Barangay officials undergo drug test

SAN LUIS - More than 100 new and re-elected bar angay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) officials underwent random drug testing right after they were sworn into office over the weekend.

Chief Inspector Charlmar Gundaya, this town’s police chief, he requested for a mandatory drug test among the public officials before they officially serve their functions in the local government.

This is in line with the continuous goal of the local police, together with the Department of Interior and Local Government and municipal government, of suppressing and eradicating the proliferation of illegal drugs in the town, Gundaya sai d.

He added that the activity also aims to ensure that the officials can better serve their roles in the implementation of campaign against illegal drugs, especially as leaders and members of the Municipal and Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Counci l s.

“We requested for the random drug testing among the winning barangay and SK officials to show to them our earnestness in the campaign against illegal drugs. And hopefully, this will also encourage them to do the same now that they are set to lead their respective communities,” Gundaya sai d.

During the conduct of random drug testing, Gundaya disclosed that all the 142 barangay and SK chairmen and councilmen were taken urine samples to check on the possible presence of drug substance in their body.

All barangay officials tested negative and were cleared in the use of illegal drugs, particularly methamphetamine hydrochloride, Gundaya sai d.

“This is a positive sign for us police and local government because we know that we can relay on our new officials in our quest to make San Luis a drug-free town,” he said.