By Alexandria San Juan
A police officer assigned to the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) tested positive for marijuana use in a recent random drug test conducted by the Philippine National Police (PNP) as part of its internal cleansing program against errant cops.
In a report from the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) on Tuesday, it said that Police Corporal Jake Donato of the Tactical Motorized Rider of QCPD's Talipapa Police Station (PS-3) tested positive for tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), a crystalline compound that is the main active ingredient of cannabis or marijuana.
According to the report, a urine sample of Donato was taken for screening and confirmatory test but both yielded positive results.
However, the policeman tested negative for the use of crystal meth or "shabu."
Donato's illegal drug use was discovered after the PNP initiated a random drug test to 20 personnel of PS-3 morning of December 18 as part of its "Internal Cleansing Program."
This program, the PNP explained, aims "to develop internal reforms and instilling discipline, moral spiritual values among members of the national police, and to eliminate erring cops involved in illegal drugs."
Following release of Donato's drug test results, a drug-related case was immediately referred to Station Internal Legal Office for summary proceedings.
Donato was given only 15 days to give his side on the matter and to challenge the result of the drug test.
Meanwhile, as part of the administrative probe of the Station, Donato was placed under restrictive custody and ordered to turned over all his issued PNP property for safekeeping to the supply officer.
The QCPD Investigation and Detective Management Division was also notified on all the proceedings in connection to the administrative liability of Donato to be recommended for summary hearing proceedings.