Western Visayas Police Chiefs Undergo Surprise Drug Test

By Jennifer P. Rendon

Police commanders must maintain moral ascendancy.

This was the message of Brigadier General Josefino Ligan, Western Visayas police chief, as he ordered a surprise drug test for top-ranking officers in the region.

Ligan made the announcement during a command conference at the Police Regional Office 6 headquarters on Friday, June 27.

He said the initiative supports the core pillars of Philippine National Police chief General Nicolas Torre III: accountability and modernization.

“This drug test will ensure that our commanders have the personal integrity to lead their people,” Ligan said.

He added that drug testing will assess if PRO-6 personnel comply with organizational policies.

“These policies help determine whether they are capable of leading and cleansing their own ranks,” he said.

Ligan emphasized that internal mechanisms are already in place to prevent drug use and stop the spread of illegal drugs within the force.

Around 50 officials, including members of the PRO-6 command group, regional staff commanders and deputies, and provincial and city police directors, joined Ligan in undergoing the drug test.

“We encourage all provincial and city directors to do the same,” he said.

“They must lead by example,” he added.

Ligan warned that those who fail the test will face administrative and criminal charges.

He also said drug testing will now be conducted regularly.

A budget has already been allocated for this program, he said.