Cop found using drugs relieved

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu Provincial Police Office director Senior Supt. Patrocinio Comendador has ordered the relief of one of the two policemen who was found positive of using drugs during a random drug test last week.

Comendador already sent an order to the Badian Police Station relieving the policeman effective immediately. The policeman is expected to appear at the CPPO within this week.

The other policeman found also positive of drugs during initial testing is currently assigned at the Provincial Police Holding and Administrative Unit, but he has not reported for work since Friday until yesterday.

Comendador said that if a policeman is absent for three successive days, he will be considered absent without official leave.

Both police officers are ranked PO1.

Comendador said they are waiting for the result of the confirmatory test from the Philippine National Police Crime Laboratory-7 of the two for filing of administrative charges.

“We cannot file a case if there is no result yet of the confirmatory test because we do not have any basis…we are closely coordinating with the crime lab,” he said in a press conference.

At least 50 chosen personnel underwent a drug test as part of a regular check- up.

Comendador received reports from his intelligence operatives that the policeman relieved and reassigned at the PPHAU for alleged extortion was using illegal drugs.

The said policeman was once assigned at the Cebu South Bus Terminal but was reportedly accused of collecting money from bus drivers which caused his relief and reassignment at the PPHAU.

“We did not file a case because we do not have any evidence, gi-relieve lang nako,” Comendador said, adding that he confiscated the issued 9mm pistol of the policeman.

The other policeman found positive of drug use during initial testing just arrived at the headquarters from a night watch patrol together with other policemen when they were called to join the random drug test.

Since Comendador assumed his post in March 2011, six policemen were dismissed from the service after being found positive during a surprise drug test.

Among the six are a policewoman assigned at the Tuburan Police Station and a policeman assigned at the Asturias Police Station. They were dismissed from the service at the end of 2011.

Recently, at least seven members of the Cebu City Police Office were dismissed from service for grave misconduct after they failed in a random drug test conducted by the CCPO last year based on the decision of the Regional Appellate Board of the National Police Commission.

They were PO1 Rico Caballero, PO1 Kristopper James Talam, PO1 Bob Maglasang, PO1 Gary Aying, PO1 Mohammad Bungkalot, PO1 Gregorio Bercero and PO2 Elyzer Zafico. — (FREEMAN)