46 cops snub drug test; now AWOL

MANILA, Philippines — Forty-six of the 357 police officers who are being investigated for alleged involvement in illegal drugs have been marked AWOL or absent without official leave after they snubbed a drug testing ordered by Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Archie Francisco Gamboa.

The police officers were absent during the drug testing at Camp Crame in Quezon City on Friday.

“There were 46 who were absent. My instruction is to mark them AWOL,” Gamboa said in a radio interview yesterday.

At least 14 policemen heeded Gamboa’s call for officers linked to drugs to just avail themselves of early retirement.

The lawmen filed for optional retirement days after Gamboa asked them to spare the PNP from the tedious investigation process they will have to undergo.

He said those found to be involved in drugs risk embarrassing themselves in public.

“If you really want peace of  mind, then we offer you optional retirement,” Gamboa said.

Among those under probe for drugs is a one-star general.

Gamboa refused to name the ranking official as well as the other police officers as they are still presumed innocent.

The PNP is expected to submit to President Duterte the results of its investigation of police officers involved in drugs within one month.