24 cops test positive for drugs

Philippine National Police chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr. yesterday said erring cops have no place in the organization after 24 officers tested positive for drug use.

Of the 24 cops, Col. Cesar Gerente was relieved as chief of the Mandaluyong City Police Office after he tested positive in a random drug test on 24 August. He was the highest ranking of those who tested positive.

Acorda said the PNP is reviewing its records to see how this could have happened and what the areas of concern are, especially in the aspect of drug use.

Following the incident, the National Capital Region Police Office ordered all 497 personnel of the Mandaluyong City Police Station to submit to a random drug test on 28 August, which all yielded negative results.

Meanwhile, two more police officers have tested positive for drug use in three random drug tests since last week.

The first test was conducted on 22 August involving 359 police officers at regional headquarters, where one police non-commissioned officer assigned to the NCRPO turned up positive.

Another PNCO tested positive out of the 33 Manila Police District personnel subjected to a surprise drug test on 29 August.

PNP Forensic Group Director Brig. Gen. Constancio Chinayog Jr. said that 115,000 police personnel from all the PNP offices nationwide underwent random drug testing.

Chinayog said administrative charges were immediately filed against the 24 policemen, which may result in their dismissal from the police service.