6 more brgy workers found using drugs

CEBU, Philippines - Six more barangay workers in Cebu City were found positive of using illegal drugs during a surprise drug test conducted among 95 workers of Barangay Lorega – San Miguel yesterday afternoon.

Cebu City Office for Substance Abuse Prevention assistant chief Ernest Herrera III said the barangay has 104 employees but only 95 showed up at the barangay hall during the test.

Herrera said that while only six were found positive, this number can be considered alarming.

“Ang mga government workers kinahanglan g’yud unta nga magtarong sila aron kapanaminan sila sa katarong,” he said.

Those who tested positive include an office staff, two tanods, one garbage loader, one drainage de-clogger, and a Barangay Environmental Officer.

Dr. Alice Utlang, COSAP chief, said the number of barangay workers that tested positive of drug use has reached 140 as of yesterday. However, only a few were dismissed from service as some barangay captains have given their men a chance to reform.

Just last Wednesday, four workers of Barangay Bulacao and seven workers of Barangay Inayawan tested positive of illegal drugs.

Before COSAP personnel proceeded to Barangay Lorega-San Miguel yesterday, they first conducted the test among 59 workers in Barangay Parian but no one tested positive.

“It’s very amazing nga walay bisan usa kanila nga na-positive kay ang Barangay Parian dia mahimutang sa central district sa siyudad, but sagdi lang, we will conduct random drug test to them anytime from now,” Utlang said.

Mayor Michael Rama said earlier that if he were to have his way, he would want all barangay workers who tested positive terminated. —/JMO (FREEMAN)