All 269 Iloilo City police personnel pass random drug test

By Jennifer P. Rendon

All 269 Iloilo City Police Office personnel who took the March 3 random drug test were negative for illegal drug use.

The ICPO leadership confirmed the results following the report released by the Iloilo City Forensic Unit.

Thirty-one of those tested were police commissioned officers, while 238 were police noncommissioned officers.

They were assigned from various stations and units at the ICPO headquarters at Camp Achilles Plagata on General Luna Street in the City Proper district.

The activity was conducted in line with the directive of Iloilo City police chief Col. Wilbert Parilla “to ensure that all ICPO personnel remain drug-free and continue to uphold the trust and confidence of the public.”

“The result reflects the ICPO’s commitment to maintain a disciplined, professional, and drug-free police force. Through our strengthened internal cleansing program, we ensure that our personnel remain worthy of the trust and confidence of the public while continuing to lead by example in the fight against illegal drugs,” he added.

The initiative forms part of the organization’s strengthened internal cleansing program aimed at preserving integrity, discipline, and professionalism within the police ranks.

It was also conducted in line with the Integrity Monitoring Program under Philippine National Police chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr.’s Focus Agenda.

The PNP’s Integrity Monitoring Program includes regular random drug testing of uniformed personnel as part of a broader effort to maintain accountability and public trust within the police force nationwide.

Parilla said the drug test was likewise conducted in adherence to the PNP’s campaign against illegal drugs, emphasizing that the fight against illegal substances applies to everyone, including members of the police organization.

“We subject our own ranks to the same standards we expect from the community,” he said.

Parilla added that random drug testing is a test of credibility and accountability because the public deserves a police force that is disciplined, trustworthy, and drug-free.

He also vowed to further intensify their internal cleansing efforts to ensure that every member of the force serves with integrity and professionalism.