• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
With almost all police personnel assigned in Western Visayas having been subjected to drug testing, only three turned out positive for the use of illegal drugs, according to a statement issued by the Police Regional Office 6.
Those who tested positive are police personnel assigned at the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office, Capiz, and Antique Provincial Police Offices, said PMaj. Mary Grace Socorrio Borio, regional police spokesperson.
Borio said that 99.56 percent of the entire police force in Western Visayas have been checked for involvement in illegal drugs through subjecting them to drug testing.
She added that the remaining 0.44 percent are personnel with medical conditions and/or under peculiar circumstances such as: on leave abroad; applied for early retirement, or suffering from extreme medical comorbidities, among others.
But those who tested positive for the use of illegal drugs will face appropriate charges and possible dismissal from service, Borio further said.
In a statement, Brig. Gen. Sidney Villaflor, regional police director of Western Visayas, said the conduct of drug testing aims to have drug free workplaces in the region, and check the personnel’s integrity and commitment to duty.
We will implement the highest penalties to those who will fall short of the expectation of the PNP and the people of Western Visayas, Villaflor said.*