16 Citom men positive for illegal drugs

CEBU, Philippines -  When the Cebu City Office for Substance Abuse Prevention (COSAP) yesterday announced a drug test for 91 enforcers of the Cebu City Traffic Operations Management (Citom), one enforcer panicked.

He tried to go out of the room but the door was locked and guarded by a police.

Because of this, the enforcer was then forced to use a different exit and leapt to the second floor of the Citom building.

CITOM Executive Director Rafael Christopher Yap said he will recommend investigation on the enforcer who tried to evade the drug test.

“I will make a recommendation to investigate the enforcer because of the presumption of guilt,” Yap said.

 Sixteen personnel of the tested positive for drugs after yesterday’s screening.

Only 90 underwent the test after one fled by jumping from third floor of the CITOM building to the second floor.

The random drug screening was conducted simultaneous with the flu vaccination of over 200 CITOM enforcers and employees.

Enforcers were provided with anti-flu shots to protect them during the cold weather especially that all enforcers are on full alert for the coming holiday season, when they are prohibited from taking a leave of absence.

The 16 enforcers who tested positive of shabu yesterday will now be barred from enforcing on the streets. Yap said they will also no longer be recommended for renewal next month.

Casual employees of City Hall including the CITOM enforcers have six-month contracts with the City Government that will expire on December 31.

The result of the drug screening yesterday is however still subject to a confirmatory test in Manila. Results are  expected in about two weeks.

Whether they will be terminated from service before the end of their contract will depend on the decision of the Human Resource and Development Office.

Employees who test positive of illegal drugs are referred to the HRDO and the City Legal Office.

Last June, five CITOM enforcers of the 50 tested were also found positive for shabu.

Yap said these enforcers were no longer renewed by Mayor Michael Rama. He admitted that losing 16 personnel will affect their operation.

“I’d rather have a few clean enforcers than let drug users deal with our clients,” Yap said.

There are remaining 100 enforcers to be tested. Yap said they are directed to go directly to the drug testing center as soon as COSAP is able to set the schedule. — JPM (FREEMAN)