Home⇛DAVAO RESEARCH JOURNAL⇛vol. 16 no. 2 (2025)

Pangumusta: A Narrative Study on Drug Surrenderees of Oplan Tokhang in Cateel, Davao Oriental

Angel R Pedroso | Shaira A Reyes | Mary Lovely Suzzeth P. Mendez

Discipline: Applied Psychology

 

Abstract:

This study aimed to explore the experiences and motivations of drug surrenderees underthe Oplan Tokhang campaign, focusing on their reasons for surrendering, the stigma they face, and their efforts toward rehabilitation and recovery. Conducted in Cateel, Davao Oriental, this study interviewed 10 participants who had graduated under the Oplan Tokhang Program. The researchers utilized thematic analysis following the Miles and Huberman framework for qualitative data analysis. The findings revealed that participants experienced a stable life and strong family connections before engaging in drug use, which deteriorated as they faced health, financial, and social decline. The primary factors leading to surrender included personal realization, family and community support, safety concerns, health deterioration, and the influence of the Oplan Tokhang program. Participants’ experiences during the program involved inconsistent livelihood support, drug testing, and participation in educational activities. Despite challenges, the program contributed to improved relationships, personal growth, and a greater understanding of the negative impacts of drug addiction. The study emphasizes the importance of a supportive environment, accessible healthcare, and government programs in fostering successful rehabilitation and reintegration. Insights from participants highlight the need for early intervention, tailored care, and a holistic approach to drug rehabilitation.



References:

  1. Ayres, T. C., & Taylor, S. (2025). Drug addiction: Failure, feast and phoenix. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 22(3). https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph22030370
  2. Campeceño, J., Gamba, M., Josol, A., Olaer, D., Pagaran, M., Renoblas Jr., R., Seroje, A., Jumawid, M., & Molina, S. (2022). Lived experiences of interventionists on the drug rehabilitation program. University of Bohol Multidisciplinary Research Journal, 10, 15–30. https://doi.org/10.15631/ubmrj.v10i1.163
  3. Chang, Y. C., Huang, S. T., Wang, C. C., & Yang, C. C. (2025). Resilience as a moderator of the effects of types of workplace bullying and job performance. BMC Nursing, 24(1), 254. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12912-025-02888-2
  4. Cunanan, A. L. P., & Yabut, H. J. (2019). Lived experiences of stigma among Filipino former drug dependents: An interpretative phenomenological analysis. Philippine Journal of Psychology, 52(1), 127–154.
  5. Department of Health. (2017). Guidelines for community-based treatment and support services for persons who use drugs in primary health care settings (Administrative Order No. 2017-0015). Dangerous Drugs Board.
  6. Delizo, M. J., & ABS-CBN News. (2019). Know your rights: Ateneo study cites rights violated in ‘Tokhang.’ ABS-CBN News.
  7. De Roos, M. S. (2025). What is wrong with a criminal mind? Mental health disorder and offending. In Legal and forensic psychology: What is it and what it is not (pp. 81–92). Springer Nature Switzerland.
  8. Galvez, D. (2019). Locsin: 1.4 million Filipino drug users surrendered for rehab in war vs drugs. Philippine Daily Inquirer.
  9. Gershman, J. (2016). Human rights and Duterte’s war on drugs. Council on Foreign Relations.
  10. Gutierrez, F. C. (2020). Dissonant narratives of the Philippine war on drugs. Global Dialogue: Magazine of the International Sociological Association.
  11. Hamad, A., Stirling, B., & Forgrave, D. (2020). The impact of job satisfaction on nurses’ work lives: A literature review. QScience Connect, 2020(1), 1. https://doi.org/10.5339/connect.2020.1
  12. Hechanova, M. R. M., Alianan, A. S., Calleja, M. T., Melgar, I. E., Acosta, A., Villasanta, A., & Cue, M. P. (2018). The development of a community-based drug intervention for Filipino drug users. Journal of Pacific Rim Psychology, 12, e12. https://doi.org/10.1017/prp.2017.23
  13. Hechanova, M. R., & Waelde, L. (2017). The influence of culture on disaster mental health and psychosocial support interventions in Southeast Asia. Mental Health, Religion & Culture, 20, 31–44. https://doi.org/10.1080/13674676.2017.1322048
  14. Iyer, V. (2025). Policing in minority communities. Educohack Press.
  15. Jimenez, A. J. A. (2022). Implementation of the community-based rehabilitation program for drug surrenderees in Urdaneta City, Pangasinan.
  16. Kulesza, M., Larimer, M. E., & Rao, D. (2013). Substance use-related stigma: What we know and the way forward. Journal of Addictive Behaviors, Therapy & Rehabilitation, 27(2), 782. https://doi.org/10.4172/2324-9005.1000106
  17. Law-Ay, S., Fermil, F. A., & Agod, J. M. (2022). Kumusta ka? Challenges, mental health and well-being assessment among DNSC employees during the COVID-19 pandemic. Davao Research Journal, 13(1), 20–29. https://doi.org/10.59120/drj.v13i1.2
  18. Lee, M. (2020). Meth and murder: The violent success of Duterte’s war on drugs. Proceedings Book, 78.
  19. Llanto, G. T., Osman, R. M., Denson, R. D., & Javier, N. M. (2024). Community awareness and performance of Revitalized Pulis Sa Barangay in the City of Mati, Philippines. Davao Research Journal, 15(3). https://doi.org/10.59120/drj.v15i3.248
  20. Maglinte, J. O. (2019). Tokhang: A phenomenological research study on the lived experiences of drug surrenderees. Ascendens Asia Journal of Multidisciplinary Research Abstracts, 3(2K), 1–6.
  21. Mayo Clinic. (2021). Stress symptoms: Effects on your body and behavior. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research.
  22. Mora-Ríos, J., Ortega, M., & Medina-Mora, M. E. (2017). Addiction-related stigma and discrimination: A qualitative study in treatment centers in Mexico City. Substance Use and Misuse, 52(5), 594–603. https://doi.org/10.1080/10826084.2016.1245744
  23. Norh, S. B. D. (2024). Enhancing nurse retention in private hospitals in the new normal: A comprehensive approach for post-pandemic healthcare stability. Davao Research Journal, 15(4), 149–160. https://doi.org/10.59120/drj.v15i4.285
  24. O’Dowd, E., Hunter, S. C., & Canfield, M. (2025). Mothers’ experiences of stigma and blame: The views of mothers of people who use substances. Family Relations, 74(1), 465–480. https://doi.org/10.1111/fare.12786
  25. Richardson, A. (2020). Facing abandonment issues in addiction recovery. Addiction Recovery Journal.
  26. Saldaña, J. (2021). The coding manual for qualitative researchers (4th ed.). SAGE Publications.
  27. Shaw, A. (2025). Grief on the margins: The death of a family member to substance use. Journal of Substance Use & Loss Studies.
  28. Tracy, N. (2021). What is an addiction? Addiction definition. HealthyPlace. https://www.healthyplace.com/addictions/addictions-information/what-is-an-addiction-addiction-definition
  29. Trang, N. T., Hoe, H. D., Anh, N. H., Thuy, D. T. T., & Bart, G. (2025). “When she’s there, I no longer worry about her being arrested”—Family perspectives on compulsory drug rehabilitation in Vietnam and implications for community-based services. International Journal of Drug Policy, 135, 104681. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.drugpo.2024.104681
  30. Vogel, D. L., Bitman, R. L., Hammer, J. H., & Wade, N. G. (2013). Is stigma internalized? The longitudinal impact of public stigma on self-stigma. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 60(2), 311–316. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0031889
  31. Wang, C., Cheng, Z., Yue, X. G., & McAleer, M. (2020). Risk management of COVID-19 by universities in China. Journal of Risk and Financial Management, 13(2), 36. https://doi.org/10.3390/jrfm13020036
  32. Wassie, W. (2025). Socio-economic effects of sports betting in Ethiopia: A case study from Bahir Dar City, Amhara Region (Doctoral dissertation). Bahir Dar University.

Tools


Copyright © 2025  KITE Digital Educational Solutions |  Exclusively distributed by CE-Logic