The mauling incident at the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) on New Year’s eve has prompted the national police leadership to conduct a surprise drug test on all the graduating cadets of the Academy.
As a result, one of them tested positive for the use of illegal drugs, identified as Cadet First Class John David Macagba, according to PNP chief Gen. Debold Sinas.
“I have already ordered a pre-charge and summary dismissal proceedings against Cadet 1st Class John David Macagba and two other PNP personnel who tested positive during the random drug test,” said Sinas.
He is referring to Patrolman Christian Laganzon from the Ligao City Police Station; and Giovannie Adulta, a civilian employee of the Tabaco City Police Station.
On new Year’s eve, the Regimental Commander of the PNPA was mauled by his classmate whom he caught engaged in a drinking session with two other graduating cadets at the roof deck of one of the PNPA barracks.
The three cadets, led by by Cadet 1st Class Denvert Dulansi, are now facing dismissal from the PNPA.
Due to the incident, Sinas had ordered an unannounced drug testing of the entire graduating Class of 2021.
Sinas said that out of the 260 out of the 262 graduating cadets subjected to drug testing, only Macagba failed the test after his urine specimen showed traces of Methamphetamine Hydrochloride or shabu.
For his part, Brig. Gen. Bartolome Bustamante, director of the Bicol regional police, said Laganzon and Adulta tested positive in confirmatory tests based on official chemistry reports of the Crime Laboratory in the region.
Bustamante said both Laganzon and Adulta have been transferred to the Regional Personnel Holding and Accounting Service effective January 4 to ensure their availability to face further investigation.
Laganzon has since been stripped of his police badge and firearm.
Since July 2016, a total of 438 PNP personnel have tested positive for drug use, 382 of whom have been dismissed and terminated from the service, while 39 cases are still pending resolution.