Two policemen assigned in Western Visayas are now facing dismissal from the service after they tested positive in a random and surprise drug test as part of the continuing internal cleansing process in the Philippine National Police (PNP).
Police Brig. Gen. Sidney Villaflor, director of the Police Regional Office 6, said the two policemen are now undergoing investigation using the drug test result as the basis of the probe.
Since assuming his post, Villaflor has initiated a program aimed at subjecting all Western Visayas personnel to a drug test, especially amid the illegal drugs-related controversy that hit the PNP in the past months.
Since May 24 this year, he said a total of 11,219 Western Visayas cops were already subjected to drug tests, which he said represents 84.42 percent of the entire PRO6 force.
“We also procured 15,000 more drug-test kits because I want this to be a continuous process to ensure that all our personnel here are clean,” said Villaflor, adding that kits were bought through the Philippine Anti-Drug Strategy (PADS) Fund.
“These kits are more than enough to cater all organic personnel of Police Regional Office 6. The drug tests will be conducted randomly in the different police stations and units region-wide, until it reaches 100 percent,” Villaflor said.
The official has also committed to pursue measures in order to maintain the integrity of the PNP, especially on the issue relating to illegal drugs.
Earlier, President Marcos accepted the courtesy resignation of three police generals and 15 colonels for alleged involvement in illegal drugs activities.
“We are absolutely serious about checking our personnel’s integrity and commitment to their sworn duty and are free from any issues regarding illegal drugs. As law enforcers, we are not exempted from the scrutiny of the public,” said Villaflor.
“We need to have moral ascendancy in fighting illegal drugs. And since the government has provided us with funds, this initiative is the best way of using it judiciously,” he added.