DOH: Doctor arrested in drug buy-bust on AWOL since November 2018

MANILA, Philippines — The medical officer of the Department of Health (DOH) arrested on Thursday has been absent without official leave (AWOL) since November 2018, the health department said Thursday.

Dr. Vanjoe De Guzman, along with six others, was arrested early Thursday in a drug buy-bust operation in Mandaluyong City.

READ: DOH doctor, 6 others nabbed in drug buy-bust

In a statement, the Department of Health-Metro Manila Center for Health Development (DOH-MMCHD) said it was “appalled” by the arrest of De Guzman, who has been a DOH employee since February 2015.

“Dr. De Guzman is a regular DOH employee from February 2015. However, he has been on AWOL status since November 26, 2018. Despite written directives to report immediately to the office, Dr. De Guzman has failed to comply,” the DOH-MMCHD said.

“This has prompted the DOH-MMCHD to issue an Order of Separation and commence disciplinary proceedings, in consultation with the Civil Service Commission, for his eventual dismissal from the service,” it added.

The agency also reiterated its support to President Duterte’s fight against illegal drugs.

“All DOH-MMCHD employees, regardless of employment status, are subjected to Annual Mandatory Random Drug Testing,” it added. /ee