Drug test for police clearance applicants set in Pampanga

By Franco G. Regala

CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga — Police clearance applicants in Pampanga will soon have to undergo a mandatory drug test amid the intensified war on drugs, the Central Luzon police director Chief Supt. Amador V. Corpus announced.

“Hinihintay na lamang natin ang provincial resolution para sa mandatory drug test sa pagkuha ng police clearance (We are just waiting for the provincial resolution on the mandatory drug test for police clearance applicants),” Corpus said in a press conference during the 25th founding anniversary and oath taking of the new set of officers of the Camp Olivas PNP Press Corps (COPPC) at Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center, Subic Freeport, Olongapo City.

“Ka-kailanganin muna nilang mailabas ang resolusyon bago maipatupad ang mandatory drug test sa pagkuha ng police clearance na unang ipinanukala ng Magalang Municipal Police Station (MPS). Ang resolusyon kasi ang magsisilbing batayan ng PNP para sa pagpapatupad nito (The provincial government has to come out with the resolution, which will be the basis of the police in implementing the mandatory drug test for those applying for a police clearance),” he added.

Senior Supt. Joel Consulta, Pampanga provincial police director, said the mandatory drug test will eventually be implemented in the whole region.

In the same media conference National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief Director Oscar D. Albayalde said that the National Capital Region (NCR) may follow suit and lauded the move to make drug test a requirement for police clearnace applicants.

               “Personally, I will suggest this agenda during the NCR peace and order council meeting,” Albayalde told newsmen.

              “I will set an appointment with concerned local government units and other non-government-organizations for the possible implementation of the