Police, Capitol personnel subjected to drug test

CEBU, Philippines - Personnel of the City Intelligence Branch underwent a random drug test yesterday and were found to be negative of substance abuse.

Chief Insp. Romeo Santander, head of CIB, said 34 organic personnel and 11 intelligence officers from 11 police stations and 10 personnel of the city’s Public Safety Company took the test.

He said the test was conducted to show the public what accountability is, considering that CIB personnel are pursuing drug pushers most of the time. Keeping his men drug free is also in line with the thrust of the Regional Intelligence Division of the Police Regional Office-7.

“This is one way of showing transparency,” Santander said.

Those that will be found positive of drug use in future tests will be facing investigation to be conducted by the Investigation and Detection Management Branch.

“So far, wa pa may nag-positive. We will be endorsing it for investigation sa IDMB for appropriate actions needed,” Santander said.

The result of yesterday’s test will be subjected to a confirmatory test.

Province

Also yesterday, at least 200 officials and employees underwent a random drug test.

Result of the screening is expected to be released today.

Executive Director Joey Herrera of the Cebu Provincial Anti-Drugs Abuse Commission explained that the test was conducted to ensure that Capitol employees lead by example in the thrust of the anti-drug abuse council to intensify anti-drugs efforts in local government units.

“Among gisiguro nga limpyo gyod ang provincial Capitol. Gusto si Governor Davide nga we lead by example,” Herrera said.

There are 2,012 officials and employees of the provincial government and those who underwent the drug test were picked using a computer-generated random selection process. The governor volunteered to be the first to undergo the test, which was administered by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency.

“Naglimit lang kog 200 kay manageable man siya,” Herrera said.

Another test will be conducted within the year, considering that the commission has already set aside P300,000 for the program.

Sanctions will be meted upon those found positive of using drugs.

Board Member Carmen Durano-Meca, co-chairperson of CPADAC, explained results of those that will be found positive would be subjected to a confirmatory test. If the result is consistent, the person concerned will be referred to Capitol’s Committee on Discipline and Investigation.

Republic Act No. 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 provides for a random drug testing among the public officers and employees.

Under the law, any officer or employee found positive of dangerous drugs use shall be dealt with administratively, the offense being a ground for suspension or termination, subject to the provisions of the Labor Code and the Civil Service Law.  (FREEMAN)