In a decisive move to uphold integrity within its ranks, the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) has executed a surprise drug test targeting more than two hundred uniformed and non-uniformed personnel. This operation, carried out by the PNP Forensic Unit 7, forms a critical component of the ongoing internal cleansing initiative spearheaded by the Philippine National Police (PNP).
Leadership's Commitment to a Drug-Free Force
According to Police Lieutenant Colonel Jose Los Baños, the information officer for CCPO, the directive for this unannounced testing came directly from top officials. Police Colonel George Ylanan, the chief of CCPO, and Police Regional Office (PRO) 7 Director Brigadier General Redrico Maranan are jointly driving efforts to purge the organization of any personnel involved in the use of illegal drugs. Their goal is to ensure a clean and trustworthy police force that can effectively serve the community.
Scope and Scale of the Testing Operation
The CCPO boasts a total strength exceeding 1,300 police personnel, not including civilian employees. The surprise drug test focused on a select group of over 200 individuals, highlighting a targeted approach to internal monitoring. This action underscores the PNP's proactive stance in maintaining discipline and accountability among its members.
Consequences for Positive Results
Should any personnel test positive for illegal drug use during the initial screening, they will undergo a confirmatory test at Kampo Crame, the national headquarters of the PNP. If the confirmatory test yields the same positive outcome, the individual will face severe repercussions. These include administrative cases and the ultimate penalty of job termination, emphasizing the zero-tolerance policy towards drug abuse within the force.
As of the latest reports, the results of this surprise drug test are still pending. The CCPO remains vigilant, awaiting outcomes that will determine further actions in alignment with their commitment to a drug-free police environment.
