3 Argao workers test positive for drugs

CEBU, Philippines - Three male employees of the municipality of Argao tested positive of shabu use during a surprise drug test conducted by the Cebu Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Commission (CPADAC) yesterday morning.

Sixty employees were subjected of the drug test but four of them were either absent or on leave, said CPADAC Executive Director Joey Herrera.

No elected official volunteered to undergo the screening yesterday, he added.

A confirmatory test will be conducted on the urine samples of the three employees to substantiate the positive screening result. Herrera said the contracts of the three employees who were hired under a job order arrangement will not be renewed once the confirmatory test confirms the initial findings.

 Yesterday’s test was the first the commission conducted this year. Last year, tests were conducted in 13 municipalities and a component city as part of Capitol’s anti-drug campaign and its thrust to clear local government of drug users.

At least 15 Capitol employees were removed from office after they tested positive for drugs.

Republic Act No. 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 provides that any officer or employee found positive of dangerous drugs use shall be dealt with administratively, the offense being a ground for suspension or termination, subject to the provisions of the Labor Code and the Civil Service Law.

Meanwhile, a Capitol utility worker assigned at the San Isidro Kintanar Memorial Hospital, a province-run hospital in Argao, allegedly escaped during a separate drug screening yesterday afternoon.

Herrera told The FREEMAN that the employee who has a regular status will have to explain the incident to Capitol’s Committee on Discipline and Investigation. Capitol is withholding the employee’s name pending formal investigation.

“Ang CODI na ang mo-imbistiga ana kay insubordination man nang iyang gibuhat,” Herrera said.

A total of 20 personnel in the district hospital were subjected to the drug test, including the one who allegedly evaded, but only 16 were present. Three others were on a different shift, Herrera said. None of the employees tested positive. – (FREEMAN)