92 cops undergo surprise drug test
At least 92 policemen in Central Visayas were subjected to surprise drug test yesterday.
Police Regional Office-7 director Chief Supt. Robert Quenery also submitted himself to the test to set an example. Most of those randomly picked to undergo the test were personnel from the Regional Drug Enforcement Unit and Regional Special Operations Group.
Quenery said the test was necessary to improve public trust amid the revival of Oplan Tokhang. Supt. Josefino Ligan, deputy chief of Regional Intelligence Division, said the initiative was also part of their internal cleansing.
"As part of the internal cleansing effort of the PRO-7 so this activity was undertaken para atong kapulisan naay ascendancy to operate against illegal drugs," Ligan said.
PRO-7 officials explained that the initiative was not intended to degrade policemen but rather a symbolic gesture to show that they live up to the expectation of the public.
Ligan said those who will be tested positive will be relieved and undergo a confirmatory test.
A pre-charge evaluation will be conducted to determine if an administrative investigation is necessary. In 2016, seven policemen in Central Visayas tested positive in the drug test.
They were all relieved and subjected to summary dismissal proceedings.
"Ang message ni RD (Quenery) ganina, ang operatives should come hand-in-hand wala'y bahig na illegal na druga,” Ligan said.