Mandaue brgy execs open to drug tests

CEBU, Philippines - In support to the police in their campaign against illegal drugs in Mandaue City, barangay officials announced that they are willing to undergo drug tests.

Ernie Manatad, barangay captain of Subangdaku and president of the Association of Barangay Council said that before they can show to the people that they are sincere in the campaign against illegal drugs, there is also a need to show them that no one them users of illegal drugs.

Manatad said being the front-liners of the campaign against illegal drugs at the barangay level they should show they are clean.

Although, he clarified that no reports reaching him that some barangay officials in Mandaue City involved in using illegal drugs.

But he said that barangay officials not only the barangay captains, councilors, but it includes barangay health workers, barangay tanods, eco-wardens and job order employees.

However, he said that it needs funds to comply the requirements of drug test.

In Cebu City, the Office for Substance Abuse conducted surprise drug tests to barangay officials in the different barangays.

More than mostly barangay tanods and barangay health workers were found positive of using illegal drugs in 34 out of 80 barangays in Cebu City. (FREEMAN)