CAMP COL. RAFAEL C. RODRIGUEZ, Butuan City – The Police Regional Office-13 (Caraga) conducted a surprise random drug test on lawmen assigned to the regional headquarters here on Thursday, Jan. 2.
“The surprise random drug test is part of the Philippine National Police's (PNP) ongoing internal cleansing program,” PRO 13-Regional Public Information Office Police Major Jennifer S. Ometer said.
She said it was personally spearheaded by PRO-13 officer-in-charge Police Col. Michael F. Lebanan with Police Col. James T. Goforth, chief of the regional staff.
The on-the-spot test was conducted by the Regional Forensic Unit-13.
Urine samples were collected and will be tested for shabu and marijuana.
Those who test positive have 15 days to contest the results using their specimen.
They will undergo a pre-charge investigation afterwards and their penalty determined through summary hearing proceedings is dismissal from the service.
“We are at the forefront of the battle against the drug menace and to become effective in this task, we must ensure that our ranks are untainted,” Lebanan said.