As thousands of policemen have been infected by coronavirus for frontline duties, 14 of their fellow law enforcers in Metro Manila also turned out positive during a series of random tests—for illegal drugs use.
The latest of those who tested positive for illegal drugs use are two rookie cops identified as Patrolmen Lozano Buenavente and Guillermo Lagui. They tested positive for the use of shabu along with a female contractual civilian employee.
Maj. Gen. Debold Sinas, director of the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO), said the two cops and a female civilian employee were tested on August 30 after a dialogue on security preparations for the Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19) and other security matters in Metro Manila.
After the meeting, all the 260 participants were ordered to be subjected to drug tests. The urine samples were subjected to confirmatory and the result again of the three yielded positive in using illegal drugs substance.
The two cops were already relieved from their posts and are now facing criminal and administrative charges. The female civilian employee was already dismissed.
Sinas said investigation is now being conducted to determine the drug source of the three.
Twelve more policemen tested positive for illegal drugs since a random drug test was conducted in December last year.
They were identified as Lt. Rodel Torres; Staff Sgts. Ronald Carpio, Jonnel Torrebanca, Danbeth Geronga and Arthur Santos II; Corporals Jake Donato, Florian Peter Arboleda, Anthony Romano, Jose Rodericlk Basco, Patrolmen Jess Ranin, Casey Austria and Robert Buenavente.
Sinas said appropriate charges were filed against all the policemen who tested positive for illegal drugs use.