3 AFP personnel found positive for drugs

Members of the Standing Joint Task Force of the National Capital Region take mandatory drug testing in the anti-drug campaign of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. Three personnel were found positive and were due for confirmatory testing. AFP Public Affairs Photo

MANILA, Philippines – Three military personnel were found Tuesday positive for use of illegal drug substance following a mandatory drug testing to members of the military’s anti-coup unit.

Military spokesman Colonel Arnulfo Marcelo Burgos Jr. said the three will undergo for confirmatory testing by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, and later will be subjected to investigation once confirmed.

He said the three personnel are members of the Standing Joint Task Force of the National Capital Region.

The mandatory and surprise drug testing was carried out by Task Group Jacob, part of the Task Force Moses which supervises the anti drug campaign of the Armed Forces of the Philippines . A total of 202 officers, enlisted personnel and civilian personnel were tested at the Multi-Purpose Hall of the SJTF NCR after a seminar on drug information.

“I took the test, along with my co-officers, to set an example to our subordinates. There are no exemptions and no excuses in the drug testing. We do this in full support of the undertaking of the AFP of ensuring a drug free organization,” SJTF-NCR acting commander Col. Manuel Ramiro said.

Since its establishment in July 2011, Task Forces Moses has already tested a total of 359 officers, 3,609 enlisted personnel and 344 civilian employees. Nineteen enlisted personnel and three paramilitary forces were found positive, 12 of which were already discharged.