116 cops test positive in confirmatory drug test—PNP-DIDM

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

MANILA—More than 100 police personnel who initially tested positive for illegal drugs failed in a confirmatory drug test, the Philippine National Police-Directorate for Investigation and Detective Management (DIDM) said on Thursday.

PNP-DIDM acting executive officer Sr. Supt. Fausto V. Manzanilla Jr., said as of Wednesday, a total of 75,964 police personnel were tested from various offices and units nationwide.

He said out of the number of personnel tested, only 116 or 0.15 percent tested positive after the confirmatory drug test.

Cops found positive will face administrative charges and may face dismissal from the service.

Meanwhile, Manzanilla said the 34 PNP personnel who voluntarily surrendered to PNP Chief Police Director General Ronald ‘Bato’ M. Dela Rosa on Monday have been subjected to drug tests and confirmatory tests.

He said that they are currently being investigated by PNP-Internal Affairs Service (IAS) after being named by President Rodrigo Duterte involved in illegal drugs.

”If culpable, the results of the drug tests and investigation would be used in filing either administrative or criminal charges against them, following the appropriate procedures,” he explained.

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.