Zamboanga police anti-narc chief sacked over drug use

MANILA, Philippines — The head of the drug enforcement unit of the Zamboanga City police has been relieved from his post after he tested positive for drug use.

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Debold Sinas ordered yesterday a pre-charge investigation and summary dismissal proceedings against Maj. Jivertson Pelovello.

“Anyone who will test positive for drug use does not deserve to stay in the service any minute longer,” Sinas said.

Pelovello was among the 60 personnel of the Zamboanga City police who underwent random drug testing on Dec. 18.

Results of confirmatory test on Jan. 6 showed that he was positive for shabu use.

Brig. Gen. Ronaldo Genaro Ylagan, Zamboanga peninsula police director, said Pelovello has been disarmed and slapped with administrative charges.

Upon dismissal from the service, Pelovello will lose all his benefits and is barred from employment in any government agency.

Sinas had earlier directed the PNP to fast-track summary dismissal proceedings against police officers found to be drug users, saying they should be kicked out of the service in two months.— Roel Pareño