Police officials, personnel undergo drug tests

CEBU, Philippines - At least 32 officials of law enforcement agencies in Region 7 underwent the surprise drug test conducted by the Department of Interior and Local Government yesterday.

Among those that underwent the tests were acting Police Regional Office-7 chief Federico Terte, Cebu Provincial Police Office Director Carmelo Valmoria, and Cebu City Police Office Director Patrocinio Comendador, Jr.

Officials of the Bureau of Fire Protection, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, National Police Commission, and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency also underwent the tests.

DILG conducted the tests along with the visit of DILG Undersecretary on Public Safety Marius Corpuz here in Cebu.

Corpuz said law enforcement offices should better be cleared of illegal drugs if officials and personnel do not want to be subjected to the “one strike policy.”

Jail wardens and fire station chiefs anew are covered by the “one-strike policy” on illegal drugs, which means they would face immediate relief should they fail to act immediately on reports of the presence or use of illegal drugs in the jails or fire stations under their watch.

Uniformed personnel of the PNP, BJMP, and BFP found to be using drugs would be dismissed outright from the service. They may be charged administratively for gross negligence or dereliction of duty as may be warranted by evidence.

Dr. Nestor Sator, chief of the PNP Crime Laboratory-7, said the random drug tests will include both top officials and ordinary policemen to show the public that the police are sincere on their campaign against illegal drugs. – Niña Chrismae G. Sumacot/JMO (THE FREEMAN)