EIGHT policemen have been dismissed from the service after testing positive for the use of illegal drugs this year, the PNP said yesterday.
PNP spokeswoman and acting PNP Public Information Office chief Col. Jean Fajardo said the eight were among the dozens of policemen who tested positive during random drug tests among cops from January to August this year.
Fajardo said there were actually 25 policemen who were found using illegal drugs this year, clarifying a pronouncement of PNP Forensic Group director Brig. Gen. Constancio Chinayog Jr. last Monday that there were 24.
“Twenty-five PNP personnel tested positive from January 1 to August 31 and eight of them were already dismissed from the PNP, one resigned and the remaining are undergoing summary hearing proceedings,” said Fajardo.
Fajardo said the highest-ranking policeman among the 25 is former Mandaluyong City police chief Col. Cesar Gerente, who was relieved by the leadership of the Eastern Police District last week after he was found using illegal drugs.
The 24 others, Fajardo, said are non-commissioned officers (NCOs).
Fajardo said it was “really sad” that a “third level” officer tested positive during the random drug test. Third-level officers are colonels and generals.
She said the conduct of random drug tests throughout the country is part of the PNP’s internal cleansing program.
“Even if you are a third-level officer, you are not exempted from random drug tests…This serves as a warning to everyone that this is not only for NCOs, even us third-level officers are not exempted from the conduct of random drug tests,” said Fajardo.
“Even the Chief PNP himself has undergone drug test,” said Fajardo, referring to PNP chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr.
Fajardo said there has been a decline in the number of policemen who tested positive for illegal drugs since 2016 when 206 personnel were found using illegal drugs and subsequently dismissed from the service.
She said policemen are aware that testing positive for drug use is a ground for dismissal.
“They know that they are going to be dismissed and the PNP is not tolerating policemen using illegal drugs, whether you are a patrolman, a colonel, or a general,” said Fajardo.
