Random drug test for 1,000 cops

OVER a thousand policemen all over the country underwent random drug testing the past month as part of the Philippine National Police’s (PNP) efforts to clean up its ranks.

PNP spokesperson Chief Supt. Wilben Mayor said 1,075 policemen were subjected to the screening although this is still a partial figure.

“There is no result yet, and this is only an initial report, a partial number, since some units are still conducting random drug testing of their personnel,” Mayor said in a press briefing in Camp Crame on Thursday.

The test included national support units based in Camp Crame and regional offices all over the country.

Mayor said those who test positive of the drug test and the following confirmatory test will be subject to dismissal from the PNP.

Under civil service regulations, government employees face dismissal from the government service if they are found to be abusing or taking illegal drugs.

Of the 1,075 policemen who underwent random drug testing, 332 came from the region of Zamboanga and 177 from Davao.

The Cordillera police regional office came in next with 157 and the Caraga police regional office with 150.

The national support units in Camp Crame had 137 personnel undergoing the drug test.

In the National Capital Region Police Office, the Quezon City Police District has conducted the drug testing of 40 of its personnel.

The mandatory testing includes members of anti-narcotics units like the Anti-Illegal Drug Group. The test is also conducted on policemen suspected of illegal drug use.

Mayor explained that a policeman undergoing a random drug test is required to disclose the medications he is taking.

If found positive, the concerned personnel can challenge the results within 14 days upon receiving the results, with the policeman will be shouldering the costs of the confirmatory tests. With a report from Toni Diane Bellen