DRUG AWARENESS. Parole and Probation Administration in Davao Region director Benjamin Cutay Jr. says most of the clients under their care have cases related to anti-illegal drug use. In a press conference Monday (July 4, 2022), Cutay says they are organizing a football event on July 9, 10, and 16 for the agency's 46th founding anniversary. (PNA photo by Christine Cudis)
DAVAO CITY—A huge percentage of applicants under Davao Region's Parole and Probation Administration (PPA-11) is related to illegal drug use, an official said.
In a press conference Monday, PPA-11 Director Benjamin Cutay Jr. said that out of the total 6,170 clients, some 4,000 have violated Republic Act 9165 or Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
“This just calls to create more awareness on (illegal) drugs as a menace to the country,” Cutay said.
PPA is mandated to supervise convicted offenders and prisoners who are under the probation or parole system.
However, Cutay said out of an average of 6,000 clients a year, the agency only has 38 investigators.
A request for additional manpower, he said, has been filed with the national office.
Cutay said the agency's program are geared toward achieving the following goals: promote the reformation of criminal offenders and reduce the incidence of recidivism, and provide a cheaper alternative to the institutional confinement of first-time offenders who are likely to respond to individualized and community-based treatment programs.
Meanwhile, PPA-11 chief said they are organizing a sports event dubbed as “Football Kontra Droga” on July 9, 10, and 16 in time for the agency's 46th founding anniversary.
“We are looking into sports as a transformative activity for our clients. Learning a sport and practicing camaraderie through it help our clients become more functional citizens when they are re-introduced to society,” Cutay said. (PNA)
