229 BEOs undergo surprise drug test

CEBU, Philippines — At least 229 Barangay Environmental Officers (BEOs) were subjected to a surprise drug test during their general assembly at the South Road Properties yesterday.

Cebu City Office for Substance Abuse Prevention Head Garry Lao said his office has administered the drug test as requested by the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO).

“Gusto ta nga ma drug-free atong workplace. Atong gipasabot nila nga ang drug test dili ingon nga pakauwawan sila kon dili atong mapasigurado nga walay nigamit og illegal nga drugas,” Lao said.

Lao said the random drug test is allowed under the Comprehensive Drugs Act of 2002 or Republic Act 9165.

The result of the drug test will be released within the week.

Lao said he will leave the decision whether or not to terminate the BEOs who will be found positive of illegal drug use to their immediate supervisor, CENRO Officer-in-Charge Ma. Nida Cabrera.

But Lao made it clear that the position of the current administration is to terminate the services for those employees who will found positive of drug use.

Sought for comment, Cabrera said she wanted to be part of the city’s campaign in the fight against illegal drugs by ensuring that the workers are not into it.

Cabrera said she will recommend for the termination of those BEOs who will be found positive of drug use.

However, she said the office might reconsider after these employees will undergo rehabilitation.

“Actually, mandatory man gyud na nga ma-clear atong workers nga dili sila involve sa illegal drugs. If ma-positive, automatic gyud na nga subject for rehab,” she said.

Aside from the termination of service, Cabrera said she will recommend their enrollment to the city’s We Care, the city’s out-patient rehabilitation program for drug-dependents.

Cabrera said there are 15 of the 229 BEOs who are job orders while the others are part of the barangay aides. (FREEMAN)