CEBU CITY – After three policemen tested positive for illegal drug use, some police officers holding key positions at the Cebu City Police Office were made to undergo random drug testing yesterday.
Police Col. Gemma Vinluan, chief of CCPO, said the series of drug tests are meant to show that the police are serious in the campaign against illegal drugs.
“Since I assumed post, we have recovered P60-million worth of illegal drugs. We want to show to the public that we are serious and we have the credibility in running after these illegal drug personalities by getting rid our organization of policemen who are into drugs,” said Vinluan.
Yesterday’s surprise test involved 50 police officers assigned at CCPO.
Vinluan said all personnel of the 11 police stations in the city will have to undergo drug tests.
Last July 26 and 27, three policemen assigned to the Waterfront Police Station tested positive for drug use.
It was confirmed in confirmatory tests that Police Corporals John Bu Ramirez Combis, Kinsman Gets Omolon, and Robert Gagatic Amascual had used shabu.
Vinluan said the three policemen have been disarmed and reassigned to the Regional Police Holding and Accounting Unit.
The three policemen are facing administrative charges and may be dismissed from the service depending on the result of the investigation.
“We will check their performances to find out if they will be allowed to undergo rehabilitation or they will be dismissed. It’s up to the board to the decide,” said Vinluan. (Calvin D. Cordova)