Seeking promotion, cops undergo drug test

CEBU, Philippines - Over 600 policemen who applied for rank promotions before the Police Regional Office in Central Visayas underwent a surprise drug test yesterday.

Police Senior Inspector Reslyn Abella, PRO-7 spokesperson, said the test results would help them determine whether or not the police officers deserve promotions.

“Para ma-assess nato nga kani sila deserve nga ma-promote and could still function as police officers. Kay if they’re into drugs then how can they implement or enforced the law?” he said.

The policemen from different city police offices and provincial police officer are applying for the position of police officer 2 up to senior police officer.

Abella said those who will be found positive will be subjected to confirmatory tests.

If the confirmatory test comes out positive, the police officer will face an administrative case.

“If naay mag-positive nila, kay file-an og administrative case depende sa assessment sa mo-handle sa summary hearing,” Abella said.

Aside from drug testing, the police officers will also undergo medical and neurological-psychiatric examinations.

Police Superintendent Clarito Baja, Regional Personnel and Human Resources Development Division chief, said these would check and assess the physical and mental capabilities of the officer.

 “We can gauged their mental condition with neuro-psychiatric examination. Sa drug test naman dapat drug-free ang atong mga kapolisan and sa medical aron makita nato kun physically fit ba gyud siya,” Baja said.

PRO-7 has allotted at least 803 promotion slots.

Of the 803 slots, 83 are for Police Officer 2; 48 for Police officer 3; 256 for Senior Police Officer 1; 158 for Senior Police Officer 2; 217 for Senior Police Officer 3; and 41 slots for Senior Police officer 4.

Based on the resolution set by the National Police Commission (Napolcom), police officer 1 to senior police officer 4 belong to non-commissioned officers, while police commissioned officers are police inspector to police superintendent.  The third level ranks, on the other hand, include police senior superintendent to police director general. (FREEMAN)