The Police Regional Office in Central Visayas (PRO-7) has achieved a near-perfect compliance rate in its latest internal cleansing initiative. The organization reported that 99.8 percent of its personnel successfully completed the mandatory drug testing aimed at purging the ranks and reinforcing police integrity.
Massive Compliance Drive for a Cleaner Force
This large-scale operation required all active uniformed and non-uniformed personnel under PRO-7's jurisdiction to undergo testing. The primary goal was to ensure a drug-free police organization, building public trust through transparency and accountability. The testing served as a critical measure to identify individuals within the force who violate anti-drug laws.
However, the drive did not include certain members of the organization. Personnel who were Absent Without Official Leave (AWOL) and those already facing suspension or pending administrative cases were exempted from this round of testing. Their situations will be addressed through separate disciplinary channels.
Positive Cases and Administrative Consequences
While the regional command celebrated the high compliance rate, it also confirmed that some tests returned positive results. Officials chose not to disclose the exact number of personnel who failed the drug test, citing procedural confidentiality.
Those who tested positive are now confronting severe career repercussions. They are facing dismissal or termination from service under the legal and administrative processes managed by the Regional Internal Affairs Service (RIAS). This strict adherence to protocol underscores the administration's zero-tolerance policy on illegal drug use within the police force.
Strengthening Trust and Institutional Integrity
The successful completion of this mandatory testing on January 6, 2026, marks a significant step for PRO-7. It demonstrates a proactive commitment to internal reform and professional standards. By weeding out personnel involved with illegal substances, the regional office aims to foster a culture of discipline and lawfulness, which is essential for effective policing in Central Visayas.
This initiative is part of a broader, ongoing effort to restore and strengthen public confidence in the Philippine National Police. The high compliance rate suggests institutional buy-in from the majority of the force, supporting the leadership's vision for a reliable and trustworthy police service in the region.
