MANILA, Philippines – All high-ranking officials of the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) have tested negative for drug use.
The NCRPO announced this in a statement on Monday — a few days after its chief Maj. Gen. Jonnel Estomo led all “full-fledged” police colonels and generals in the capital region to take a “surprise” drug test after filing their courtesy resignation in support of the efforts of the Philippine National Police (PNP) to purge its ranks of cops with illegal drug ties.
“The screening test yielded negative results for all the 72 urine samples taken during the surprise drug test,” citing a report by the PNP Crime Laboratory Field Office.
Estomo, for his part, called this a “positive starting indicator” as he reaffirmed his support for the bid to wipe out “drug protectors and scalawags” from the PNP.
“As I formerly said that should there be anyone found to be positive for illegal drugs, he is automatically deemed resigned from the service immediately. Fortunately, none of the officers with me yielded positive test results,” he touted.
Estomo said the drug test results could be used in the evaluation of the five-member committee that was tasked to review the records of top police officials and go after those linked to the illicit drug trade.
He also vowed that random drug testing of police officers would continue during his term as NCRPO chief.
“On the other hand, this may serve as a stern warning to all regional policemen. No one can run or hide with the continuing conduct of random drug testing,” he added.
Last week, Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. publicly aired an appeal for all police colonels and generals to tender their courtesy resignation upon the go-signal of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.
This, Abalos said, is a “very radical approach” in weeding out police officers allegedly allied with criminal drug syndicates.
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