PNP: 9 cops test positive for illegal drugs

MANILA, Philippines (Philippine News Agency) — Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa on Monday announced that nine cops tested positive for illegal drugs during a surprise drug test at their first command conference last week.

Dela Rosa in a press conference said the PNP Crime Laboratory conducted the random drug testing among 2,405 personnel including 75 high ranking police officials.

The PNP chief, however, refused to give the names of cops who were found positive for using illegal drugs but said they were from regional offices.

“They are all coming from the regions, yung mga hierarchy officers negative,” Dela Rosa said.

According to Dela Rosa, the drug test aims to show transparency in the organization and ensure the public that PNP high officials are capable of being role models in leading the fight against illegal drugs.

Dela Rosa said the nine police officers will be dismissed from their posts and shall face administrative raps.

”May isa pang confirmatory if they will contest then after that pre-charge tapos imbestigahan yan may hearing then due process then puwedeng ma-dismiss. (Within) two to three days yung confirmatory test mabilis, we will make sure na mabilis [lalabas],” the PNP chief said.

Dela Rosa said he was alarmed with the result of random drug testing as the number was very high.

“Very alarming out of 2,405 mataas na yung nine ang positive, I have zero tolerance in drugs then meron nine na positive? Mataas 'to and alarming,” Dela Rosa added.

Dela Rosa added the PNP would continue to fight drug personalities despite some reaction from human rights groups.

”We (continue) to neutralize all these drug personalities. We (do) these kasi we have three to six months target so everything is legitimate police operation (and) I will stand by their side whatever protektahan ko mga pulis ko,” Dela Rosa said.