BATANGAS CITY – The Batangas Police Provincial Office (BPPO) conducted a surprise drug test among 37 senior officers during a command conference on Wednesday, Jan. 11.
Batangas police director Col. Pedro Soliba led 34 chiefs of police, two force commanders, and five support service personnel in the mandatory drug test amid a call to cleanse the Philippine National Police of officers involved in the illegal drugs trade.
Soliba said the officials were strictly prohibited from leaving the conference at the Multi-purpose Center in Camp Miguel C. Malvar here without being tested.
Article III, Section 36, Paragraph (e) of Republic Act No. 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 provides that officials and employees of public offices shall undergo random drug testing.
Civil Service Commission Circular No. 13 states that the objective of random drug testing is to ensure that government agencies remain drug-free.
Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. had appealed to all PNP colonels and generals to submit their courtesy resignation as part of the government's efforts to weed out erring policemen.
Soliba vowed no let-up in the campaign against drugs.
“Batangas PPO will continue to intensify the campaign against illegal drugs to eradicate those who take advantage of their position instead of doing their duties and responsibilities as public servants,” said Soliba.