CEBU, Philippines - Officials of the Police Regional Office-7 will be going around the police stations starting next week to make inspections and to start the random drug tests among PNP personnel.
PRO-7 director Federico Terte revealed during the monthly “Talakayan sa Isyung Polis” yesterday that the police will undergo the same surprise drug test that is being implemented in the schools and barangays.
This is in line with the pronouncement of PNP Director General Jesus Versoza that 25 percent of all police personnel should undergo the drug test.
Although they have already revealed the target schedule when the drug test would be carried, Terte said the exact day and place has to remain a secret as not to erase the element of surprise.
Also, the police official added that they already have the kits and they have coordinated with the crime laboratory to conduct the test.
PRO-7 Operation and Plans Division head Louie Oppus also said that even before, police officers have already been placed under drug testing. “Even if I was still in Tagbilaran, police underwent the drug testing and businessmen sponsored the drug kits,” he added.
There were already several PNP personnel who tested positive of drugs and they were all dismissed from service.
Cebu City Police Office director Patrocinio Comendador disclosed that in 2007, one of the 50 police personnel in the city who were made to undergo drug test was found positive.
Last year, another 50 were placed under random drugs test and two were tested positive.
Cebu Provincial Police Office director Carmelo Valmoria also said that they have conducted drug tests last year and previous years and they have filed a case against one police who was tested positive for illegal drug use. — AJ de la Torre/WAB (THE FREEMAN)