DAVAO CITY – Two members of the Philippine National Police in Mati, Davao Oriental tested positive for illegal drug use on Saturday, June 4.
The Police Regional Office 11 said the Mati City Police Station conducted a surprise random drug test among its personnel on Saturday where two cops were found positive for methamphetamine from their urine samples.
They were identified as Senior Police Officer 4 Nollo Barsaman and intel operative, PO2 Jesus Mante, Jr.
The PRO 11 also said that assorted illegal drug paraphernalia were found inside the room of Barsaman in the police station. Barsaman was immediately placed under arrest for violation of Republic Act 9165 and was brought for inquest before the City Prosecutor’s office on Monday, June 6.
The police official will face an administrative case for grave misconduct.
Termination proceedings will also be initiated against the two cops, PRO11 said.
Duterte warns 3 generals
During his speech at his thanksgiving party on Saturday night, June 4, President-elect Rodrigo Duterte also called on three PNP generals to resign before he names them in public when he assumes the office.
“I will have to ask about three generals dyan sa (Camp Crame) to resign and do not wait for me to name you in public. Because I will only humiliate you,” Duterte said.
He also said that all cases involving police officers that were dismissed will be reviewed.
Meanwhile, PNP spokesman Chief Supt. Wilben Mayor said while they are still validating Duterte’s information, they have not yet found an active police general involved in illegal drugs.
Duterte also said he will not negotiate for the release of the chief of police from Davao Oriental who was found in possession of illegal drugs by the New People’s Army.
On Sunday, the NPA launched attack at the Governnor Generoso Municipal Police Station, also in Davao Oriental, after claiming that reports reached them that the illegal drug trafficking is protected by the members of the police.
It said it even found a sachet of shabu from its captive police chief, Chief Inspector Arnold Ongachen.
Cleansing police ranks
The PRO 11 said that the surprise random drug test “is part of the campaign of the PNP to rid PRO 11 of drug users, protectors, traffickers disguising as police officers.”
Police Chief Superintendent Manuel Gaerlan reminded all its personnel not to engage in any illegal activities “otherwise, they will face the full force of the law and the disciplinary mechanism of the PNP.”
He said the PNP will not tolerate any irregularity among its ranks.
“Majority of the police officers are professional, dedicated and can be depended upon by the community. We shall continue ridding our ranks of bad eggs and scalawags,” he said.(davaotoday.com)
