MANILA, Philippines — Newly assigned Manila Police District director Senior Superintendent Vicente Danao Jr. has declared “martial law” at the MPD after two police officers “fled” minutes after a random drug test was announced on Monday.
All police officers, regardless of rank, “will now have to toe the line and strictly follow orders,” Danao said.
“No police official will be happy if they know that there men are into drugs. Imagine, you’re a policeman, how can you serve and protect if you are considered a problem of society?” he said.
During Monday’s flag ceremony, some officials noticed that the two rookie police officers left the MPD compound after Danao ordered drug testing for all personnel.
Danao refused to identify the policemen, who are assigned to the district holding and accounting unit.
“I am giving them a chance to show up as part of due process but they will be charged with being AWOL (absent without leave) if they don’t report immediately,” he said.