Brgy workers found positive of drug use

CEBU, Philippines - Another eight barangay employees in two barangays in Cebu City were found positive for illegal drugs use, two of them female.

In Barangay Labangon, five employees were found positive: one maintenance personnel, one driver, one admin staff and two street cleaners.

Barangay Captain Victor Buendia said concerned employees will undergo rehabilitation. Once they are fully rehabilitated, Buendia will be willing to accept them again to work in the barangay.

“Kay luoy pud kaayo, naa baya ni sila’y pamilya,” he said.

In Barangay San Roque, three were found positive: two loaders and one barangay tanod.

“Today is their last day. Kay tangtangon gyud kay ang kawsa nako, gusto gyud  matarong ug mahapsay ang among barangay,” said San Roque Barangay Captain Lidiore Miranda.

“I don’t have that kind of tolerance. Para nako, the fact nga positive ka, you are not part of our organization. So maong pasayloon ko nila. Samtang ganahan ko nga naa sila diha pero ila man nang gihimo, wala tay mahimo,” said Miranda.

“I do not know in the future basin naay (employees who will be accepted again),” he added when asked if he could give them another chance.

In the 16 barangays that already underwent the drug testing, around 63 employees have been found positive to illegal drugs. None of them so far are officials.

City Office for Substance Abuse Prevention Chief  Dr. Alice Utlang said the barangay captain has the right to decide on what to do with those who are found positive.

“We (city government) suggest nga i-terminate na or i-suspend (ang employment) or re-accept human ma-rehabilitate,” she said.

She added the city government has an outpatient rehabilitation program for those who are positive to drugs and open to all residents of the city.

“Kinahangalan og rehabilitation para gyud dili na makabalik sa droga,” she said.

She further said it would be better if  those who are positive to drugs will voluntarily approach them for the rehabilitation. 

The drug testing is done in random order and in surprise manner, according to officials.  (FREEMAN)