Self-confessed ‘narco-police’ to get rehab, be spared from charges

Philippnie National Police (Photo: PNP’s official Facebook page)

MANILA—The Philippine National Police (PNP) has encouraged cops who are drug users to surrender now in order to avoid charges and get help from the PNP.

PNP Chief Director General Ronald ‘Bato’ Dela Rosa said cops who will confess that they are drug addicts will be given a chance to reform by putting them in a rehabilitation center.

Dela Rosa also assured that self-confessed ‘narco-police’ personnel will be spared from any possible charges.

However, the Chief PNP stressed that only those policemen who will surrender to their unit commander before undergoing drug test will be spared from drug raps.

In line with the government’s zero tolerance policy for drug abuse, the PNP continues the conduct of random drug testing to identify PNP personnel who are using illegal drugs.

According to Dela Rosa, the drug test aims to show transparency in the organization and ensure the public that PNP high officials are capable of being role models in leading the fight against illegal drugs.

Dela Rosa said he is furious over the report of the PNP Crime Laboratory stating 20 cops tested positive in illegal drug use.

“Very angry and mad. I want to choke them. Gusto nyo sakalin ko sila sa harapan nyo,” Dela Rosa said during interview with members of PNP Press Corps

Dela Rosa said those who tested positive in drug test should not stay in the service because they did not only violate the law but also humiliated the organization.

He said policeman who will be tested positive in the confirmatory test will be dismissed from the service.

In line with this, Dela Rosa said he already directed all Regional Directors to ensure that all their personnel involved in anti-drug operations have a clear record.

He said he doesn’t want to hear reports that operatives involved in drug operation are drug users or involved in drug recycling.

According to PNP Crime Laboratory Director Chief Supt. Emmanuel Aranas, there are 20 policemen who were found positive for illegal drugs during the nationwide random drug testing among the members of the police force.

Of the said number of police who tested positive for drug use, five were from Luzon, six were from Visayas and nine were from Mindanao.

The PNP Crime Lab conducted drug testing in 22,238 PNP personnel nationwide as of June.

Aranas said PNP personnel who took the drug test this month are still subject for consolidation.

In a related development, Dela Rosa will ask help from the Office of the President for additional funding for the continuation of random drug test in their organization.

Dela Rosa added that the PNP will be needing additional funds to continue their campaign as part of their efforts to clean their ranks.

Dela Rosa said aside from the 160,000 strong force of the PNP, its 20,000 Non-Uniformed Personnel will also be covered by the drug test.

A drug test kit for each individual costs PHP300.00