ILOILO CITY — More than 1,300 police officers were subjected to a surprise drug test at the Police Regional Office 6 on Monday.
Police officers who are squad leaders from different provinces in the region are attending a one-day squad leaders forum and orientation seminar at the Camp Gen. Martin Teofilo Delgado, Fort San Pedro in this city when they were called to submit their urine specimen.
The squad leaders thought they would solely attend the event, without them knowing they would undergo drug testing, said PRO-6 spokesperson Police Superintendent Gilbert Gorero in a media interview.
“This is unannounced,” he said.
Gorero said the drug test was part of PRO-6’s program on “internal cleansing”, to make sure no police officer in the region is using illegal drugs.
After the Monday morning’s flag raising at the camp, the squad leaders were gathered in the covered gym, where the drug testing was held.
After the preliminaries, PRO-6 regional director Police Chief Superintendent Cesar Hawthorne Binag then announced the surprise drug test.
Those getting out of the venue were required to leave their identification cards to make sure they would not escape.
While the forum and orientation seminar is ongoing, a group of 15-20 squad leaders transferred in a small gymnasium, where they were told to give urine samples to personnel of the PRO-6’ Crime Laboratory who will do the test.
Gorero said the result of the drug test may come out in the coming days, with those to be found positive to be subjected to investigation and face dismissal from service.
“There is no place in PRO-6 for the uniformed personnel who are involved in illegal drugs,” he said.
Earlier, the 12,000 personnel under the PRO-6 were grouped into squads composed of 10 members each. Each squad chose their respective squad leaders and assistant squad leaders.
Squad leaders are responsible for supervising and mentoring their members on performances, attitudes, vices, among others.
Gorero said they are also allowed to issue certificates to their members that they are not involved in illegal drugs, illegal gambling, and other illegal activities.
While the Philippine National Police (PNP) is now embarking into sectoral drug clearing operation other than the barangay drug clearing operation, the seminar-workshop will enhance the cops’ skills on how to clear the different sectors like businesses, the academe, transport, and labor sectors. (PNA)
