Duterte leads groundbreaking of drug rehab center in Bukidnon

President Rodrigo Duterte on Saturday led the groundbreaking ceremony for a P700-million drug abuse treatment and rehabilitation center in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon.

Pres. Duterte leads groundbreaking of drug rehab center in Bukidnon @gmanews pic.twitter.com/dp7QmVbgVi

— Joseph Morong (@Joseph_Morong) March 25, 2017

Duterte, in his speech, recalled his war against drugs and criminality during his term as Davao City mayor.

“I became mayor and I was well aware of the problem... The constant use of shabu, the chemical, seven months to one year and at one dose per day, it would shrink the brain of a human being and if the brain is wrung, rehabilitation is no longer viable,” he said.

“I encountered maybe a few thousands in Davao City to the point that I said one day I cannot administer a city inhabited by insane persons. This has to stop. And I saw many lives of people, young ones destroyed and one day I just announced - do not destroy my city,” he added.

Duterte further said: “I said I will build a city. I will build a city that is peaceful, everything is in order so that we will survive the economic hardships. So I said go out of the city if you're into drugs or if you're into kidnap for ransom or if you're just a plain terrorist. If I find you in my city, I will kill you.”

Duterte said he was “appalled” that there were about four million drug addicts in the country.

“We have a population who are drunk with shabu most of the time and those who are really insane,” he added.

He also mentioned that there were about 77,000 victims of crimes perpetrated by drug addicts, adding that he was willing to accept full responsibility for deaths during police anti-drug operations.

“It is true that many were killed in police operations and for those who implemented my order, I accept full legal responsibility. The liability is mine and mine alone because somebody has to order. Somebody has to give them the marching orders for them to operate,” Duterte said.

The facility which was located at Barangay Casisang in Malaybay City, Bukidnon was funded by the Chinese-led Friends of the Philippines Foundation last October 2016 when Duterte visited Beijing. 

The Philippine Information Agency said that the drug rehabilitation center can accommodate 5,000 drug dependents and “will provide services such as livelihood programs, capability building activities, and skills training.” 

It said that the facility would also have recreational and sports amenities and a training center.

On the same day, Duterte also graced the Kaamulan Festival which is held annually in Malaybay. “Kaamulan” originated from a Binukid word “amuls” meaning “to gather.”

It is an ethnic festival which celebrates the customs and traditions of seven tribal groups: Bukidnon, Talaandig, Higaonon, Umayamnon, Manobo, Tigwahanon, and Matigsalug. — Marlly Rome Bondoc/MDM, GMA News