17,000 Metro cops to undergo drug testing

Following the example set by top police officials, the 17,000-strong Metro police force will soon undergo mandatory drug testing.

"We want to show to the public that our policemen, who are the main enforcers of the law, practice what they preach and are not the number one violators," Metro police chief Deputy Director General Reynaldo Velasco said yesterday.

Velasco warned that officers found positive of illegal drug use face possible dismissal from the service after summary proceedings.

The other day, Velasco led his district directors as well as station commanders in submitting themselves for drug tests at the crime laboratory of the Philippine National Police (PNP) in Camp Crame.

Velasco emphasized that mandatory drug testing for all officers in the metropolis is needed for the police organization to get the citizen’s trust and confidence.

"Through drug testing, we will not only determine if there are policemen who are hooked on drugs, but also take the necessary actions to cleanse our rank," the Metro police chief said.

Earlier, President Arroyo ordered the mandatory drug testing as part of the all-out war against illegal drugs.

Velasco ordered district directors to start requiring policemen in all precincts to undergo the drug tests as part of the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) Pulis Malinis program.

"The problem of drugs has to be stopped as it threatens the populace, particularly our youth," he said.

Velasco said they also need to identify lawmen involved in the illegal drug trade.

"We must identify these cops who are part of the illegal drug trade and known protectors so they can be dealt with using the full force of the law," Velasco added.

PNP chief Director General Hermogenes Ebdane Jr., had given all police officers until Monday to submit themselves to undergo mandatory drug tests.

Observers, however, doubted the capability of the PNP crime laboratory to accommodate all the policemen until Monday and the ability of ordinary cops to shell out P300 in testing fees.