Drug test-dodging Central Visayas cop to be charged

CEBU CITY — The Police Regional Office in Central Visayas (PRO-7) is set to file an administrative case against the officer who recently skipped a surprise drug test.

In a press conference Thursday, PRO-7 director Chief Supt. Debold Sinas said they will file a case of insubordination against PO2 Armin Hernandez for avoiding the drug test last Tuesday at the PRO-7 headquarters.

Sinas said Hernandez, who is assigned at the Regional Police Holding and Accounting Unit (RPHAU), reportedly fled from the PRO-7 premises just as he was about to undergo the drug test and never reported back the following day.

The PRO-7 chief sent some personnel to Hernandez’s residence also on Wednesday to check on the officer’s whereabouts.
Sinas said Hernandez admittedly ran away and disappeared from the scene because he was scared to take the drug test. Hernandez was subjected to undergo the test on Thursday.

Sinas said the filing of the case against Hernandez will serve as a warning to all Philippine National Police personnel who will refuse to undergo drug testing.

Evading the drug test is a grave offense which is enough ground for dismissal from the police service, said Sinas.

The random drug testing is part of the PNP’s internal cleansing program, which is one of the main thrusts of Chief PNP Oscar Albayalde.

Late last month, Sinas relieved a medico-legal officer from the PRO-7’s (Central Visayas) crime laboratory unit after testing positive for drugs. (Luel Galarpe/PNA)

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