The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office-Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), through the validation of the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), reports that four out of the five individuals arrested in a drug session in Tuba, Benguet are not minors.

The report was clarified by the Crisis and Intervention Section Satellite of the Social Welfare and Development (SWAD) Office-Benguet in coordination with Municipal Social Welfare and Development Officer (MSWDO) Joanne Marcos of Tuba who attended the case conference on the incident.

Based on police findings, two out of the five individuals tested negative for drugs, including the minor who is now turned over to his parents.

The three suspects are now under the custody of Baguio City Police.

Meanwhile, DSWD Secretary Judy M. Taguiwalo reiterated the readiness of the Department to provide assistance to surrendering drug abusers and kin of those killed in the anti-drugs campaign of the present administration.

“The Department remains committed to provide assistance to families in need and not only those affected by the anti-drugs crusade through our different programs and services such as the Sustainable Livelihood Program, and Crisis Intervention Unit which give financial help to those who require immediate burial, medical, education and transportation assistance. Aside from these, we also extend help for the medical treatment, recovery, and livelihood of recovering drug dependents,” explained Sec. Taguiwalo. ###