Bicol cops undergo random drug testing

LEGAZPI CITY – A total of 223 personnel of the Police Regional Office in Bicol (PRO-5), including officers in the regional headquarters, submitted themselves to drug testing on Wednesday at the PRO5 Grandstand, Camp Brig. Gen. Simeon Ola here.

In an interview, Lt. Col. Maria Luisa Calubaquib, PRO-5 spokesperson, said the regional headquarters conducted a surprise random drug testing initiated by Brig. Gen. Rudolph Dimas, PRO-5 chief, to the commissioned, non-commissioned officers and non-uniform personnel.

She said the results were expected to be released by the Regional Forensic Unit.

"The surprise drug testing had been implemented after the accounting of personnel and checking of attendance on Wednesday," she said.

The surprise test was based on Article 3 Sec. 36 Paragraph (e) of the Republic Act (RA) 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 mandating officers and employees of public offices to undergo random testing to ensure that government agencies remain drug-free.

“This is to monitor every personnel and maintain the trust of the public, to show and ensure that personnel of PRO-5 are drug-free, and the anti-illegal drugs campaign is not only limited to the people in the community, but also to the personnel who execute and implement the laws," Calubaquib said.

She said the activity is to ensure a drug-free workplace for more efficient delivery of police services.

"We want to make sure that before the end of the year, all personnel of PR0-5 is 100 percent cleared from illegal drugs," she added.

Once a personnel tests positive after undergoing a confirmatory test, could face charges under RA 9165, and dismissal from the service. (PNA)