2 Mandaluyong cops flunk drug test

Two of the 166 Mandaluyong City policemen who underwent drug testing last month are in hot water after traces of shabu were found in their urine samples.

Mandaluyong City Mayor Benhur Abalos refused to identify the two officers, but said they were rookies. The mayor said he will personally inform the two of the results of the drug test.

Under the law, the two policemen can either submit themselves to at least six months of drug rehabilitation or leave the police service. "I will confront the two cops and inform them of their options under the law," Abalos said in a press conference.

He pointed out that drug testing for policemen and city hall employees would be conducted annually.

"How can we trust the persons arresting pushers if they themselves are using drugs," he said.

Abalos said Dr. Alfredo Lo, director of the Mandaluyong City Medical Center, has scheduled drug tests for the remaining 90 local policemen. Next in line would be the 2,300 city hall employees.

Last Oct. 28, 166 policemen were attending an anti-terrorist seminar, when Abalos, accompanied by a 10-man medical team conducted a surprise drug test.

In his report to Abalos, Lo reported that two urine samples showed 4,938 and 3,000 nanograms of metamphetamine hydrochloride or shabu. The cut-off amount was 1,000 nanograms, the doctor pointed out.

The mayor said test results would be forwarded to the crime laboratory of the Philippine National Police (PNP) for further evaluation.

Under MO 77, Abalos has operational control and supervision over the local police. But he pointed out that it is still the PNP that has the power to administratively punish policemen found positive for drug use.

"The most I can do is to suspend the erring policemen for 15 days," he said. – Non Alquitran