During surprise test at CCPO 8 cops positive for drugs

CEBU, Philippines - Just like ridding the basket of rotten fruit so the good ones would not get rotten too, the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) held a surprise drug test for a group of policemen yesterday.

Eight policemen tested positive for illegal drugs in the test held at their headquarters at Camp Sotero Cabahug along Gorordo Ave.

A total of 26 policemen from various police stations of the city were asked to report to the headquarters for a seminar, but they were instead subjected to a drug test.

Supt. Rey Tiempo, CCPO operations branch chief, told The FREEMAN they earlier requested such drug test to be conducted.

The activity was planned late March by the City Anti Illegal Drug Special Operation Team (CAIDSOT) chief Renero Augustin.

Fifteen of those who were tested were recommended by their respective station commanders on suspicion that they are using illegal drugs.

CCPO did not reveal the names of the eight policemen while awaiting results of the confirmatory tests.

Those who were asked to report to the headquarters were not allowed out of the room when the test was conducted.

It was also reported that some of those who arrived late tried to flee when they saw drug test kits, but were prevented from doing so.

Leading by example

Cebu City Police Office Director Melvin Ramon Buenafe together with Tiempo, Augustin and Talamban Police Station Chief Michael Beltran also volunteered to take the test.

Buenafe said that what they are conducting is a way to “check if their men are really fit for the work or service.” 

“For those who think that they are not clean, they should be sorry. You know your self and it is the time to stop.” he told his men.

 “The organization cares for its people and we cannot allow our organization to go down because of this,” he added.

Confirmation

Sr. Insp. Mary Sheila Atienza, Crime Laboratory forensic chemist, said that those who tested positive are set to undergo confirmatory test.

Results will be released after a week.

Atienza said that all eight policemen tested positive for Shabu.

Punishment

Buenafe, however, said that those who will be found positive in the confirmatory tests will be investigated.

He said, they will be subjected to pre-charge proceedings.

The concerned policemen will also be evaluated by the Police Regional Office -7 for summary disciplinary proceedings.

PRO-7 is the sole authority that can impose penalty for such kind of offense.

“This (violation) falls under grave misconduct and might even result to their dismissal,” Buenafe said.

Three of those endorsed for the surprise test failed to attend the activity.

Tiempo said two of the three purposely evaded attending the drug test, while the other was reportedly on-duty.  

The three will be investigated.

Other tests

The Cebu Provincial Police Office also conducted a surprise drug test for their men late last month. No one tested positive.

On September last year, PO1 Ismael Modapil of the Asturias Police Station was found positive for drug use during confirmatory test.

A policewoman also tested positive for illegal drugs during the same screening.

— /NLQ (FREEMAN)