ICPO to conduct monthly drug test on anti-drug operatives

By Jennifer P. Rendon

The Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) will conduct more frequent drug testing on its anti-drug operatives.

From the usual quarterly drug testing, the ICPO would hold the tests on a monthly basis.

Colonel Joeresty Coronica, Iloilo City police chief, said only those assigned to the City Drug Enforcement Unit (CDEU) and Station Drug Enforcement Units (SDETs) will be subjected to the monthly drug testing.

Other personnel would still undergo the quarterly drug test.

“As I’ve said, it’s about leading by example. If we want to build up the credibility of our anti-drug operatives, we should walk the talk,” he said.

Coronica said they would like to erase doubts about the credibility of personnel assigned to the anti-drug units.

On March 28, 56 personnel from the CDEU and SDETs of six police stations voluntarily underwent drug tests.

Lieutenant Colonel Antonio Benitez Jr., CDEU chief, also had himself tested.

The City Forensic Unit administered the drug testing.

It can be noted that 44 CDEU personnel and SDET operatives also underwent a drug test on February 9 at the Police Regional Office (PRO) 6 headquarters at Camp Martin Delgado, Iloilo City.

The results were all negative.