727 Cagayan cops undergo drug test; none drug-positive

By Vince Jacob Visaya

TUGUEGARAO CITY — The Regional Intelligence Division and Regional Forensic Unit 2 disclosed that none among the 156 police officers in Cagayan province tested positive for drug use.

    The 156 police officers in Cagayan province were among the 727 police officers in Cagayan Valley's police stations and provincial offices who underwent the internal disciplinary scheme being imposed since Jan. 7, said Brig. Gen. Antonio Marallag Jr., Cagayan Valley regional police director.

    The Philippine National Police (PNP) is targeting 2,649 officers who will be tested randomly under the PNP Internal Disciplinary Mechanism and PNP Revitalized Internal Cleaning Program.

    Drug test results have yet to be known in Isabela, which had 291 tested police officers; 99 in Santiago City; 22 in Quirino; 88 in Nueva Vizcaya; and 71 at the regional police headquarters.

    Marallag asked the police officers to continue their dedication in fighting illegal drugs and remain loyal and trusted as law enforcers.

    The regional police director said he will not tolerate those police involved and will be found positive in drug use.

    "Any police officer who will test positive for illegal drug use will undergo a confirmatory test, and if the results are positive, they will be subjected to a thorough investigation and face an administrative charge," warned Marallag.

    "I will not tolerate anyone breaking the law, especially in relation to the antidrug law," he added.