THE Philippine National Police confirmed on Thursday that 105 policemen were found positive for drug use, according to the PNP Directorate for Investigation and Detective Management.
Senior Supt. Fausto Manzanila Jr. said the 105 cops were among the 150,160 personnel from various police offices and stations nationwide who underwent random drug testing from January to October 4.
“Of these, 161 were confirmed positive for the presence of dangerous drugs and 105 of those were recorded from July 1 to date,” Manzanilla said in a press conference.
“Also, the conduct of summary hearing procedure is already on the process in order to determine the extent of administrative liability which may lead to their dismissal from service,” he said.
Manzanila said while the PNP Internal Affairs Office is conducting its investigation, the policemen will be relieved from their post and assigned to holding units.
“While pending investigation, they will be relieved from their respective offices and will be assigned to holding administrative units. They will await the decision while assigned at the said unit,” he said.
“Before, prior to the implementation of the campaign against illegal drugs, there are those who were able to return to the service. Actually, this is one of our concern. After being dismissed, they will file a motion for consideration or appeal, ” he said.
“But with the focus on anti-illegal drugs campaign right now, we believe that hindi na mangyayari yan,” Manzanila said.
“We have a program relative to that, but still we have to determine the extent of or the degree of affectation on the individual especially the PNP personnel. If really needed they will be given opportunity to be rehabilitated,” he said.
“But it does not excuse them from facing administrative charges,” Manzanila added.