DEPED urges public: Report teachers who are into illegal drugs

CEBU, Philippines - Department of Education Secretary Armin Luistro urged the public, especially parents, to support their thrust in weeding out drug users in the education sector by reporting teachers involved in illegal drug activities.

The public, Luistro said, should not hesitate to do so, assuring that authorities will act upon their reports.

He added that suspension from service would be imposed upon teachers found to be drug users or involved in illegal drug trade and related activities.  He believes that the participation of the public in their anti-illegal drug crusade would also safeguard students from teachers who are under the influence of illegal drugs.

DepEd has collaborated with the police and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency in the implementation of surprise drug tests to educators.

In fact, DepEd-7 issued a memorandum last year for the conduct of a mandatory drug test on public school teachers in school divisions throughout Central Visayas. However, the program has not been implemented yet.

For her part, DepEd regional director Juliet Jeruta warned teachers against illegal drugs and reminded them of their responsibility as custodians of the students.

She said the teachers may look for another source of income, but it should be legal and done through legal means.

DepEd officials made their statements following the recent arrest of a public high school teacher, along with her family, in a buy-bust operation in San Francisco town, Camotes Island. At least P2 million worth of shabu was seized from her house.

Two teachers involved in the use of illegal drugs were also arrested last year, one in Danao City and another in Badian town.

The Cebu Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Commission (CPADAC) earlier disclosed that there are more teachers in the province who are placed under surveillance for being involved in illegal drugs, either using or selling.

CPADAC will be partnering with DepEd in the implementation of the drug test program for teachers with the latter shouldering the expenses.

A meeting of the anti-drug council’s executive committee will also be held on January 20 to discuss their plan on how to implement the program.  (FREEMAN)