65 EV cops undergo
random drug testing
By RPCRD, Police Regional
Office 8
May 30, 2013
CAMP KANGLEON, Palo, Leyte –
The war against illegal drugs in Eastern Visayas started right in the
own backyard of the region’s primary law enforcement agency as 65
policemen assigned in Police Regional Office 8 (PRO8) were subjected
to random drug testing on Wednesday.
"Policemen are expected to
strictly adhere to the policy of non-use of dangerous drug. Drug
dependents within our ranks should be weeded out as law enforcers
should set as good example to the public,” said Police Chief
Superintendent Elmer Ragadio Soria, PRO8 director.
Soria added that the random
drug testing will ensure that his men are not using illegal drugs as
he will not hesitate to dismiss from the police service those who will
be found positive for drug use.
Personnel from the Regional
Crime Laboratory Office 8 (RCLO8) administered the surprise test since
police officers only knew about it early in the morning when they
reported for duty.
The drug testing for PRO8
personnel is prescribed in Letter of Instruction 17/2012 “Kontra Droga
Charlie-Waray” issued on May 3, 2012 as an internal cleansing strategy
in line with the National Police Commission (Napolcom) Memorandum
Circular No. 99-008 which requires the administration of drug test on
PNP uniformed personnel.
Those found positive for
illegal drug use shall be separated from the service after notice and
summary hearing without prejudice to the filing of appropriate
criminal charges against the offender.
Further, any PNP member who
without any justifiable reason, refuses or fails to submit a drug test
when officially required shall be liable for misconduct and after
notice and summary hearing will be penalized accordingly.
Passing the drug test is
also one of the general requirements for appointment to the PNP and
when policemen apply for promotion, mandatory schooling and deployment
for United Nations peacekeeping missions.
Relatedly, Soria ordered the
deployment of anti-illegal drug operatives near school premises in
anticipation of the opening of classes next week.
“We will ensure that the
school environment would be free of pushers and users who may
influence students and introduce them to illegal drugs.” Soria said.