1,090 WV cops hurdle drug test

By Jennifer P. Rendon

All 1,090 Western Visayas policemen who underwent random drug testing were negative for illegal drugs use.

The tests were done between Jan. 10 and 14, 2020 in police stations all over Western Visayas.

The PNP Regional Crime Laboratory Office (RCLO-6) released the result on Jan. 28.

Of the 1,090 that underwent drug test, 89 are from Aklan; Antique – 70; Capiz – 60; Guimaras – 56; Iloilo – 171; Iloilo City – 90; Bacolod City – 63; Negros Occidental – 193; Regional Mobile Force Battalion – 50; and Regional Headquarters – 248.

Police Brigadier General Rene Pamuspusan, Western Visayas police chief, said the conduct of random drug tests is one of their efforts in the PNP intensified internal cleansing program to get rid of scalawags in its ranks.

“It is part the focus directive of PNP chief General Archie Francisco Gamboa on PNP internal cleansing campaign,” he said warning that those who would be found positive of drug use will be dismissed from service for an administrative breach of conduct unbecoming of a police officer.

From January 2016 to December 2019, five policemen were tested positive for illegal drugs.

The latest was in Bacolod City during the conduct of a surprise drug test first week of Dec. 2019.

Pamuspusan has repeatedly said that internal cleansing is one of his priorities and that would stay the same.

Meanwhile, he said that more unannounced or random drug testing will be conducted throughout the PRO-6 unit to ensure that all officers are free from illegal drug use.