9 more brgy workers found positive for drugs

CEBU, Philippines -  Nine more barangay employees tested positive for using illegal drugs during random testing yesterday.

Two of the nine are residents of Barangay Kalunasan, a loader and a street cleaner, while the seven are of Barangay Quiot, four tanods, a loader and a mechanic.

The test was conducted by the Cebu City Office for Substance Abuse Prevention.

Kalunasan councilman Nestor Gabunada who heads the Committee on Peace and Order said the barangay’s officials still have to meet to decide on what to do with the employees.

“Naay proposal ang COSAP nga naay rehab… amo lang ikuan kay basin siguro willing sila mu-stop (COSAP proposed to let the employees undergo rehabilitation because they might be willing to change),” Gabunada said.

For his part, Quiot Barangay Captain Pancrasio Esparis said he will meet with the barangay council first before making a decision.

“After namo makuha ang official result sa drug test, ma-meet nako sa Council kay dili man maayo nga ako ra mu-decide…(But) I will ask the committee chairman (of those employees)… ato i-check ilang performance kon unsa gyud sila mutrabaho (After we get the official result of the drug test, I will meet with the barangay Council because it will not look good if I will make a decision on my own. We will also check the employees’ record to assess their performance at work),” he said.

He said it is possible that the employees who have good track record will be given a chance for a month and will be asked to undergo rehabilitation.

Both barangay officials said their barangays are campaigning strongly against illegal drugs.

The rehabilitation program being provided by the city government is for free and COSAP chief Alice Utlang has encouraged barangay officials found to be using drugs to avail of the service. She emphasized, though, that undergoing the program must be voluntary.

“Mas maayo gyud nga sila ang moduol namo. Kay dili man gud ta kapugos sa tawo nga magbag-o (It is best if they come to my office voluntarily because we cannot force someone to change),” she said.

“We are here to help them. Kay og sa private sila nga rehabilitation center very expensive kaayo. Atong purpose nga sa sayo pa mabag-o sila,” she added.

The city’s Association of Barangay Councils has echoed Utlang’s call.  (FREEMAN)