Policeman disarmed for refusal in drug tests twice

BACOLOD City, Philippines —A policeman here was disarmed for again refusing to participate in the random drug testing held Friday.

Police Officer 1 Richard Suarez, assigned at the Negros Occidental Police Public Safety Company, had even tried to cheat the drug test by placing water in the container that is supposed to be filled with his urine.

Senior Superintendent William Señoron, acting Negros Occidental police director, said Suarez was among the 227 personnel of the Police Regional Office 18 (Negros Island Region) and Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (NOCPPO) who were subjected to random drug test at Camp Alfredo Montelibano Sr. in Bacolod City.

The drug test was initiated and led by Chief Superintendent Conrado Capa, PRO 18 (NIR) regional director. “We are doing this to show to the people that we do not want drug users in our ranks. The only way to find out is the drug test,” he added.

Of the 227 police personnel, 100 are assigned at the PRO 18 headquarters, while 127 are members of NOCPPO.

The police official recalled that last year Suarez had gone away when a random drug test was also conducted at NOPPO headquarters in Bacolod City.

With his refusal to undergo drug test, Suarez is facing administrative sanction, for insubordination, or any charges deemed necessary, with the maximum penalty of separation from the service.

“When he refused, we presumed that he’s into illegal drugs because even his alibis were inconsistent,” Señoron said.  (FREEMAN)