3 cops test positive for illegal drug use Montesa

ILOILO CITY, Philippines — Three policemen of the Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO) have tested positive of using illegal drugs.

This was discovered during the two-day random drug test conducted at the IPPO headquarters, based at Camp Sumagaysay in Santa Barbara town of Iloilo recently.

IPPO director Senior Superintendent Cornelio Salinas said the three policemen, whose ranks range from Police Officer 1 (PO1) to PO3, were among the 45 policemen who underwent the random drug test.

The IPPO has 1,699 organic policemen assigned to different police units.

Salinas said IPPO is now preparing the supporting documents needed in filing the administrative case against the three policemen next week.

"Those who will be found positive for illegal drugs could be dismissed from the police service," he said, adding that this could serve as lesson to other drug-using policemen to stop their vices.

Salinas said the drug test was part of the internal reforms being implemented at the IPPO to clean its ranks against policemen involved in illegal drugs.

"As we cleanse our surrounding, we also cleanse our own rank. It is unfortunate on my part that we have policemen positive of illegal substance. It is very shameful that they will be dismissed from their position because they were hooked on illegal drugs," he said, adding that another drug test will be conducted next month. (FREEMAN)