200 rehabilitated drug dependents paraded in 'Walk of Change' in Tanauan

The city government of Tanauan in Batangas province has rebranded its infamous "Walk of Shame" to "Walk of Change" after 200 drug dependents who earlier surrendered to authorities,  completed their rehabilitation.

A report on Balitanghali on Tuesday said policemen led the rehabilitated drug dependents in the march organized by SIPAG, a faith-based program for surrendered drug dependents launched by the Church of the Risen Christ in cooperation with the Dangerous Drugs Board and the local police.

City Mayor Antonio Halili said they are hoping the rehabilitation program will help drug dependents reassimilate and find acceptance in their communities.

"Mayroon palang pag-asa, may pag-asa 'yung mga naliligaw ng landas na biktima ng illegal drugs," the mayor said.

Halili said they are also hoping that the rehabilitated dependents would inspire and motivate others to enter the rehabilitation program.

The 200 graduates of SIPAG will undergo a skills and livelihood training program with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

Batangas Police Provincial Office director Senior Superintendent Randy Peralta said drug dependents should be made to feel like an integral part of the community and not be treated like criminals.

"Dapat maintindihan nila na sila ay importante na mamamayan sa ating komunidad. Hindi po sila patapon, hindi po sila kriminal. Sila po ay biktima," Peralta said.

Halili's parading of suspects in public before conviction has earned him criticism and an investigation from the Commission on Human Rights (CHR).

One controversial "Walk of Shame" involved three alleged drug peddlers who were later cleared of charges. —report fro Victoria Tulad/Rie Takumi/ALG/KVD, GMA News