Iloilo City police stage surprise drug test

By Jennifer P. Rendon

The Iloilo City Police Office said it subjected hundreds of personnel to a surprise drug test on Tuesday, March 3, in what it called a “test of credibility.”

The Iloilo City Forensic Unit administered the random drug test to 269 ICPO personnel from various stations and units at ICPO headquarters at Camp Achilles Plagata on General Luna Street in the City Proper district.

Of those tested, 31 were police commissioned officers and 238 were police noncommissioned officers.

ICPO chief Col. Wilbert Parilla said the activity was conducted to “ensure that all ICPO personnel remain drug-free and continue to uphold the trust and confidence of the public.”

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

Parilla said the activity also forms part of the Integrity Monitoring Program under Philippine National Police chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr.’s focus agenda.

He said it was also in line with the PNP’s campaign against illegal drugs, emphasizing that the campaign applies to everyone, including police officers.

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

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

“ICPO will continue to intensify its internal cleansing efforts to ensure that every personnel serves with integrity and professionalism,” he said.

A total of 34 officers scheduled to join the March 3 batch did not take the test, according to ICPO spokesperson Maj. Shella Mae Sangrines.

“They cited various reasons like a scheduled court appearance and conflict with their work at their respective unit. Some were part of the augmentation force sent to Boracay Island in Aklan for the ASEAN meeting,” she said.

Sangrines said there appears to be no case so far of an officer intentionally avoiding the test.

She said those who missed the test will still be required to explain in writing, as part of procedure, why they failed to get tested.

The ICPO conducts mandatory drug testing for all police officers every semester, and the March 3 activity was the first for the current semester.

With more than 1,200 personnel in the ICPO, nearly 1,000 officers have yet to undergo drug testing for the semester.