PDEA wants mandatory drug testing in schools

MANILA, Philippines — The head of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) wants to make mandatory drug testing for teachers and students from Grade 4 and up.

PDEA director general Aaron Aquino said students and personnel of public and private schools should undergo surprise drug testing every school year as part of the government’s campaign against illegal drugs. 

Aquino said they are seeking the issuance of a Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) resolution to enforce the mandatory drug testing.

Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 only mandates random drug testing for secondary and tertiary levels. 

Aquino defended the recommendation to have elementary school students undergo drug testing, saying they have rescued a minor as young as 10 years old involved in illegal drugs. 

He said this move is for the betterment of the youth so that involved individuals can get intervention while they are still young.

Aquino said they would seek dialogue with the Department of Education (DepEd) and other government agencies to craft the guidelines on the mandatory drug tests. 

He gave assurance that all test results would be confidential to protect the students, especially minors. 

The adoption of drug education into school curricula is also being eyed by the PDEA.

Aquino said the youth need to be aware of the different kind of drugs, especially the new millennial party drugs making the rounds in universities and schools.

The PDEA yesterday distributed P180 million worth of equipment to its units to enhance their operational capabilities in the war against drugs.

The equipment included 63 vehicles, 151 motorcycles, computers and body cameras.

“PDEA prioritized the modernization of its logistics and capabilities in keeping with President Duterte’s order to intensify the war against drugs,” Aquino said.