Cop told to explain absence in drug test

CEBU, Philippines - A policeman assigned at the Waterfront Police Station was directed to explain his absence Thursday during a surprise drug test conducted by the Cebu City Police Office.

Senior Inspector Wayne Magbanua, station chief, said he already issued a memorandum to the policeman concerned, asking him to explain why he failed to show up during the drug test. The Freeman withheld the name of the policeman.  Magbanua said out of 57 personnel under him only 54 showed up during the drug test. However, the two other policemen have valid reasons why they failed to be present. According to Magbanua, one was in a court hearing while the other was undergoing the mandatory “schooling.”

Magbanua said the third policeman should explain why he did not report to the station and why his phone was out of reach.

Aside from the Waterfront Police Station, Talamban and Punta Princesa Police Stations also held the drug test.

It was Senior Superintendent Conrad Capa, deputy regional director for operations of the Police Regional Office-7 who led the conduct of the drug test.  CCPO director, Senior Superintendent Noli Romana, and City Intelligence Branch chief, Superintendent Romeo Santander, volunteered to submit themselves to the drug test.

Capa told reporters that all police officers must be subjected to the drug test to clear suspicions that they themselves are drug users.

He added that if a police officer refuses to cooperate either his attention will be called or his fellow policemen will escort and force him to take the test.

“Dapat lahat mag ano ng drug test… if they refuse dali lang yan, either ipapatawag sila or ipasusundo sila,” he added.  —/FPL) (FREEMAN)