2 police directors back random drug test

CEBU, Philippines - The directors of the two police offices in Metro Cebu are taking the challenge to submit their personnel to a surprise drug test following the example of the Cebu City Police Office wherein eight policemen have been tested positive of drug use.

Mandaue City Police Office director Noel Gillamac and Lapu-Lapu City Police Office Director Rey Lyndon Lawas said they will replicate in their respective commands the surprise drug test conducted by CCPO to ensure that no “addicts” in their command.

Gillamac admitted having received reports about some of his men being involved in illegal drugs. He assured that those who will be tested positive in a surprise drug test will be dealt with accordingly.

Lawas on the other hand said he has already started conducting surprised drug test on his personnel. In fact, 50-percent of the police force in Lapu-Lapu City has already been subjected to the test. Fortunately, none of his men, so far, has been tested positive.

The drug test was done upon the recommendation of the City Anti Illegal Drugs Special Operation Team.

“Those who were subjected first were those who were suspected drug users but fortunately no one tested positive,” Lawas said. He said that the remaining half of the police force in the city will be subjected to the same random test anytime.

The CCPO earlier conducted a random drug test on at least 26 policemen suspected of using drugs. Eight of them tested positive. The results however were submitted to Manila for a confirmatory test.

CCPO director Sr. Supt. Melvin Ramon Buenafe said they are still awaiting the result of the confirmatory test from Manila. But, a high-placed source said all eight were confirmed to have used illegal drugs. No one from the CCPO however will confirm the information.

Police Regional Office-7 director Marcelo Garbo Jr. earlier vowed to dismiss those who will be found positive of using illegal drugs. — (FREEMAN)