Over 500 PDEA personnel undergo drug test

MANILA, Philippines - A total of 513 Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency personnel underwent a surprise drug test, an official said on Tuesday.

PDEA Director General Arturo Cacdac, Jr. led the submission of urine samples that were taken from PDEA key officials, administrative, technical personnel and drug enforcement officers, who underwent the drug tests after a long weekend break.

The drug tests were administered by the PDEA Laboratory Service after the weekly PDEA Monday flag-raising ceremony.

Supreme Court Administrator Jose Midas Marquez, who was the guest of honor and speaker during the flag-raising ceremony, also submitted himself for drug testing.

“This is just part of the standard procedure. We want to show that we have the moral ascendancy to lead as prime implementers of the anti-drug law and that we are drug-free,” Cacdac said.

He added that those who will be tested positive will undergo confirmatory testing.

Once results are validated, they may face summary proceedings with an administrative sanction of dismissal from the service, Cacdac said.