Members of the Army’s Naval Forces line up inside the gym of the Naval Station Felix Apolinario, Panacan here on Monday, June 6 for the drug testing. (Photo from Public Information Office-Eastern Mindanao Command)
DAVAO CITY — Soldiers at the Eastern Mindanao Command undergo a surprised drug test on Monday, June 6 at the Naval Station Felix Apolinario, Panacan here.
Major Ezra Balagtey, chief of Public Information Office of the EMC said none of the 463 personnel were found positive for drug use.
He said they conduct surprise drug testing since 2011.
“The drug testing took place immediately after the regular Monday flag-raising ceremony at Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao Gym by the members of the Task Force,” he said.
Balagtey said the activity aims to maintain “a highly disciplined personnel and in consonance with the objective of the AFP Transformation Roadmap of having a highly professional and disciplined force.”
On Saturday, June 4, two police officers in Mati City were found positive for drug use.
Termination proceedings will be initiated and administrative charges will be filed against the two officials identified as Senior Police Officer 4 Nollo Barsaman and intel operative, PO2 Jesus Mante, Jr.
Incoming President Rodrigo Duterte plans to rid the country of illegal drugs and corruption in three to six months, a move that both Houses of Congress said they will support. (davaotoday.com)
