Zafra proposes tests for ABC to show good faith

Association of Barangay Councils (ABC) President Philip Zafra has encouraged all barangay officials in all the 80 villages in the city to undergo a drug test using hair follicles.

Zafra said that this way they will demonstrate to their constituents that the campaign against illegal drugs starts with them.

“We have been undergoing drug test but using the urine sample. But they say that the conclusive way of drug testing is through the use of hair follicle. To clear things, particularly since the President made a pronouncement that there are barangay captains who are involved in illegal drugs, we should undergo (drug testing),” he said.

Zafra said he is already arrang-

Mayor Tomas Osmeña earlier submitted a hair sample to St. Vincent General Hospital owner and lawyer Augusto Go, whom he requested to have it tested in a laboratory that administers drug tests using hair follicles.

ing his schedule so he can undergo the drug test.

Since it’s costly, Zafra said the barangay officials can pass a resolution in their council to charge the expenses for the drug test. He, however, said he will spend for his own test.

Zafra said the drug test using hair follicles costs around P7,000.

Aside from the ABC, former mayor Michael Rama also underwent a hair follicle test in a local laboratory in the city to clear his name after he was linked to the drug trade as an alleged protector. The result was negative.

When sought for comment, Mayor Tomas Osmeña said he has no problem with it, especially for those who are suspected of being into illegal drugs.

He is also willing to encourage the barangay officials who are allied with Bando Osmeña Pundok Kauswagan to undergo the test, including the barangay loaders.

“Sure, why not? Especially if there is a basis. In the case of those being (accused) as drug protectors that’s been established,” he told reporters.

Osmeña said there are barangays in the city where known drug personalities used to live.

Earlier, Osmeña entrusted his hair sample to St. Vincent General Hospital owner Augusto Go, whom he requested to have it tested in a laboratory that administers drug tests using hair follicles.