City cops ready to take drug test

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu City Police Office acting director Senior Superintendent Marciano Batiancela Jr. said the city police department is ready to comply with the required drug test by the city government.

Batiancela said submitting themselves to drug test would erase any doubts of the public on the police’s involvement in the illegal drug use.

 “Actually, since I assumed as the officer-in-charge of the CCPO, this has been my plan to erase the doubt nga naggamit ba or kinsa ang naggamit sa atong kapulisan,” said Batiancela.

Batiancela said a random drug test on CCPO personnel will be conducted soon to unmask those users hiding in police uniform, if there are any.

Those who will be tested positive for illegal drug use will be facing administrative investigation and possible dismissal from service.

“Kung naa’y mag-positive, file-lan gyud. Makatilaw gyud na,” he said.

Batiancela, however, said he has not received any information about a city policeman using illegal drugs.

He asked the public to help identify policemen using drugs by reporting to the police headquarters.

“This is my appeal to the community nga motabang sad sila og report,” he said.

The Cebu City Council passed on Monday an ordinance requiring City Hall workers, including mayor and city councilors, to take an annual drug screening.

The ordinance also includes barangay officials and employees, the police force, firefighters, and jail officers to undergo compulsory drug test. — (FREEMAN)