Philippines addicts offered ten steps to amnesty, but is this really rehab?

By Lindsay Murdoch
Updated October 11 2016 - 1:08am, first published October 10 2016 - 7:16pm
Ramson Donado dances with fellow patients during a community rehabilitation program at San Roque Church in Manila. Photo: Kate Geraghty
Ramson Donado dances with fellow patients during a community rehabilitation program at San Roque Church in Manila. Photo: Kate Geraghty
The number of people who have 'surrendered' in response to the government's war on drugs has overwhelmed the country's jails and few  rehabilitation centres. Photo: Kate Geraghty
The number of people who have 'surrendered' in response to the government's war on drugs has overwhelmed the country's jails and few rehabilitation centres. Photo: Kate Geraghty
Every Wednesday those who surrender sign in to attend a rehabilitation session  run by the church, the local district and police. Ten sessions are supposed to guarantee amnesty. Photo: Kate Geraghty
Every Wednesday those who surrender sign in to attend a rehabilitation session run by the church, the local district and police. Ten sessions are supposed to guarantee amnesty. Photo: Kate Geraghty
'The church is trying to do what it can because this is an issue of morality': addict Soledad Pangilinan addresses the San Roque group with her partner Manuel Tanjutco by her side. Photo: Kate Geraghty
'The church is trying to do what it can because this is an issue of morality': addict Soledad Pangilinan addresses the San Roque group with her partner Manuel Tanjutco by her side. Photo: Kate Geraghty
Ramson Donado eats during a break at the San Roque Church rehab program. Photo: Kate Geraghty
Ramson Donado eats during a break at the San Roque Church rehab program. Photo: Kate Geraghty

Manila: The Philippines president's order to shoot on sight those drug suspects who refuse to surrender never frightened 34-year-old Ramson Donado, who began running street errands for pushers when he was nine and has been addicted to shabu, a poor quality form of methamphetamine, for years.

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