6 cops fail to show up during drug test

CEBU, Philippines — At least six policemen assigned at Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) may face an administrative investigation after they failed to show up for a surprise drug test yesterday.

Police Lt. Col. Wilbert Parilla, deputy city director for operations, said the six were part of the 60 personnel randomly picked for drug test. They were ordered to report to the CCPO headquarters yesterday but failed to show up.

Parilla said they were initially told that the six cops were out to attend a court hearing. Parilla said the report will be validated by them.

"Ato ng gitawagan sa ilang unit, accordingly naay court hearing, but we have to check on this kung kinsa gyud tuy dili makapa drug test karon, we have to check it sa court kung duna ba gyud silay court hearing," said Parilla.

Those who cannot provide valid reason for their failure to report for the drug test will be facing administrative investigation. Parilla added that those who submitted to the drug test and will be tested positive will likewise face a summary dismissal.

 Yesterday’s random drug test was the first this year, said Parilla. According to him, they are required to conduct random drug test as part of the internal cleansing of the Philippine National Police.

"Humana atong mga drug enforcement units sa station, including sa mga drug units sa special units, kini siya (60 cops) including na ni sya sa atong mga beat personnel, office personnel," said Parilla.

The CCPO aims to test all of its personnel before the year ends.

Although they have not received reports of its personnel using illegal drugs, but Parilla said it is not impossible that some of them are involved in illegal drugs.

“Last year (2020) duna man tuy nag positive gihapon bisan wa tay nadawat na report, so karon mao ng continuous jud atong testing," said Parilla.

Parilla said the two CCPO personnel who tested positive for illegal drugs in 2020 have already been dismissed from service. — FPL (FREEMAN)