GenSan anti-narc cops undergo drug tests

GENERAL SANTOS CITY -- Members of the city police's anti-drug units underwent surprise drug tests on Wednesday in line with the Philippine National Police's "internal cleansing" process.  

At least 70 personnel from the city police main drug enforcement unit and the eight police stations underwent the mandatory tests on orders from city police director, Col. Aden Lagradante.

Lt. Col. Ronald Allan Penaverde, deputy city police director for administration, said Thursday they conducted the drug tests to ensure that none of its anti-drug operatives are drug users.

Penaverde said the city police will release the result of the tests as soon as the final report from the regional police crime laboratory is released.

"It was a serious drug test and not done in a so-so manner," he said in a radio interview, adding all of their personnel were tested.

Dismissal proceedings will immediately be initiated for anyone who turns out positive for drug use, he added.

But the police official said he expects that none of their personnel will fail the drug tests, noting that it "will be a shame" since they are the frontliners of the city police's anti-drug campaign.

"I'm sure that none of them is foolish enough to use illegal drugs and compromise their jobs," he said.

The city police office has 794 personnel, which is composed of 760 non-commissioned and 34 commissioned officers. (With a report from RG/PNA)