By Jennifer P. Rendon
Hundreds of personnel assigned to the Police Regional Office (PRO)-6 headquarters in Camp Delgado, Iloilo underwent a surprise drug test on Tuesday, July 4.
Records from the Regional Forensic Unit (RFU) 6 indicated that 335 cops were tested.
Majority are police non-commissioned officers (PNCOs) with 255 while there are 50 non-uniformed personnel (NUP) and 30 police commissioned officers (PCOs).
Brigadier General Archival Macala, PRO-6 deputy regional director for administration, said the series of drug tests all over the region is relative to the PNP’s thrust to ensure that its personnel are free from illegal drug use.
“We must lead by example. Ang hirap magpatupad ng batas if hindi namin ‘yun magawa within our ranks. That’s why, we should always start from within,” Macala said.
When Brigadier General Sidney Villaflor assumed post as Western Visayas police chief, it has been his desire to rid PRO-6 of undesirable members, especially those who are into illegal drugs, Macala said.
Last month, PRO-6 procured 5,000 drug testing kits for the exclusive use of organic personnel.
Villaflor said the move is part of the command initiative relative to PNP chief General Benjamin Acorda’s 5-focused agenda.
Macala said that the series of drug tests should serve as a stern warning for personnel to not get involved in drug-related activities.
Meanwhile, Major Mary Grace Borio, PRO-6 spokesperson, said 30 personnel have already been administratively charged for drug-related offenses from March 1, 2021 to March 1, 2023.
Twenty-two of whom have been found positive for illegal drug use; four for failure to submit to a drug test; three for their alleged involvement in the illegal drug trade; and one who got arrested during a buy-bust operation.
Twenty-three have been dismissed from service while two were suspended.
Five, including the three who were charged for their alleged involvement in illegal drugs, were exonerated.
