Mandaue cop found positive for drug use

CEBU, Philippines - One of 49 policemen assigned at different police stations in Mandaue City was found positive of using illegal drugs.

The result, however, is still subject for confirmatory test to determine if the said policeman really used illegal drugs, said Mandaue City Police Director Senior Superintendent Petronelli Baldebrin.

Baldebrin said the outcome of the confirmatory test will be the basis of the next action of his office against the policeman in question.

Baldebrin said if the policeman is found positive during confirmatory, the same will be facing administrative charges and will undergo summary dismissal proceedings.

The policeman, who was identified with a rank of Police Officer 1, was relieved from the station he was assigned and disarmed of his service firearm. He is presently detailed at the Mandaue City Police Office.

Baldebrin said he confronted the said policeman who strongly denied he is user of illegal drugs.

Yesterday morning, Baldebrin called all police station chiefs to advise police personnel of their respected stations to attend an important conference at his office.

After the short conference, the surprise drug test ensued.

Baldebrin first underwent the test conducted by the personnel of the PNP Crime Laboratory-7, saying the it is part of the program of the PNP to clean up their rank against scalawags and those involved in using illegal drugs.

He said it is the standing directive of PNP Director General Alan Purisima that a quarterly drug test be conducted by all police units to all police personnel assigned at their respective units.

According to Baldebrin, a similar drug test was conducted in the first quarter this year for Mandaue City Police but no one was then found positive.

He admitted that his office has received text messages and information from unknown persons that some of the policemen assigned in Mandaue City are allegedly users of illegal drugs. (FREEMAN)