98 drug pushing suspects, users surrender to Lanao Norte town cops

Drug users in many parts of the country have surrendered to rehabilitation. In this July 1, 2016 file photo, drug users are gathered by the police in Quezon City (Photo by RAFFY LERMA/INQUIRER)

LINAMON, Lanao del Norte – A total of 98 suspected drug pushers and users surrendered to the police here on Monday.

Insp. Moamar Solog, the town police chief, said that of the 98, five admitted that they sold drugs.

“But we have more names of validated drug pushers,” Solog said.

Mayor Randy Macapil urged those who yielded to authorities to mend their ways, or face being arrested.

At least five suspected drug pushers have been killed in nearby Iligan City since President Duterte assumed office on July 1.

Senior Supt. Leony Roy Ga, police chief in Iligan City, also said hundreds have also surrendered to the police in his city.

“They have sworn to reform,” he said.

In Agusan del Sur, at least six policemen tested positive in a second drug test last month before President Duterte was sworn in to office.

Senior Superintendent Joseph Plaza, provincial police director, said two other policemen were also caught using drugs.

Plaza said the lawmen whom he refused to name were confirmed illegal drug users after the results of two surprise drug tests came out.

Just like the six policemen who tested positive for shabu (methamphetamine hydrochloride), the two other policemen caught using drugs are facing administrative and criminal charges and will be dismissed from the service.

Plaza, however, said no police official tested positive for drug use.

In Cagayan de Oro City, about 47 ranking police officers had undergone the drug test, and all of them came out negative based on the result that came out Tuesday.

Supt. Surki Sereñas, Philippine National Police-10 (PNP-10) spokesperson, said the result was relayed to the regional police headquarters in Camp Vicente Alagar, Barangay Lapasan, this city, by Senior Supt. Felipe Abingan, regional chief of the crime laboratory.

“All specimen showed ‘negative’ for drug use,” Sereñas said in a text message.

He said the drug test was conducted right after the command conference held late Monday afternoon at Camp Alagar.

“It was a surprise. It was announced only after the conference,” Sereñas said.

He said those who were subjected to the mandatory drug examination were directors and their deputies from Northern Mindanao’s five provinces and nine cities, and the regional directorial staff.

“The mandatory drug testing among the senior officers is a replication of what was done at the PNP headquarters in Manila,” Sereñas said.

Of the 75 ranking officers who attended the conference at Camp Crame called by newly appointed PNP chief Director General Ronald dela Rosa over the weekend, 11 tested positive.

PNP has about 2,405 senior officials all over the country.

Dela Rosa was quoted as saying those who tested positive “don’t deserve another day in office” as he expressed disgust and anger at erring officers.

Sereñas said after the region’s top brass had their drug test, the cops at the police precincts in the barangays would be the next to undergo the test. SFM