AMPATUAN, Maguindanao – To prove they have reformed and ready to live normal lives again, about 30 former drug dependents who surrendered to the government here joined a fun run initiated by Army troops on Saturday.
“The activity was aimed to ensure the well-being of all reformists to deviate them from using illegal drugs and provide programs and activities as part of their rehabilitation following the government’s intensified anti-drug campaign,” said Lt. Col. Alvin Iyog, Army’s 2nd Mechanized Battalion commander.
He said the fun run was organized in coordination with the local government unit (LGU) under the theme: “Takbo Laban sa Terorismo at Iligal na Droga.”
More than 500 other participants composed of soldiers, policemen, local government employees, and representatives from various sectors in town participated in the event.
He then lauded the Ampatuan LGU, headed by Mayor Rasol Sangki, for the continued partnership in helping former drug users maintain a drug-free lifestyle.
In a statement, Maj. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, commander of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, said the fun run did not only benefit the former drug personalities but the whole community in successfully helping them reform and continue the fight against criminalities and terrorism. -PNA