Philippine Government Agencies that Help Fight Drug Addiction

It is of common knowledge that it is the responsibility of government agencies in the Philippines to stop addiction, or at least decrease the dramatically escalating numbers of addiction cases in the country. One of their platform statements is to remove the scourge of illegal and dangerous drugs in the Philippines. There are many laws pertaining to the abuse and incorrect use of drugs that were promulgated by the government. Many government agencies are created, including law enforcement agencies, with the goal of stopping underground groups and controlling the spread of their criminal activities when it comes to prohibited drugs. Government agencies have provided different programs for treatment and rehabilitation of drug dependents.

But government units cannot accomplish these tasks alone. An administration institution such as the local government of a specific area needs each and every constituent in their district to win over addiction. It needs support from its citizens to fulfill its mission. It needs every single help they could get in order to overcome this alarming incident.

Residents should be part in solving this perennial problem and help their respective government unit in fighting addiction. Everyone should participate in maintaining peace and order by simply being wise, alert and aware of the activities in their vicinity. Any unusual activity should be reported immediately to the authorities without hesitation.

On the other side of the coin, an addicted individual can voluntarily submit himself anytime to any existing government agency that can help address the addiction problem. If he freely admits his problem and decides to resolve the issue, he can set an appointment and visit the office to seek help. Government units will do the necessary action through the programs available.

Families should also take immediate action by encouraging any family member who is in need of help to undergo medical treatment and rehabilitation. Family intervention can help out in making the person realize there is a problem that needs to be addressed. Involvement of other family members will be a great convincing opportunity for an individual to enter the program of rehabilitation centers.

If you, or somebody you know, require assistance in dealing with drug or alcohol abuse problem, the following list can be of big help. These government agencies in the Philippines have the responsibility of helping Filipinos deal with underground drug lords and pushers while saving the victims of addiction:

• Drug Abuse Rehabilitation Network (DARN) Department of Health Treatment and Rehabilitation Center – Bicutan, Taguig, National Capital Region

The DARN is in charge for the rehabilitation and educational programs for drug abuse victims. Drug Abuse Rehabilitation Network, Inc. later became the Department of Health Treatment and Rehabilitation Center in Bicutan.

DOHTRC-Bicutan provides residential and outpatient treatment and rehabilitation for Filipinos and their families who are suffering from addiction problem. The center is also in-charge of the issuance of Drug Dependency Examination and Certification or the DDE which is a necessary requirement in the admission of a drug dependent. DOHTRC – Bicutan also offers individual and group counseling, psychotherapy, psychological testing, drug testing and family intervention programs. Trial re-entry, follow-up treatment and after-care program are also part of their holistic approach when it comes to dealing with addiction. This government agency is under the supervision of the Department of Health.

You can contact the Department of Health Treatment and Rehabilitation through the following contact information: (02) 838-0093, (02) 837-6540, (02) 245-8256. You can visit the center at Camp Bagong Diwa, Bicutan, Taguig City

• National Bureau of Investigation – NBI (Pambansang Kawanihan ng Pagsisiyasat)

This law enforcement agency initiates the treatment and rehabilitation center for drug dependents.

National Bureau of Investigation Contact Information:

NBI Building, Taft Avenue, Ermita, Manila, Philippines 1000
Trunkline: (02) 523-8231 to 38
Email Address: director@nbi.gov.ph

• Philippine National Police (Narcotics Group) (PNP – NG) Pambansang Pulisya ng Pilipinas

This implementing body has the mission of strict implementation of laws and policies in regards to illegal drugs and underground groups.

PNP Postal Address and Contact Numbers: PNP National Headquarters, Camp General Crame, Quezon City, Metro Manila. Philippines 1100 (02) 723-0401

• Dangerous Drug Board (DBB)

This government agency in the Philippines establishes policies and programs for the prevention and control of drugs throughout the country. It also further develops the existing laws regarding drug abuse prevention and control. It also conducts seminars and training on drug addiction awareness and programs.

Dangerous Drug Board broadens campaigns on drug addiction and encourages citizens to engage to the prevention programs of drug addiction in the country. They also collaborate with the respective Anti-Drug Abuse Council of cities and municipalities in the Philippines with the aim of strengthening each implementing bodies of each respective barangay.

Should you need to contact the Dangerous Drug Board, the telephone numbers are indicated below:

3rd Floor DDB-PDEA Bldg., National Government Center, NIA Road, Barangay Pinyahan, Quezon City
Telephone Numbers: (02) 929-1753, (02) 929-4544
Fax NUmber: (02) 929-6639
Website: http://www.ddb.gov.ph/

• Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency - PDEA (Kawanihan ng Pilipinas Laban sa Droga)

The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency implements the efficient and effective enforcement of the provisions on dangerous drug and other harmful substances. PDEA is the implementing arm of dangerous Drug Board. They are both under the supervision of the Office of the President. PDEA also has the responsibility of monitoring, surveillance and raid of suspected drug nests. They coordinate with the local government unit, the Philippine National Police, the DSWD when minors are involved, the anti-drug abuse council and the Department of Interior and Local Government whenever they conduct raid and buy-bust operations.

PDEA has mobilized private contacts to provide raw information about illicit drug deals in the immediate community. These assets are compensated using the budget of OPERATION PRIVATE EYE, a program that encourages private citizens to be a part of the global war against drug addiction.

PDEA Contact Information:

Trunklines:(02) 927-9702 / (02) 928-5292 / (02) 928-4060, (02) 928-0090 / (02) 928-6358
Email Address: pdea_ahrs1@yahoo.com
Address : NIA Northside Road, Barangay Pinyahan, National Government Center, Quezon City
Operation Private EYE: (02) 920-0967

• Department of Health (DOH) in the Philippines (Kawanihan ng Kalusugan sa Pilipinas)

The Department of Health monitors and supervises all government drug rehabilitation centers, facilities, operations and programs in the country including private drug rehabilitation centers. It coordinates with other government agencies such as Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).

Through the Executive Order No. 273, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo ordered the transfer of operation of the government’s drug treatment and rehabilitation centers and programs nationwide to the Department of Health. The said memorandum initiates the: transfer of PNP and NBI Treatment and Rehabilitation to DOH and the allocation of funds from the Anti-Dangerous Drugs Campaign to DOH to use in the operation and improvement of existing TRCs and programs.

You can get in touch with them through the following contact numbers:

Department of Health Contact Information:

Office of the Secretary - 651-7800 loc. 1105
Admin - 651-7800 loc. 1107, 1111, 1112, 1134, 1135
Head Executive Assistant - 651-7800 loc. 1106
Executive Assistant - 651-7800 loc. 1108, 1132

Staff - 651-7800 local 1125, 1126
MRU - 651-7800 local 1136
PAU - 651-7800 local 1110
Guard - 651-7800 local 1138