Cop applying for promotion detained for illegal drug use

CEBU, Philippines —  While aiming for a higher rank, a police officer assigned to the Lapu-Lapu City Police Office (LLCPO) landed in detention instead, after testing positive for illegal drug use during the mandatory screening for his promotion application.

This was confirmed by Police Captain Edcel Petecio, information officer of the LLCPO, who said the police officer had applied for a promotion to police senior staff sergeant. However, his application was blocked after he tested positive in a drug test conducted on October 21.

Although Petecio refused to disclose the identity of the officer, he mentioned that the officer was assigned to LCPO Police Station 3 in Barangay Gun-ob.

He added that the drug test was carried out by the Police Regional Headquarters last month as part of the requirements for police officers seeking rank advancement. Among those who underwent the test, Petecio confirmed that this particular officer was the only one who tested positive.

Petecio also stated that the police officer did not deny the results of the drug test, but instead firmly admitted to using illegal drugs.

Because of this admission, Petecio said that it would be easier for the LLCPO to use this as the basis for the possible measures the officer will face.

Currently, the officer is being detained and suspended from duty while administrative charges of grave misconduct are being prepared against him.

“Kasamtangan siya karong gi-under preventive custody sa atoang opisina under sa Personnel Holding and Accounting Unit,” Petecio told The Freeman in a phone interview yesterday.

“So, floating iyang status samtang gi-andam pa ang administratibo nga kaso alang kaniya,” he added.

According to Petecio, the administrative case will be filed by the LLCPO chief and the station commander of Gun-ob Police Station 3, who are said to be the automatic nominal complainants.

Additionally, authorities are still investigating whether the police officer has violated Republic Act 9165, also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

As the spokesperson for the LLCPO, Petecio emphasized that the city police force will not tolerate this kind of misconduct among their officers.