72 police officials negative for drugs

Estomo reiterated his position that any policeman found using drugs should be kicked out from the force immediately

All 72 Metro Manila-based third-level police officers tested negative for drugs following the surprise test they were told to undertake as they submitted their courtesy resignations at the National Capital Region Police Office headquarters in Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig City.

The officers were among the generals and full colonels urged by Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos and Philippine National Police chief General Rodolfo Azurin Jr. to submit their courtesy resignations in an effort to cleanse the police organization of those allegedly involved in the illegal drugs trade.

NCRPO chief Jonnel Estomo earlier pledged 100 percent compliance with the call made by Abalos and Azurin, saying he has always been supportive of ridding the PNP of rogue cops.

Estomo reiterated his position that any policeman found using drugs should be kicked out from the force immediately.

“Fortunately, none of the officers with me yielded positive results in the tests. This is a positive starting indicator on the noble purpose of our SILG (secretary of the Department of the Interior and Local Government) and our chief PNP in purging the organization,” Estomo said.

The NCRPO chief said random drug testing among all the other police officers under his command will continue.

“It is important to emphasize that those who tendered their courtesy resignation are not drug users,” he said. “This should serve as a stern warning to all policemen in the region. No one can run or hide with the continuing conduct of random drug testing.”