By Armando Fenequito Jr.
DAVAO CITY - The Police Regional Office (PRO) 11 conducted a surprise drug test to 70 police officers on Friday afternoon.
(Police Regional Office 11 / MANILA BULLETIN)
In a statement, PRO 11 Regional Director Brig. Gen. Filmore Escobal ordered that the test be conducted as part of his office’s effort in keeping a drug-free police force.
"I ordered a surprise drug test para malaman natin kung meron sa mga namumuno sa PRO 11 ang gumagamit ng ipinagbabawal na gamot (I ordered a surprise drug test to know if there officials in PRO 11 who are using prohibited),” he said.
Escobal said the activity began with a usual command conference, which was attended by the members of the PRO 11 directorial staff, city and provincial directors, and chiefs of PRO 11 National Support Units, at around 4 p.m. February 28 inside the Bagani Hall.
He said before the conference was adjourned, members of Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) arrived to test all officers who attended the command conference
“Hindi magiging tunay na epektibo ang aming laban sa illegal na droga kung hindi rin ito maipatutupad sa aming hanay (Our fight against illegal drugs will not be effective if we will not implement it in our own ranks),” he said.
“Ganun pa man, ako ay lubusang umaasa na magiging negative ang resulta ng lahat ng sumailalim sa surprise drug test na ginanap ngayon (I am still hoping that the result of the officers who underwent the test will be negative)," Escobal added.
Escobal said they were now waiting for the result to be released by next week.