Lapu-Lapu CDRRMO personnel undergo drug test

CEBU, Philippines —  At least 119 personnel of Lapu-Lapu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) underwent a surprise random drug testing yesterday, December 28, 2023.

In an interview with the media, Nagiel Bañacia, CDRRMO head of the Lapu-Lapu City, said that the surprise drug test is part of the year-end assessment.

They usually conduct two drug testings, Bañacia explained, which is a mid-year drug testing and the year-end drug testing.

Bañacia said that it is important for them to conduct drug testing among their personnel since they respond to emergencies.

“Ato ni gituyo pag check jud ani kung naa ba’y ginagamit na mga ginadili na drugas. Atong opisina deals with an emergency,and we want it na walay mugamit na drugas kay makaapektar na sa panerbisyo,” said Bañacia.

Aside from the drug testing, Bañacia said they are conducting internal procedures to re-assess and re-establish the performance of the CDRRMO personnel.

He emphasized that each personnel is expected to be knowledgeable and skilled in how to react in a disaster thus must be calm and balanced at all times.

 “Kung dunay mag positive among i-endorse ngadto sa Human Resource development. Naay process ana na himuon ang HRDO then i-elevete lang namo didto ss Office of the Mayor,” he explained.

Further, Bañacia also said that the fate of those who will test positive is not for them to decide. But he is, however, confident that all of his personnel will test negative, adding that before they could enter the team, they also underwent a drug testing.

During their mid-term testing, Bañacia said no personnel tested positive as well.

“So this a warning to government workers that no drugs in work places,” he reminded. (CEBU NEWS)