Hamtic town employees, surrenderers hurdle drug test

By Jennifer P. Rendon

All 330 persons who were subjected to a surprise drug test were found negative for illegal drug use.

The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) – Antique Provincial Office supervised the drug test in all municipal officials and employees of the local government unit of Hamtic town in Antique around 8:30 a.m. Monday.

PDEA Provincial Officer IA III Jyxyvzcky Escrupolo said those who submitted their Irvine specimens were 270 Hamtic LGU employees; two PDEA – Antique provincial office personnel; thirteen from the Hamtic Police Station; one from the Bureau of Fire Protection; and forty-four drug surrenderers and plea bargainers.

Several hours later results were released. All gave negative results for the presence of methamphetamine hydrochloride (shabu) and its metabolites as well as THC metabolites (marijuana).

Ma. Graziella Tanaleon, PDEA-6 spokesperson, said the initiative was led by Hamtic LGU and organized by the Hamtic Municipal Health Office under Dr. Ma. Eva Pacificador.

She said the activity is in line with the Drug-Free Workplace Program Campaign.