The Philippine National Police (PNP) encouraged on Monday, Oct. 3, all employers in the entertainment industry, including giant television networks, to subject their actors to a drug test to ensure that their talents are not hooked into illegal drugs.

PNP chief Gen. Rodolfo Azurin issued the statement as he backed the proposal of Cong. Robert Ace Barbers to subject those actors and those in the entertainment industry to drug tests following the arrest of actor Dominic Roco in an anti-illegal drugs operation in Quezon City.

"We encourage the giant networks, even the actors guild, to do this voluntarily in order for them to show that they are helping in our campaign against illegal drugs," said Azurin.

He explained that if some employers require their employees and job applicants to undergo a drug test, it should also be done for actors.

"It could be included in job employment. It is possible and employers could do that as a requirement, especially if these employers are advocating a drug-free Philippines," said Azurin.

"As actors, they should be role models, especially to the youth. So they should be drug-free role models," said Azurin.

Before the arrest of Roco, some actors and entertainment industry personalities have been arrested before for involvement in illegal drugs.