PNP to enforce rules on 8 cops

CEBU, Philippines - The Police Regional Office (PRO) – 7 respects the proposal of Mayor Michael Rama to give a second chance to the eight policemen who tested positive during a surprise drug test last week.

PRO-7 Deputy for Operations Louie Oppus clarified, however, that they would need to follow the rules. 

“We respect Rama’s statements but they (policemen) are not under him (Rama) – these people are our people,” Oppus said.

Out of the 26, including four officers, who took the tests last Tuesday, eight tested positive in the initial tests.

Under the rules of the Philippine National Police, the eight policemen have violated acts of grave misconduct, which can have them dismissed from the force.

Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) Director Melvin Ramon Buenafe said the eight policemen would be made to undergo a seminar for rehabilitation.

“Alam nila ang (police) service. Gumagamit man o hindi, if they committed infractions, then this is the right time to reform,” he said. 

He, however, clarified that they do not want to risk the security of the community in the hands of policemen who use drugs.

“We cannot have policemen under influence of drugs,” Buenafe said. 

The eight policemen are currently undergoing pre-charge investigation at CCPO while awaiting the results for the confirmatory test from the Regional Crime Laboratory.

Once the pre-charge investigation is done, CCPO will indorse their case to PRO-7, the office that can hand down sanctions.

PRO-7 Director Marcelo Garbo Jr. assured that he will not hesitate to dismiss the eight policemen if their confirmatory tests will yield positive results.

PRO-7 is awaiting similar tests results from the Lapu-Lapu Police Office, which also conducted a surprise drug test among its personnel last month. (FREEMAN)