55 brgy workers tested positive of illegal drugs

CEBU, Philippines - Five more barangay employees in Cebu City were yesterday tested positive of illegal drugs during another round of surprised drug test conducted by the City Office for Substance Abuse Prevention.

A total of 55 employees from 13 barangays already visited by COSAP have been found positive of using illegal drugs.

“Lain kaayo. Ikaw og tanod ka, manakop ka og mga adik niya ikaw adik sad diay,” said Punta Princesa Barangay Captain Jose Navarro.

Navarro’s barangay was the latest to be visited by COSAP personnel to conduct the surprised drug test. Out of the 108 barangay officials and employees who submitted themselves to the drug test, five were tested positive.

 â€œKon sa ako lang maayo gyud tangtangon. Pero mag-meeting pa man niya mag-agad man ta sa barangay council,” Navarro said when asked whether those tested positive of drug use will be allowed to continue their employment in the barangay.

COSAP chief, Dr. Alice Utlang, said so far, no official from the 13 barangays her team has visited have been tested positive.

Utlang said the barangay captain has the prerogative to decide whether or not to terminate those employees tested positive of drugs.

Although Utlang is amenable to giving those employees a second chance after undergoing drug rehabilitation.

The city government has an outpatient rehabilitation program that rehabilitates within three months those who are positive of drugs not just the barangay officials and employees but anyone as long as he or she is a resident of the city.

“Kinahanglan og rehabilitation para gyud dili na makabalik sa droga,” she said.

Utlang said there is a group of guidance counselors that the city has provided to help in the rehabilitation process of those who were tested positive.

At present, there are already five individuals positive to drugs who are undergoing the rehabilitation – two of them are private individuals.

Utlang said it is the barangay itself that would give the endorsement for those who will undergo rehabilitation. (FREEMAN)