TWENTY-FOUR policemen have tested positive for use of illegal drugs so far this year and are facing administrative charges, which may lead to their dismissal from the service.
Brig. Gen. Constancio Chinayog Jr., director of the PNP Forensic Group, said the 24 were among the 115,983 police personnel subjected to random drug tests from January to August this year.
The 24 includes the Mandaluyong chief of police, Col. Cesar Gerente, who was relieved by the leadership of the Eastern Police District last week after he was found using illegal drugs.
“We already tested 115,983 (personnel). Out of this (number), 24 tested positive,” said Chinayog, adding personnel who initially tested positive for drug use are subjected to confirmatory tests.
If the confirmatory test confirms the initial finding, Chinayog said “that’s the only time we will be issuing a formal report that indeed they tested positive.”
Chinayog said the initial test on Gerente was conducted on August 24 and the result of the confirmatory test came out two days later.
Chinayog said the 24 are facing administrative cases for conduct unbecoming of a police officer.
PNP chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr. said the drug tests will continue to be a tool for the PNP to rid the police force of personnel linked to illegal drugs.
“This is a continuing activity; it will continue to make sure that our personnel are constantly checked. This also serves as a warning to our personnel to really avoid this kind of wrongdoing,” said Acorda.
Testing positive for the use of illegal drugs is a “ground for dismissal” in the PNP, said Acorda.
