel within seventy-two (72) hours before the
actual burning or destruction of the evidence in question, the Secretary of Justice shall appoint a
member of the public attorney's office to represent the former;

(7) After the promulgation and judgment in the criminal case wherein the representative
sample/s was presented as evidence in court, the trial prosecutor shall inform the Board of the
final termination of the case and, in turn, shall request the court for leave to turn over the said
representative sample/s to the PDEA for proper disposition and destruction within twenty-four
(24) hours from receipt of the same; and

(8) Transitory Provision: a) Within twenty-four (24) hours from the effectivity of this Act,
dangerous drugs defined herein which are presently in possession of law enforcement agencies
shall, with leave of court, be burned or destroyed, in the presence of representatives of the
Court, DOJ, Department of Health (DOH) and the accused/and or his/her counsel, and, b)
Pending the organization of the PDEA, the custody, disposition, and burning or destruction of
seized/surrendered dangerous drugs provided under this Section shall be implemented by the
DOH.

Lesson 3: Government Strategies in addressing drug menace in the country

Philippine Anti-Illegal Drugs Strategy (PADS)

Because it creates complex health and social problems, the drug issue is undoubtedly a public health
challenge that must be prioritized. In 2009, United Nations Member States adopted the Political
Declaration and Plan of Action on international cooperation towards an integrated and balanced
strategy to counter the drug menace. The UN General Assembly, of which the Philippines is a member,
declared that the world drug problem remains a common and shared responsibility that requires
effective and increased international cooperation and demands an integrated, multidisciplinary,
mutually-reinforcing and balanced approach to supply and demand reduction strategies.

In April 2016, the United Nations General Assembly Special Session (UNGASS) on the World Drug
Problem provided a platform for debate on how the global community should respond to this pressing
concern. Despite opposing views on key issues such as decriminalization, regulated markets, harm
reduction and the imposition of death penalty, there was a broad consensus that people’s health should
be at the core of the matter and that supply reduction efforts should target major organized crime and
drug kingpins. One vital message is clear: countries care about the world drug problem and acknowledge
the need to put people first in addressing it. Interestingly, there was a collective agreement on utilizing a
human rights-compliant and evidence-based approach in confronting this complex issue.

The UN, in the face of diverse stances from Member States, reaffirmed the Single Convention on
Narcotic Drugs of 1961 as amended by the 1972 Protocol, the Convention on Psychotropic Substances of
1971 and the United Nations Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic
Substances of 1988 – as the cornerstone of the international drug control system.

The drug issue is undoubtedly a public health challenge that must be prioritized because it creates
complex health and social problems. Under the administration of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, the

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Philippines undergoes rigorous anti-drug cleansing through the shared efforts of national government
agencies, non-government organizations, faith-based groups and the private sector.

Recognizing the need to set forth a comprehensive and balanced approach to drug demand and drug
supply reduction, as shown in Figure 1, this Philippine Anti-Illegal Drugs Strategy (PADS) has been
developed as a blueprint of the government’s strategies and programs in addressing the country’s drug
use problem. It is aligned with the President’s priorities and is anchored on the Philippine Development
Plan 2017-2022 subgoal of ensuring security, public order and safety (PDP, Chapter 18), which indicates
that the national anti-illegal drugs strategy includes suppressing the flow of illegal drugs supply through
sustained law enforcement operations and reducing consumer demand for drugs and other substances
through drug rehabilitation and massive preventive education and awareness programs.

This anti-illegal drug plan provides a roadmap for national collaboration and was designed to harmonize
drug initiatives with the overarching Social Development Agenda and the National Security Policy. It
institutionalizes a convergence system for the implementation of anti-drug programs and revitalizes the
roles of government agencies. It spells out diverse but complementary approaches that must be
integrated to deliver an effective anti-drug package of programs and reforms for the country. It aims to:
1. develop a comprehensive and balanced anti-drugs strategy based on drug supply and drug demand
reduction; 2. assure alignment to current international and national plans, policies, thrusts and
priorities; and 3. incorporate available principles and tools provided by Prevention Science and latest
evidence-based treatment modalities.

The strategies laid out in this plan were guided by the following governing principles:

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1. Evidence-based and Culturally-appropriate

The Philippine Anti-Illegal Drugs Strategy, while firmly grounded on evidence and best the available
science, is also attuned to Filipino values and is tailored to fit the socio-cultural context. Prevention
Science offers a robust evidence base on demand reduction, with its main premise being the
neurobiological nature of substance use disorders with potential for both recovery and recurrence. It
also espouses that prevention should be provided in various settings and across the developmental
stages. It recognizes drug dependence as a treatable chronic disease, which frequently co-occurs with
one or more other mental disorders such as depression and anxiety. It also considers recent advances in
the understanding of addiction that have led to improved treatments such as cognitive behavioral
counseling interventions for stimulant dependence.

2. Comprehensive and Balanced Approach

It is a comprehensive and balanced approach that puts significant premium on both drug supply and
drug demand reduction efforts and initiatives. Alternative development, civic awareness and response,
as well as regional and international cooperation efforts, cut across this two-component strategy .

3. Intersectoral and Participatory

It brings together the efforts of diverse stakeholders: families, schools, communities, workplaces, civic
groups, youth groups, media, and faith-based organizations, and builds on their unified focus to work
collaboratively. It provides a venue for sharing resources and highlights the importance of local
government units in delivering quality prevention programs and community-based intervention services.

Drug Policies

Countries across the globe are implementing their drug prevention and control interventions using
varied strategies that are relevant to their context. Figure 2 shows the two prevailing approaches that
are used worldwide.

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Criminal Prohibition Approach: Illicit drug use is a criminal offense. The criminal justice policy approach
or the enforcement-centric model levies heavy penalties for drug use and trafficking and is carried out
through the criminal justice system. The operational principle is that a punitive approach is a deterrent
to drug use and is a mechanism to eliminate or reduce drug availability. The ultimate goal of this
approach is the creation of a “drug-free world”. The ASEAN Member States (AMS), particularly Brunei
Darussalam, Indonesia, and Singapore, strongly adhere to this approach.

Public Health Policy Approach: Illicit drug use is a form of disease. The public health policy approach
treats drug use as a form of a chronic relapsing medical disorder. Clinical/medical interventions include
harm reduction strategies to minimize collateral societal impact of regulatory sanctions. This includes
needle and syringe programs (NSP) to reduce HIV/AIDS among people who inject drugs, condom
distribution, and methadone or buprenorphine Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) for people using
opioids. Countries such as the Netherlands, Canada, United States and Australia are currently utilizing
MAT as an evidence based approach. There are also harm reduction programs being implemented in a
number of AMS such as Cambodia, Lao PDR, Thailand, and Viet Nam.

The Philippine Drug Situation Treatment and Rehabilitation Admission:

In 2017, a total of four thousand forty-five (4,045) admissions were registered. Out of this, three
thousand two hundred fifty-six (3,256) are new case, six hundred thirty three (633) are relapsed or
readmitted cases and one hundred fifty-six (156) have sought treatment in an out-patient facility.

Below is a table showing the Filipino drug user’s profile based on the 2017 admission from the different
Treatment and Rehabilitation Centers (TRCs) in the Philippines:

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Data revealed that the mean age is 31 years old, the male to female ratio is 10:1, 53.52% are single,
45.96% are unemployed, 27.32% are in high school level, 43.31% are from the National Capital Region.
On the other hand, the average duration of use is six years and the top three drugs of choice are
methamphetamine hydrochloride (shabu), cannabis (marijuana), and contact cement (rugby).

Whereas, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) has reported that there are currently four
million drug users. The Agency also noted that there are three transnational drug syndicates operating in
the 18 | P a g e country, namely the Chinese, African, and Mexican-Sinaloa Drug Cartels. They are
working with local drug groups, drug protectors and drug pushers.

Figure 3 illustrates that there is an increasing trend in the admission to treatment and rehabilitation
centers from 2,744 in 2012 to 6,079 in 2016. However, a decreasing trend is seen in 2017 with 4,045
admissions.

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Drug Affectation

Drug affectation refers to the extent to which the communities or barangays in the country have
problems with drugs. According to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), a barangay is
considered to be drug-affected when there is a reported presence of drug user, pusher, manufacturer,
marijuana cultivator, or other drug personality, drug den, marijuana plantation, clandestine drug
laboratory, and facilities related to production of illegal drugs.

Data from PDEA, showed that 24,424 barangays or 58.10 percent of the country’s villages are still
affected by drugs, to wit, 15,290 were classified as “slightly affected,” 9,089 were “moderately affected,”
while 45 barangays were “seriously affected” (refer to Page 38 for details on the different
classifications).

The National Capital Region reported the highest drug affectation rate nationwide with 95.37% of its
1,706 barangays, followed by Zamboanga Peninsula with 93.47%, Central Visayas at 88.78%, Central
Luzon at 84.01% and Caraga at 82.38%.

The Anti-Drug Strategy

Drug supply reduction efforts involving aggressive law enforcement and prosecution with
strong adherence to the rule of law and observance of human rights, coupled with
comprehensive demand reduction initiatives and supported by strong international ties.

Components of the Anti-Drug Strategy

1. Drug Supply Reduction
2. Drug Demand Reduction

I. Drug Supply Reduction

Take away drugs from the public through market denial operations and prevention of diversion from the
licit to illicit market; and reduce the proliferation of illegal drugs through sustainable alternative
development programs.

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1. Law Enforcement

In order to fully support the government’s anti-drug campaign, the Philippine National Police launched
its PNP Anti-Illegal Drugs Campaign Plan: Double Barrel. Implemented in a two-pronged approach, this is
the centerpiece of PNP’s campaign against illegal drugs. The lower barrel is dubbed as Project Tokhang
(ToktokHangyo), a Visayan composite term that stands for knock (Toktok) and plead (Hangyo). The
upper barrel, which is the Project HVT (High Value Target), is a sustained anti-illegal drugs police
operation that includes buy-busts, service of search and arrests warrants, manhunts, raids, and
checkpoints against High Value and Street Level Targets involved in trafficking and selling of illicit drugs.

The term tokhangers refers to the members of the Tokhang team who visit watch listed drug
personalities and persuade them to surrender and to stop their illegal drug activities. Based on PNP
guidelines, Tokhang activities shall be done in proper coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement
Agency, the Local Government Units, particularly the Provincial/City/Municipal/Barangay Anti-Drug
Abuse Councils, NonGovernment Organizations, stakeholders, and other law enforcement agencies. On
January 29, 2018, the Philippine National Police (PNP) resumed its tokhang activities in three phases,
utilizing an updated Operational Guidelines (see Figure 11).

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Another important government initiative is the provision of financial and technical support for the
implementation of economically-viable and sustainable alternative development projects. This
strengthens the involvement of LGUs, community members, and other concerned agencies in
alternative development project implementation. With the aim of reducing and eliminating the illicit
cultivation of marijuana, the DDB reaches out by initiating project interventions and encouraging
cultivators to engage in alternative livelihood.

Table 3. DDB-Funded Alternative Development Programs

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The definition of the alternative development program has been expanded to benefit not only former
marijuana cultivators but also recovering drug dependents in urban areas.

Another major part of DDB’s plan is to strengthen the reporting mechanism to facilitate the monitoring
and evaluation of these alternative development programs supported by the Board through the years.

2. Regulatory Compliance

The Board continually update list of drugs for regulation and monitor drug abuse trends to determine
the possible inclusion of new drugs and substances.

3. Judicial and Legislative Measures

Measures consist of regular reprisal of the judiciary on recent Board regulations and the Comprehensive
Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 or RA 9165. The Board also seek to foster and improve cooperation among
pillars of the criminal justice system such as the judiciary, prosecution and law enforcement.

II. Drug Demand Reduction

Take people away from the lure of drug abuse through policy formulation, preventive education,
research, treatment, rehabilitation and reintegration; provision of alternative development programs
and forging cooperation with regional and international agencies and counterparts.

Drug Demand reduction is implemented through its four components: (1) policy formulation, (2)
preventive education, (3) treatment and rehabilitation, and (4) research. The succeeding discussion will
highlight the policies that were formulated from 2016-2018 to respond to current needs. It will also
enumerate the interventions implemented to educate various sectors, conduct research, and provide a
continuum of care for PWUD.

1. Policy Formulation

The Board issued several Board Regulations to respond to the current national drug abuse situation and
directives of President Rodrigo Duterte.

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 1. Board Regulation No. 1, Series of 2016:

Guidelines in the Implementation of Operation: “Lawmen” This regulation conforms with Article II,
Section 22 of RA No. 9165 concerning the Grant of Compensation, Reward and Award. It was designed
specifically to recognize the exceptional accomplishments of law enforcers or members of anti-illegal
drugs units resulting from the conduct of meritorious anti-drug operations. This award system for
authorities responsible for successful anti-drug operations was issued to encourage law enforcement
agencies to intensify operations against illegal drugs, in accordance with the directive of the President.

Under the regulation, law enforcement units can receive as much as PhP2 million reward depending on
the volume or quantity of illegal drugs seized.

2. Board Regulation No. 2, Series of 2016: Amending Section 2 of Board Regulation No. 2,
Series of 2007 Entitled “Providing for Revised Guidelines in the Conduct of Barangay Drug-Clearing
Operations”
In assessing the extent of the current drug abuse problem in the country, an apparent need to review
the
criteria on the classification of barangay drug affectation was also observed. Updating the classification
is important in determining the strategies to be used in the conduct of drug-clearing operations.
Previously, there were only three classifications – “drug affected barangays”, “unaffected barangays”
and “drug-cleared barangays”. Now, levels of affectation have also been distinguished, as follows:

a. Seriously Affected – reported presence of at least one clandestine drug laboratory or marijuana
plantation in the community, reported presence of more than 20% of the barangay’s total population
are drug personalities (i.e. users, pushers, financiers) and reported presence of three or more drug dens
or “tiangges”.

b. Moderately Affected – reported presence of 2% to 20% of the barangay’s total population are drug
personalities.

c. Slightly Affected – reported presence of less than 2% of total barangay population are drug
personalities.

The definition of Drug-Cleared Barangay was also amended to include barangays which had been
previously drug affected and subjected to drug-clearing operations and declared free from any illegal
drug activities.

3. Board Regulation No. 3, Series of 2016: Guidelines on Handling Voluntary Surrender of Drug
Personalities

This regulation established clear guidelines and standard procedures on handling drug personalities who
have voluntarily surrendered to authorities. It mandates the LGUs, through their Anti-Drug Abuse
Councils (ADACs), to coordinate with the concerned national government agencies and non-
government organizations for programs concerning livelihood and training programs for surrenderers to
help reintegrate them into the community as productive and drug-free citizens.

Under the guidelines, voluntary surrender by drug personalities shall not be an assurance that they will
not be subjected to drug law enforcement operation when they continue to engage in illegal drug

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activity. The process of voluntary surrender must be duly recorded or documented and any information
from the surrenderer validated.

4. Board Regulation No. 4, Series of 2016: Oplan Sagip – Guidelines on Voluntarily Surrender
of Drug Users and Dependents and Monitoring Mechanism of Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Campaigns

For drug users who voluntarily surrendered to authorities without pending cases and are not included in
the wanted list or high-value target list of the law enforcement, this regulation shall be observed.

This regulation aims to provide appropriate interventions to drug users and dependents which shall be
the responsibility of LGUs through their ADACs. The LGUs shall facilitate the establishment of
community based treatment and rehabilitation program where surrenderers who, after assessment, will
be found to have mild substance use disorder will be referred. Only those having severe substance use
disorder (SUD) shall be referred to residential treatment and rehabilitation centers or mental facilities if
necessary, while those having moderate substance use disorder shall be referred to an out-patient
facility. Figure 13 shows the comprehensive treatment and rehabilitation program to address the needs
of people with mild to severe substance use disorder.

5. Board Regulation No.2, Series of 2018: Balay Silangan-Guidelines for Community

Involvement in Reforming Drug Offenders into Self-Sufficient and Law-abiding Members of Society

This regulation sets the guidelines for the reformation of drug personalities who voluntarily surrendered
to authorities but are not drug users and for the provision of livelihood training, aftercare and

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community/social reintegration programs through coordination with the LGUs
(municipal/city/provincial), the national government, and private stakeholders. The program, which will
be spearheaded by PDEA, is independent from the interventions being undertaken by drug dependents
in Drug Abuse Treatment and Rehabilitation Centers.

Balay Silangan will be established to provide reformatory rehabilitation. As defined in the regulation,
reformatory rehabilitation is “the process of rectifying or modifying negative attitude and behavior to
enable the person to be more productive and acceptable to society. This may also include facilitating the
reintegration of the individual back to his family and community. This would usually apply to law
violators who may or may not have used substances and/or dependent to these substances.”

6. Board Regulation No.13, Series of 2018: Establishment and Institutionalization of Drug-Free

Workplace Policies in All Government Offices, including the Conduct of Authorized Drug Testing for
Elective Local Officials and Appointive Public Officers and for Other Purposes

This regulation aims to promote the establishment and institutionalization of drug-free workplace
policies in all government agencies and ensure that all public officers, both elective and appointive,
remain drug free through the conduct of authorized drug testing pursuant to RA No. 9165 or the
Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, as amended. The public will be ensured of effective and
efficient service from the government, free from the ill-effects of drug use in the workplace.

It covers all appointive public officers in all offices, including all constitutional bodies, departments,
bureaus, and agencies of the national government, government–owned and controlled corporations,
state and local universities and colleges, and elective local officials of local government units.

2. Preventive Education and Capacity-building

The Philippines is adopting the International Standards on Drug Use Prevention which stipulates that
prevention initiatives should target the various developmental stages and settings.

The DDB has a range of educational programs and services designed to cater to the needs of every
sector of society. It has programs that engage the youth, address the needs of parents, and provide

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employers, educators, health professionals, policymakers, and other sectors with information on the
prevention and control of drug use. https://www.ddb.gov.ph/about-ddb/strategies

In addition, the DDB conducts several prevention interventions that include Orientation Seminars on
Barkada Kontra Droga (BKD) for National Drug Education Program (NDEP) Coordinators, Orientation
Workshops on Community-Based Intervention Programs for Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Campaigns
Focusing on Oplan Sagip, Drug Abuse Prevention Seminars in the Workplace, Training of Trainers on Life
Skills Enhancement in Drug Kids Storytelling Contest Drug Prevention for Kids Campus Tour Self-
discovery Seminar for Kids MIDDLE CHILDHOOD (6-10 years old) Summer Youth Camp Leadership
Training EARLY ADOLESCENCE (11-14 years old) Barkada Kontra Droga (Peer Group Against Drugs)
National Summit for College Students on DAPE National Youth Congress on DAPE LATE ADOLESCENCE
(15-19 years old) Abuse Prevention Education, National Training of Trainers on UNODC Community-
Based Treatment and Care Services, Seminar Workshops on the Dangerous Drugs Law for Judges,
Prosecutors and Law Enforcers, Seminar Workshop on Systematic Training for Effective Parenting,
Continuing Seminars on Anti-Illegal Drug Operations and Investigation, and Workshops on the
Community-Based Treatment Program.

3. Treatment, Rehabilitation and Reintegration

As an important facet of drug demand reduction, trends in treatment and rehabilitation as well as issues
and concerns that families and recovering drug dependents face during the process are continually
monitored. These are integrated into existing health and social agencies to ensure continuum of care.
More importantly, services are built on community resources

Drug dependence is a treatable chronic and relapsing condition often associated with mental health
conditions. Notably, out of 100 persons having used methamphetamines, less than ten have a
problematic drug use and can fall under the dependent definition to some degree. The rest are not
dependent and therefore do not require inpatient approaches.

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For those diagnosed with drug use problem, mechanisms such as the Integrated Care Pathways ensure
continuing care. Guided by the UNODC model in delivering community-based voluntary services, these
interventions aim to reduce stigma and discrimination as well as improve availability, accessibility,
affordability and information.

As an important facet of drug demand reduction, trends in treatment and rehabilitation as well as issues
and concerns that families and recovering drug dependents face during the process are continually
monitored. These are integrated into existing health and social agencies to ensure continuum of care.
More importantly, services are built on community resources.

The available data revealed that drug users who need treatment services decreased from 4,392 in 2014
to 4,045 cases in 2017. The breakdown is shown in Table 4, with 80% accounting for new admissions,
16% readmission, and 4% out-patient. Out of the total figure, 91% are male (3,681) and 9% are female
(364).

Table 4. Total Reported Cases from Residential and Out-Patient Facilities, 2017

As of December 31, 2017, the country has a total of 53 DOH-accredited Drug Abuse Treatment and
Rehabilitation Centers (DATRC), as indicated in Table 5. Forty-nine (49) of these centers are residential
facilities, 18 are government-owned, and 31 are private.

Table 5. Number of DOH-Accredited Treatment and Rehabilitation Centers

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In the pipeline are more DATRCs to be constructed in various areas as well as human resource capacity
and competency development. In terms of health human resources, the latest data from DOH reveals
that there are:
1. accredited 262 doctors as physicians and psychiatrists for these facilities as of May 2016;
2. trained 2,212 workers on community-based treatment as of 29 September 2016; and,
3. accredited 252 psychologists, social welfare officers, and nurses for recovering drug dependents as of
May 2016

4. Research
Through its Policy Studies, Research and Statistics Division (PSRSD), the DDB conducts research and
studies to gather data and analyze trends in drug abuse and trafficking in the country. In 2016, the DDB
started the following researches and studies.

1. Effectiveness of the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) Program in Selected Primary
Schools in the Philippines

Considering that the DARE program was found to be ineffective in the US, this research will assess
whether it has the same outcomes when implemented in the Philippine context. The DARE curriculum is
basically intended for intermediate grades starting at 5th grade. Instructors of this program are trained
police community relations officers.

2. Evaluation of IEC Materials Produced by the Dangerous Drugs Board

This study assessed the existing IEC materials produced and published by the DDB to come up with
reliable, effective and evidence-based advocacy campaign materials.

3. The Socio-Economic Impact Affecting the Use of Marijuana

A research and developmental program in collaboration with the Philippine Institute of Traditional and
Alternative Health Care (PITAHC) which aims to:

a. Determine the benefits and adverse effects of continued marijuana use (social and medical factors).

b. Identify the economic costs at the micro and macro level in terms of role of price/monetary costs of
obtaining the substance, legal risks associated with obtaining and using the drug and availability in the
market, costs of drug prevention and treatment, and costs of litigation and law enforcement activities.

c. Provide recommendations in areas where existing policies need to be strengthened or improved.

https://www.ddb.gov.ph/images/downloads/Revised_PADS_as_of_Nov_9_2018.pdf

Treatment and Rehabilitation

Treatment

The method that refers to all methods and techniques utilized to help an individual to overcome some
deficit or impairment.

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The process in which various therapeutic protocols are employed to effectively treat a person who is
dependent on a particular addictive substance.

Rehabilitation
The outcome of treatment that refers to the reinstatement or recovery of a previous level of
functioning social, emotional, physical and economic aspect of drug dependent.

This is a component under the drug demand reduction pillar which aims to reintegrate into the society
recovering drug dependents.

A chance to be treated and rehabilitated is afforded to those who have fallen prey to drugs. Through the
use of effective treatment modalities, drug dependents are being trained to kick out the habit and
become productive citizens of the country once again.

REQUIREMENTS ON THE APPLICATION FOR THE TREATMENT AND REHABILITATION OF DRUG

DEPENDENTS:

1. Drug Dependency Examination (DDE)

a. Drug dependents may directly set an appointment with a DOH-Accredited Physician for
DDE. (Please be advised that the directory for accredited physician is being updated.
For further inquiries, kindly contact Dangerous Drugs Abuse Prevention and
Treatment Program (DDAP
b. TP), DOH Central Office, Tel. No. (02) 651-7800 loc. 2971 / 2973)
c. He/she may also secure a referral form for DDE from the Legal Division of the Dangerous
Drugs Board.
d. If a drug dependent resides outside Metro Manila, he/she may coordinate with the
nearest Treatment and Rehabilitation Center or Anti-Drug Abuse Council in his/her place of
residence.
2. Philippine National Police (PNP) Clearance
3. Certificate of No Pending Case from the Regional Trial Court (RTC) and/or Municipal Trial Court
(MTC).
a. If a minor drug dependent has a pending case, secure a Certification of suspension of
proceedings from the RTC or MTC where the case was filed.
b. If an adult drug dependent, secure a Certification of Dismissed Case from RTC or MTC where
the case was filed or Certificate that the proceeding is suspended.

STEPS ON TREATMENT AND REHABILITATION OF DRUG DEPENDENT (Voluntary Submission, Voluntary

thru Representation and Compulsory Confinement)

1. Secure referral form and other requirements for Drug Dependency Examination (DDE) at the Legal
Affairs Division, Dangerous Drugs Board
2. DDE is conducted by a DOH-accredited physician. (Please be advised that the directory for accredited
physician is being updated. For further inquiries, kindly contact Dangerous Drugs Abuse Prevention
and Treatment Program (DDAPTP), DOH Central Office, Tel. No. (02) 651-7800 loc. 2971 / 2973)
3. For voluntary confinement, submit the result of the Drug Dependency Examination together with the
other requirements to the Legal Division of the Dangerous Drugs Board.

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4. The DDB Legal will process the petition for confinement (pre-signed by DDB Authorized
Representative) prior to the release of petition filed by applicant with the RTC.
5. The release of Petition is made either to the applicant and/or authorized representative.
6. In case of compulsory confinement, the parent(s)/spouse/relative(s) shall execute and submit a
statement/affidavit providing information as to the drug taking habit of alleged drug dependent.

PROCEDURES IN AVAILING PETITION FOR TREATMENT AND REHABILITATION

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Treatment Modality

Drug treatment modality is the model or approach in the treatment of drug dependents utilized by
treatment and rehabilitation centers.

1. Multidisciplinary Team Approach is a method in the treatment and rehabilitation of drug dependents
which avails of the services and skills of a team composed of psychiatrist, psychologist, social worker,
occupational therapist and other related disciplines in collaboration with the family and the drug
dependent.

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A team of multi-disciplined professionals might be made up of any number of the following people:

The multidisciplinary rehab team may include the following members:

 Patient and family. The patient and family are the most important members of
the rehabilitation team.
 Physiatrist. A healthcare provider who evaluates and treats rehabilitation
patients. The physiatrist is usually the team leader. He or she is responsible for
coordinating patient care services with other team members. A physiatrist
focuses on restoring function to people with disabilities.
 Rehabilitation nurse. A nurse who specializes in rehabilitative care and assists
the patient in achieving maximum independence. The focus is on medical care,
prevention of complications, and patient and family education.
 Clinical social worker. A professional counselor who acts as a liaison for the
patient, family, and rehab treatment team. The social worker helps provide
support and coordinate discharge planning and referrals. He or she may also
help coordinate care with insurance companies.
 Physical therapist. A therapist who helps restore function for patients with
problems related to movement, muscle strength, exercise, and joint function.
 Occupational therapist. A therapist who helps restore function for patients with
problems related to activities of daily living (ADLs) including work, school, family,
and community and leisure activities.
 Speech/language pathologist. A therapist who helps restore function for
patients with problems related to cognitive, communication, or swallowing issues.
 Psychiatrist, psychologist, or neuropsychologist. A healthcare provider or
counselor who conducts cognitive (thinking and learning) assessments of the
patient. He or she also helps the patient and family adjust to the disability.
 Recreation therapist. A therapist who coordinates therapeutic recreation
programs to help promote social skills and leisure activities.
 Audiologist. A healthcare professional who specializes in the evaluation and
treatment of hearing and hearing loss.
 Registered dietitian. A nutritionist who evaluates and provides for the dietary
needs of each patient. This is based on the patient's medical needs, eating
abilities, and food preferences.
 Vocational therapist. A counselor who assists people with disabilities to plan
careers and find and keep satisfying jobs.
 Orthotist. A healthcare professional who makes braces and splints used to
strengthen or stabilize a part of the body.
 Prosthetist. A healthcare professional who makes and fits artificial body parts,
such as an artificial leg or arm.
 Case manager. A rehabilitation case manager helps plan, organize, coordinate,
and monitor services and resources for the patient.
 Respiratory therapist. A therapist who helps treat and restore function for
patients with airway and breathing problems.

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  Chaplain. A spiritual counselor who helps patients and families during crisis
periods. He or she helps serve as a liaison between the hospital and the home
church or place of worship.

The rehabilitation team meeting

Most rehabilitation teams hold weekly, biweekly, or monthly meetings, depending on the
setting. Topics covered at team meetings include the following:

 The patient's plan of care

 The patient's progress
 Short- and long-term goals
 Length of stay
 Patient and family education needs
 Discharge planning

Team meetings help with communication and planning among team members and the
patient and family. Reports of team meetings are often shared with insurance
companies and case managers. This is done to assist in discharge planning, use of
resources, and continuation of care.

https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/overview-of-the-
pmr-treatment-team#:~:text=A%20multidisciplinary%20team%20approach%20for,the
%20treatment%20and%20education%20process.

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2. Therapeutic Community Approach views addiction as a symptomatic manifestation of a more
complex psychological problem rooted in an interplay of emotional, social, physical and spiritual values.
It is a highly structured program wherein the community is utilized as the primary vehicle to foster
behavioural and attitudinal change. The patient receives the information and the impetus to change
from being a part of the community. Role modelling and peer pressure play significant parts in the
program.

The goal of every therapeutic community is to change the patients’ self-destructive thinking and
behavioural pattern, teach them personal responsibility, positivize their self-image, create a sense of
human community and provide an environment in which human beings can grow and take responsibility
and credit for the growth.

3. Hazelden-Minnesotta Model views addiction as a disease, an involuntary condition caused by

factors largely outside a person’s control. The program consists of didactic lectures, cognitive-
behavioural psychology, Alcoholic Anonymous principles / Twelve Steps Principles and biblio-therapy. It
aims to treat patients with chemical dependency, endorsing a set of values and beliefs about the
powerlessness of people over drug taking and turning to a Higher Power to help them combat the
disease. In this modality, counsellors and patients collaborate in defining the path to recovery.

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4. Spiritual Approach uses the Bible as the primary source of inspiration to change. It views drug
addiction as a sin and encourages the patients to turn away from it and renew their relationships with
the Lord.

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5. Eclectic Approach aims at applying a holistic approach in the rehabilitation program. The spiritual and
cognitive components of the Twelve Steps complement the behavioural aspects of the Therapeutic
Community. The skills and services of rehabilitation professionals and paraprofessionals are made
available. In doing so, different personality aspects of drug dependants are well addressed geared
towards their rehabilitation and recovery.
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