PNP vows intensified cleansing

The Philippine National Police (PNP) reiterated its vow to intensify the internal cleansing within their ranks as records showed that hundreds of narco-cops were still in the national police organization.

According to a report citing PNP-Internal Affairs Service's (IAS) tally from July 2016 to December 2017, a total of 283 out of about 180,000 cops across the country were found to have been using illegal drugs.

In a text message Saturday, PNP spokesperson, Chief Supt. Dionado Carlos said this is why they are still implementing strict measures to monitor the police force, such as conducting random drug testing.

"We are optimistic that the PNP will be in a better shape compared to 2016," he said.

A notable figure showed that of the 283, most came from the lower ranks: 119 are Police Officers 1 (PO1), 68 are PO2s, and 57 are PO3s.

Twenty-three Senior Police Officers 1, 10 SPO2s, and two SPO3s were also discovered to be using illegal substances. Also, two Inspectors, a Chief Inspector, and a Superintendent were also found to be narco-cops.

Eight non-uniformed personnel were also found positive in using drugs.

According to the report, Metro Manila topped the list of the most number of police using drugs with 39. Police from Southern Tagalog registered 34 while Zamboanga Peninsula had 28.

The PNP said 221 of the narco-cops have already been recommended for dismissal while investigation of the remaining others are already being expedite.

In a previous interview, PNP chief Director General Ronald dela Rosa said he would continue to weed out the rogue cops from PNP until only the good ones are left.

"I don't care if only a few will remain as long as they are good cops. I will make sure all of you (rogue cops) will be dismissed from service," he said.

However, citing the lack of due process in the past, he ensured that such is being given to the rogue cops to ensure that they would not be able to come back once he retires from service.