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Going to Philippines. Two questions.

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MichaelWhite
  6/29/2019 04:56 EST

Hello. I'm going to go to the Philippines, but since I'm in methadone treatment I'm a little scary to go so far. I would like to first learn something.
Of course, ?verything will be completely legal. I will take with me all the necessary documents that require the Philippine customs. However, I would like to ask a few questions about staying in the Philippines with methadone (it's tablets, by size, it is like three packs of cigarettes.). Maybe even someone has already travelled this way.
I plan to visit the following places: Manila, Angel?s, and any nearest decent place to these two cities where it was possible to do windsurfing (where?).


1) Since I am travelling alone, the main thing that worries me is - where will I keep it? I guess that I have to rent decent hotels.
But where should I leave my medication? In a hotel room safe box (is it safe?)? Maybe ask in reception a safe-deposit box?
Are there any ideas about where to store it?




2) If there are big delays with the return flight, is it possible to find a clinic in the Philippines where you can find methadone or something that could replace it?


But as I already understood the answer to this question will be - No, you will not find anything like it there.


Thank you. I will be very grateful for any advice.

charkee
  6/29/2019 08:12 EST

If you have a drug conviction on your record, you may be turned away and sent back home on the next flight.

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surfingcebu
  6/29/2019 10:54 EST

Michael - you think you can bring in heroin and methadone into the RP ? OMG ? are you joking us ?

MichaelWhite
  6/29/2019 17:58 EST

Actually, I'm completely serious. I wrote a letter to the Philippine "Dangerous Drugs Board Legal Division". As far as I understand, this is a division of customs that is responsible for the circulation of dangerous drugs. That's what they answer me:

-------
With your concerns, pleased be informed that methadone is a dangerous drugs and is not available in the Philippines. However, pursuant to Section 35 of the Board Regulation No. 1, Series of 2014, Any person undergoing treatment of a medical condition, who is entering, leaving or passing through the Philippines, may possess such quantities of a dangerous drug, or drug preparation containing a controlled chemical, in any dosage form, wherever prescribed by a valid licensed physician, as are reasonable for the purposes of such treatment.

Likewise , International traveler with pre-existing medical conditions shall carry the following items:
(a) Letter from attending physician, describing the medical condition of the traveler (for incoming and outgoing passenger);

(b) Physician’s prescription medication including the trade and generic names of the prescribed dangerous drugs and/or preparations or drug preparation containing a controlled chemical (for incoming and outgoing passenger not exceeding thirty (30) days supply);

(c) Prescription of dangerous drugs and/or drug preparation containing controlled chemical in original/personalized container and properly labeled accordingly.

In your case, which you did not state in your letter the dose that you need to take, make it sure that you will not exceed the thirty days supply, otherwise you will need to secure a Certificates of Authorizations issued by a National Competent Authority of your home country and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) (for incoming passenger with dangerous drugs and/or drug preparation containing a controlled chemical exceeding thirty (30) days supply).

Maribel Felix, RPh

Executive Assistant III

-------

  As I understand it, I can bring methadone to the Philippines for my personal use. At least in Europe, I have been travelling this way for many years without any problems.

Therefore, I ask you to answer the questions that I asked at the very beginning.

LarryKar
  6/29/2019 19:38 EST

Michael: While if you are sincerely trying to clean up I applaud you and pray for your success you have also caused a rare event. I agree with Surfingcebu. Are you kidding? Have you read nothing about the Drug War in the Phillipines? You would have a better chance of getting off the plane and walking through the airport carrying a machine gun than you would having one methadone tab in your carry on. Asia in general is not the place for you.

Asawa
  6/29/2019 20:01 EST

Given the nature of your illness and the potential for issues, I'd caution you avoid the potential issues, temptations, and harsh consequences related to visiting the Philippines.


Here is a good statistical recap on the present state and tolerance for drugs in the Philippines. It notes the 6000 Extrajudicial Executions of Drug dealers (IE: Shot on sight with no penalty, Partly because they know what happens if they survive).

The most impacted (statistically) area of the Philippines is Metro Manila based on this article from 3 days ago:

https://www.philstar.com/opinion/2019/06/26/1929572/how-many-pushers-addicts-are-there

Highlights:
The PNP Directorate for Operations collates the latest drug war statistics: At least 6,600 pushers and users were killed in shootouts with police from July 1, 2016 to May 31, 2019. Another 240,565 were arrested and are now crammed to overcapacity in jails. Plus, 1,283,409 were home-visited by cops and warned to desist or else. The figures do not include those killed by vigilantes and rival narco-gangs. Or, those who have been rehabbed or still in clinic.

Still, those details do not show the number of remnant drug users. Street-level surveys and research are needed. Of the 42,045 barangays nationwide, 12,177 were cleared of the menace. Still drug-plagued are 20,471, or 48.69 percent. Of those, 282 are seriously affected, 10,835 are moderately, and 9,354 slightly.

Worst are in Metro Manila, 88.6 percent of barangays affected; Central Visayas, 76.36 percent; Central Luzon, 75.5 percent; and Bicol, 72.89 percent.

At the start of the drug war pushers-users were estimated at 3.6 to four million. That’s about three times those home-visited, around 1.3 million. Hopefully it should not mean three times the 6,600 still need to be slain, and three times the 240,000 need to be arrested to lick the drug scourge.

^^^ Having said all that, people are adults and free to make their own choices. Just remember the old saying, "When I make bad choices, I give up all control over the consequences." It's possible to create a situation with your own action/inaction that has no solution.

-Asawa

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Asawa
  6/29/2019 21:51 EST

To answer your exact question, I think you should be able to call a hospital Dispensary to see if they stock Methadone.

From a few stays in hospitals, most have an independent Pharmacy as some sort of "Separation of Duties". I've often had to send relatives down to retrieve single dose presecrptions for the Doctor or Nurse to hand me.

Following that logic, I believe you should be able to find a local hospital in the area that you are targeting with your visit. From there, you should be able to locate the Pharmacy (dispensary) within the Hospital and ask if they stock Methadone.

I often find that it's easiest to start with the end in mind. I'd expect any major hospital to know if it's available.

Likewise, you could probably google any number of rehab centers in the area to make an inquiry. If you can document your treatment plan, you might be able to make some type of advanced arrangements in an out-patient capacity.

I honestly don't know what's possible, so that's the approach that I would take to educate myself. See if major hospitals stock or have access. If no, you are unlikely to find elsewhere. However, Cross verify that with a rehab clinic.

Good luck, and be kind to yourself.

Robertdav298
  6/30/2019 00:54 EST

Michael W........if I were you, I would go to MEXICO instead of the RP, the countries are very similar EXCEPT for one thing, MEXICO has an abundance of your drug.

LarryKar
  6/30/2019 04:27 EST

Michael do as you will. However a few months back I remember on the evening news a story of the police busting in the door on an apartment and shooting dead the 6 or so 20 something occupants. Their offense? Sitting around smoking weed. Yeah amazing huh? And that's just one of almost daily stories. What's legal on paper is one thing what happens is another. No disrespect meant but your average Police Officer does not even understand parking regulations let alone nice sounding controlled substance regulations.

darkfader24
  6/30/2019 06:13 EST

Michael W - I agree with LarryKar - I would carry a printed copy of that Legal Stipulation with me at all times. BUT - even then, it might be ignored. The Phils are the Wild Wild West and a lot of "Philippines' Finest" don't always know, or go by the rules. There is a lot of corruption. Who knows if one of them might frame you, lock you up, and steal your pills - sell in back alleys or feed his own habit? You are taking a serious risk. As someone said, Mexico is a beautiful country and being "Western" as opposed to "Eastern" might be a bit more understanding to your situation. Although I would watch my back in Mexico, too. Successfully traveling with Methadone in super liberal Europe is nothing like many Third World Countries.

MichaelWhite
  6/30/2019 07:52 EST

Thanks for your warnings. I agree that visiting the Philippines poses certain risks for me. However, I am not going to do anything illegal in the Philippines. And of course, I'm not going to contact people who sell or use drugs. I myself have not used illegal drugs for more than 10 years and I am not going to do that.
And as if after I pass the border control nobody knows that I have pills with me.

 I hope that I will not be afraid of the delay in the return flight, I will be with me a supply of drugs for an extra four or five days. They do not delay flights for more than 4-5 days, right?
 The only thing I fear is that I am robbed. Therefore, I plan to stay in the most expensive hotels.

 To Asawa. I already wrote letters to several large hospitals in Manila. I was told that they do not have such medicines. I already understand that I will not be able to get methadone or something similar in the Philippines. I hope that nothing bad will happen to me and I will not need additional doses.

 Thanks again for the answers I’ll seriously think about whether I should go to the Philippines. ?t least there is someone to discuss my problem. Since in my real life no one knows that I'm on maintenance treatment I can not discuss it with anyone.

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gelynch52ph
  6/30/2019 08:03 EST

I'm not even going to think about the methadone situation. However, he talks about wind surfing and mentions 2 cities, Manila and Angeles. First, there is no body of water anywhere close t AC and the water in Manila Bay is far too polluted to even consider getting wet in. If I threw a fishing lure in Manila Bay I wouldn't even take it off my line unless I boiled it first.

charkee
  6/30/2019 09:11 EST

I hope that you won't have to be "Kicking It" all by yourself. Just remember, if you ever had a drug conviction, it will show up on your plane ticket. They do that in the US airport. When you arrive you will be deported on the next flight.

It's a nasty way of doing business, instead of denying the flight, the airlines keeps your flight money going both ways. It should be outlawed.

I knew a minister that once had a heroine conviction that was 10 years old and he was not allowed to leave the airport and deported on the next flight back.

darkfader24
  6/30/2019 15:20 EST

Dear Michael - I want you to know that know one here has an agenda to hurt you or cause you trouble. Many that have posted remarks to you have seen or experienced things that cause them to send you cautionary notes. They know that things don't always go "according to plan" here, because of the fact that this is a Third World Country and there are many areas that sort of operate by their own rules. I don't know if you are coming from the USA but it is nothing like that in the Philippines. You probably will not have a problem at all. And I hope that this is the case. I think that there is just some concern that you don't come in with "Rose Colored Glasses" and have an unpleasant experience, or worse. I wish you the best.

JWShortridge
  6/30/2019 16:31 EST

Hello Michael,

I think the best advice to you has been said and re said. Please take to heart what has been said to you. Let me reiterate......and I will be blunt which is normally not my style but after reading your last message I think I need to be...... This IS NOT the US, UK, Australia. or any other civilized country with laws for all. In the RP there are laws and rules for Philippines citizens (born here) and laws for Foreigners. When a foreigner is arrested you have NO rights or due process. Even if it's obvious you are not guilty, you can stay in pretrial confinement for years before you even get a short 30 second visit to the court. As said, most law enforcement here has no clue what the law is. They see a foreigner with drugs and bingo you are arrested, or worse, the shoot you and take your drugs and money. Do you think the law enforcement officer with be help accountable for your death...... heck no!!! He will be given a medal and a promotion for his heroism. Bottom line here Michael, when it comes to you and your rights........you have no rights here. You can spend all day trying to explain it to the officers, but guess what....most dont even speak or understand english. I could go on Michael, but I won't, becuase if you are set on coming here so you can windsurf in Angles City,,,,,,, you're beyond our health. I apologize for being harsh, but wake up my friend. I honestly feel you will be making a huge mistake by even considering coming here........... no water or windsurfing in Angles or Manila Michael (do your homework). Also.....why do you want to come here anyway........you obviously don't have a broad knowledge of this country.....??? Good luck to you Brother and God Bless.

mootpoint20
  6/30/2019 16:39 EST

Michael, why don't you give us an account of how you got hooked on heroin? Tell us the amount of money you paid to buy it each day? Did you ever steal from anybody to get what you wanted? Did you ever spend any time in prison. Did you ever cause physical harm to a friend ? It's an open forum and most people would be glad to listen to your story. You sound like a special person and I certainly would be glad to give advice, the minute I have the facts. God bless you, son!

surfingcebu
  6/30/2019 16:41 EST

JWS - well stated. He can benefit from your advice if he listens. People forget, it is only the west that gives away everything for free, our houses, our businesses, and our legal system. In most parts of the world it is unheard of that a foreigner would have the same rights or more than a local. Very common in the west. I try and tell people time and time again in the RP, and they don’t listen. They can’t wrap their heads around how foolish the west has been for generations.

surfingcebu
  6/30/2019 16:41 EST

JWS - well stated. He can benefit from your advice if he listens. People forget, it is only the west that gives away everything for free, our houses, our businesses, and our legal system. In most parts of the world it is unheard of that a foreigner would have the same rights or more than a local. Very common in the west. I try and tell people time and time again in the RP, and they don’t listen. They can’t wrap their heads around how foolish the west has been for generations.

mootpoint20
  6/30/2019 17:16 EST

Sorry! I forgot to add, do you intend to use any of your methadone to pay for expenses or 'freebees', notably bar 'hookers' who might be users? I read where most users do sell to increase their potential influence in the community and lower their expenses?

MichaelWhite
  7/1/2019 15:29 EST

I carefully listen to your advice. Thanks for trying to help me. As I wrote, I have no one to discuss this with.
 No, I was certainly not going to sell my medicines or change them, this is insane.
 I would not really like to talk about my past here. There is nothing interesting all very banal.

 I did not steal and was not in prison. When I used illegal drugs I usually worked, I also rented out my property, this was somehow enough. 11 years ago, I realized that if I didn’t stop using drugs, I would be either on the street among homeless drug addicts or in prison, as it became harder to work and use. So I got on the methadone treatment program.

 I live in England. Work a lot. Perhaps I am even your colleague :) I am fond of sports. I do not think that I somehow stand out from the crowd. I was not a real junkie and I look perfectly normal. The fact that I use methadone does not even know my mom.
(Therefore, I think that after I passed the border control at the airport in Manila, no one would ever know that I have any medications with me. I would rent expensive hotels where the chance of being robbed is minimal.)


I love to travel, I travel somewhere at least twice a year, but I have not travelled outside Europe. Therefore, I wanted to go to Thailand. I started collecting information about Thailand I realized that there is a place that is much better - fewer tourists (I don’t like many tourists), better nature, more beautiful girls - this is the Philippines.

 By the way, what about Thailand, there seem to be methadone clinics. Is it safe for me to go there?

surfingcebu
  7/1/2019 18:05 EST

Micheal - I don think you get it . NO heroine or synthetics are allowed in the RP . Stay out . It could cost you your life . Some one will rat you out if you bring that crap in . Get clean 100% , then consider SE Asia . Not until .

Lovethephilippines
  7/2/2019 13:41 EST

Just chiming in to agree with what all of the others are saying. DO NOT bring methadone into the Philippines. The risk is not worth the reward. They are very strict and even kill people involved in drugs whether the user or the seller. Even if you make it through customs there are many other places that you go thru screening even if it is just a simple pat down and metal detector. You could end dead or in prison for life just from simply having one pill on you or with your luggage. They don't mess around when it comes to drugs. On a positive note they are looking into a medical marijuana program for the country but not official.

mootpoint20
  7/2/2019 15:13 EST

…………...Surfing; Thank you. I needed to halt this before someone got singled out to speak 'privately' and ended up 'holding' mailed medication while this gentleman traveled to Philippines. Prison or death may have resulted.

Asawa
  7/2/2019 16:23 EST

I would guess that Thailand is probably a much safer bet (by reputation), but that's largely unfounded.

Honestly, if you are looking for adventure travel... I highly recommend being fliexible. Have you ever used Kayak.com/Explore?

http://www.kayak.com/explore/

You put in an airport close to you, and you can see a world map with ticket price bubbles at every airport on Earth. Change the dates to see how they shift.

My wife and I have taken many trips based on "What's Cheap" and figured out what to do once we got there. Eventually, you get to see everything.... but in no particular order.

If nothing else, it's a great tool to dream with.

Just my $0.02

mootpoint20
  7/4/2019 15:36 EST

“...Are there any ideas as to where to store it?”



There's a sucker born every day! --P.T. Barnum

bee1lsu
  7/9/2019 22:11 EST

I brought my pain medication to the Philippines. Methadone can be used to treat chronic pain and is safer than som opioids.

bee1lsu
  7/9/2019 22:11 EST

I brought my pain medication to the Philippines. Methadone can be used to treat chronic pain and is safer than som opioids.

surfingcebu
  7/9/2019 22:34 EST

Bee- is not Methadone a synthetic type Heroine or ? Liquid or in pill form ? Did the airport see it and ok it , or was just it simply not addressed when you went through .
I gather you had a credible specialists document to carry ?

...just wondering with the hyper awareness of the PNP. Have to be ULTRA careful around these things .

LarryKar
  7/9/2019 23:05 EST

In no way suggest trying to or hoping to slip something by but with that said. I take about 5 maintenance meds for heart, blood pressure, glaucoma. I always place them in a clear plastic baggie along with the prescriptions in clear view. I've never had any airport checker even pick up the bag. Talking USA, Philippines, Japan, Korea, Hong Kong. But one never knows what might interest them.

surfingcebu
  7/9/2019 23:11 EST

Larry - always a good policy to be 100% transparent . I was wondering how the person passed the AirPort - with the medicine in full view , OR not . Most 'controlled' drugs should be accompanied by the specialist letter when travelling abroad . Especially something like Methadone , that has significant street values ... not so much your heart medicine, or Beta blockers .

Morgacj2004
  7/10/2019 01:38 EST

I work in law enforcement. Methadone is a controlled substance and is most commonly used to treat heroin addicts. There are Methadone clinics all over the US.

surfingcebu
  7/10/2019 02:25 EST

Morgac - is methadone used as a therapy drug for sore backs, chronic pain or the like commonly? What’s its street value?

LarryKar
  7/10/2019 03:01 EST

Surf: Everything you would want to know from WebMd
Also assuming my info was not outdated (2011) foreigners can bring Methadone into the country with documented letter from prescribing physician. Must include reason patient needs it, exact date of arrival and departure from the RP, and the original prescription.
https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/addiction/what-is-methadone

mootpoint20
  7/10/2019 10:50 EST

The gentleman says he's coming to the Philippines to do some 'wind-surfing'. Why not offer to help with his escapade and go along with him? It sounds harmless...pretty much takes me back to the 'Beachboys'! "Fun! Fun! Fun!..." I forgot the rest of the lines to that song...I must be getting old and senile! Good-luck!

Morgacj2004
  7/10/2019 14:13 EST

It is not supposed to be used for that purpose it is supposed to be an legal alternative to street drugs to be used temporarily while the user then titrates down the dose until they are clean. The street value depends on whether or not the state or country the user in has methadone clinics and it is legal to prescribe the drug. It is expensive and supposed to be short term only.

mootpoint20
  7/11/2019 11:43 EST

"...Are there any ideas about where to store it?"--MichaelWhite

jackson001
  7/13/2019 16:31 EST

I feel sorry for your condition, however, all that legal mumbo jumbo means jack all to a grade 3 elemnatary school customs agent who sees dollars signs on your back.
If you are caught with thise pills, you will go to immigration jail for YEARS!!!!!!.
No fone, tv, internet, your embassy will not help you!!!!!!
PLEASE DO NOT VISIT HERE!!!!!
This is not KANSAS
Run away, europe is ok, this isnthe dark side of the moon.

jackson001
  7/13/2019 16:42 EST

Thailand is corrupt. Stay away. There are lots of ph women in england.
Please trust our advice.

surfingcebu
  7/13/2019 21:21 EST

Jackson. I think you’re right . Methadone will land you in jail , . The RP is the old Wild West. He should not chance it .

LarryKar
  7/14/2019 05:03 EST

Really hoping he listens to what almost everyone of us have tried to subtle and not so subtle tell him. I fear is not grasping the reality. For the sake of windsurfing, and he is really not even going to the right area, he stands a very good chance of years if not life in a Philippine Prison. Not because he did anything wrong just because he ran into the wrong Agent at the Airport.

LarryKar
  7/14/2019 05:03 EST

Really hoping he listens to what almost everyone of us have tried to subtle and not so subtle tell him. I fear is not grasping the reality. For the sake of windsurfing, and he is really not even going to the right area, he stands a very good chance of years if not life in a Philippine Prison. Not because he did anything wrong just because he ran into the wrong Agent at the Airport.

mootpoint20
  7/15/2019 14:42 EST

Today's news announce two people shot to death at Methadone clinic in Baltimore. One, a police sergeant.


"I read the news today, oh boy! About a lucky man who made the grade...he blew his brains out in a car. Nobody was sure whether he was from the House of Lords!..."--Beatles.

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