Police Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez, Jr., acting chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), ordered the start of the dismissal proceedings against a police corporal who was discovered using illegal drugs in Palompon, Leyte.
The policeman, a member of the Palompon Municipal Police Station, tested positive for illegal drugs during a targeted drug test conducted last Dec. 5 and according to the investigation, he was monitored for using shabu two months earlier.
After a series of validations which confirmed the information, the Integrity Monitoring and Enforcement Group formulated Target Intelligence Packet “K9” to include him in a random drug testing held on Dec. 5 .
The drug test result, claimed on December 13, showed that the policeman tested positive for methamphetamine hydrochloride or “shabu.”
Nartatez directed the immediate filing of administrative cases in accordance with existing PNP rules, with dismissal from the service among the penalties being pursued should the charges be proven.
“Let this be a clear message that the Philippine National Police is no place for those involved or using illegal drugs. Our counter-intelligence operation and internal cleansing mechanisms are strong,” said Nartatez.
“We will run after you and make sure that you will suffer the consequences as part of our commitment to protect the integrity of the organization and the honor of the badge,” he added.
Nartatez also emphasized that criminal cases may follow if supported by evidence as he underscored that no one in the organization is exempt from accountability as he stressed that the PNP will act decisively against personnel who violate the law and betray the public's trust.
He added that while the incident is considered isolated, it is being addressed firmly and without hesitation.
As part of sustained internal reforms, Nartatez also ordered the expansion of intelligence-driven and random drug testing across police units nationwide, particularly those in frontline and operational roles.