'Drug addicts have no place in the Western Mindanao Command'

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines -- Two soldiers and a civilian employee of the Armed Forces Western Mindanao Command tested positive for illegal drugs during its mandatory testing Thursday and now face losing their jobs.

 

Lt. Gen. Mayoralgo dela Cruz, Westmincom chief, said the drug testing is part of its strong support for President Rodrigo Duterte's in fight against illegal drugs in the country.

 

Dela Cruz declared that soldiers who are drug addicts or users “have no place in the Armed Forces of the Philippines.”

 

The two soldiers and civilian employee who tested positive were among the 373 officers, enlisted men and civilian personnel of the Westmincom who underwent the mandatory drug testing conducted at the Camp Navarro gymnasium.

 

Dela Cruz said those found positive for using illegal drugs will still have to undergo the confirmatory test at a testing center accredited by the Department of Health.

 

“Those found guilty will be discharged from the service without ifs and buts,” Dela Cruz said.

 

“Our organization must be clean from drug abuse so that our soldiers can carry out their tasks effectively,” he added.

 

He said soldiers who use drugs will lose focus. “And in the end, [they] will be tempted to do illegal activities that will compromise operations and the safety of his fellow soldiers. Drug addicts have no place in the Western Mindanao Command.”