Users give up drugs to build coffins - and live

11 October 2016 - 10:02 By Reuters

Some drug users, seeking to avoid becoming a bloody statistic in Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte's crackdown on narcotics, are going into a rehabilitation programme that teaches them how to make coffins. More than 700,000 drug users and pushers have registered with the authorities in a process termed "surrendering" but there are few programmes or facilities to help most of them.But in Olongapo, a city of 220,000 north of Manila, drug users are taught carpentry skills and paid about R1400 a month to build wooden coffins as part of the local government's livelihood and rehabilitation programme."I knew that if I don't change, I will be in one of those caskets," said a 44-year-old man, pointing to coffins in a small workshop where nine other former drug users were also working.Since Duterte was sworn into office on June 30, more than 3600 people have been killed, mostly alleged drug users and dealers, by police and suspected vigilantes.At least 400 self-confessed drug users have surrendered to Olongapo police since June and will be included in the coffin building programme.The caskets, made of simple plywood and painted white, are provided to the poorest families in the city who are unable to afford funeral services, government officials say. ..

There’s never been a more important time to support independent media.

From World War 1 to present-day cosmopolitan South Africa and beyond, the Sunday Times has been a pillar in covering the stories that matter to you.

For just R80 you can become a premium member (digital access) and support a publication that has played an important political and social role in South Africa for over a century of Sundays. You can cancel anytime.

Already subscribed? Sign in below.



Questions or problems? Email helpdesk@timeslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00.