Cop tested positive for illegal drug use

CEBU, Philippines - A policeman was tested positive for illegal drug use during a random drug test held Friday at the Cebu Provincial Police Office headquarters.

Provincial Intelligence Branch chief, Supt. Rodulfo Albotra Jr., refused to name the policeman pending the result of the confirmatory test conducted by the Philippine National Police-Crime Laboratory-7.

Albotra said 48 policemen from different police stations were called to attend a Police Intelligence Seminar last Friday. During the seminar the participants were subjected to a surprise drug test.

"This is to check our personnel not only to those who are protecting and cuddling but especially those who are using illegal drugs," he said.

According to Albotra, the headquarters is now preparing an administrative case against the policeman.

Albotra said the seminar is a joint project of the PIB and the Regional Intelligence Division. He said the participants in last Friday's seminar were handpicked by the different station chiefs.

"Continuous na man ni nga seminar unya humana man ang intelligence so mag-depende na lang sa hepe kung si kinsa ang ipadala nila," Albotra told The FREEMAN.

"Nakabantay nako niya pagnakahibaw nga mag-drug test kay uneasy kaayo," he said, referring to the cop who tested positive.

Recently, the PIB also conducted a surprise drug test in Borbon following the arrest of PO2 Bernardito Almieda during a buy-bust operation. Almieda was caught visiting a drug den.

Albotra, however, said that all 18 personnel of Borbon Police Station were tested negative.

Almieda was already charged for violation of Section 5 of RA 9165 or Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.  (FREEMAN)