ILOILO CITY -- A uniformed personnel earlier barred from promotion after testing positive for drug has been cleared by the National Reference Laboratory (NRL) of the Department of Health (DOH).
Senior Police Officer 2 Gregoria Antonano, spokesperson of the Iloilo police, in an interview Wednesday, said Senior Police Officer 1 Redan Octaviano was found positive for illegal substance use last June 22 when he underwent a test as part of the requirements for promotion.
Due to his failed drug test, Octaviano was unable to join some of the 1,140 cops under Police Regional Office 6 (Western Visayas) who were promoted on Monday.
Antonano said he was also transferred to the Regional Personnel Holding Administrative Office of PRO-6 from his former assignment at the administrative office of IPPO.
She added that Octaviano was even subjected to an investigation to find out if he was using illegal drugs.
Antonano said the same specimen sample was submitted to the DOH’s NRL for confirmation last August 1.
“Yesterday, we received the confirmatory drug test that he is negative of illegal substance, particularly methamphetamine,” she said.
Antonano said the medicine for acid reflux, which Octaviano took before his drug test at PRO-6, was one of the main reasons why he turned out positive for illegal substance.
As of the moment, she said they are working on bringing back Octaviano to his original assignment at the Iloilo police.
Antonano said they also encouraged him to try apply again for promotion in the next batch of the program. (PNA)
