NCRPO needs P5.1 million to fund drug tests for 17,000 cops

The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) needs P5.1 million to fund the drug tests for all 17,000 policemen in the metropolis, NCRPO chief Deputy Director General Reynaldo Velasco said yesterday as he appealed for help in funding the project.

Velasco is seeking the help of the Philippine National Police (PNP), the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and the Metro Manila mayors to complete the drug tests.

"Where Metro Manila goes, the nation goes. Requiring all the 17,000 policemen to undergo the mandatory drug testing is necessary to clear all doubts against our law enforcers and identify users, peddlers and even possible members of international drug syndicates in our ranks," Velasco said.

He noted that at least P5.1 million is needed by the NCRPO to implement the mandatory drug testing since the standard fee for each is P300.

Due to the funding problem, Velasco said what they are doing now is only random testing in the five police districts in Metro Manila.

Stressing that house-cleaning must start in Metro Manila and the Metro police, Velasco said "as long as there are serious doubts in our police credibility vis-à-vis drug use and possible involvement of our personnel, the stigma will always be there which will make it difficult to fully involve the citizens in the anti-drug campaign."

Velasco urged the 17 Metro Manila mayors to help the NCRPO fund the mandatory drug tests for policemen in their respective jurisdictions, citing Memorandum Order No. 77, which gives mayors the operational control of the police force in the respective localities.

He cited Mandaluyong Mayor Benjamin "Benhur" Abalos Jr., who shouldered the drug testing for city policemen even before the government launched a renewed anti-drug campaign.

"They should follow the good example of Mayor Abalos who took it upon himself to rid the ranks of the local police of drug dependents," said Velasco in his appeal to the mayors.

Two local policemen found positive for drug use were ordered by Abalos transferred to police units outside Mandaluyong City.

Velasco is also urging the PNP and the PDEA to allocate a portion of its P1 billion anti-drugs fund to the drug tests of NCRPO personnel. — Non Alquitran