NCRPO conducts surprise drug test among personnel amid PNP internal cleansing

Third-level officials of the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) on Friday underwent drug testing after signing their courtesy resignations aimed at eradicating Philippine National Police personnel with alleged links to the illegal drug trade.

NCRPO Regional Director Police Brigadier General Jonnel Estomo led all 67 full colonels and generals of the Metro Manila District in the surprise mandatory drug test at Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig City.

“Dala ko na ngayon bilang regional-director ng NCRPO ang aking pinirmahan na courtesy resignation. Kasama rin po ang aking mga tauhan, 67% po kaming lahat... 100% po kami,” Estomo told reporters.

“Aside from that, bilang suporta sa programang ito, nandito kami lahat para magpa-drug test. Di alam ng aking mga opisyal pero ako mismo, nagpa-drug test para makita ng taong-bayan na kami sa NCRPO ay sumasang-ayon na i-cleanse ang aming hanay,” he added.

On Wednesday, Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos appealed to all PNP full colonels and generals to submit their courtesy resignation as part of the government's efforts to rid the police force of officers involved in the illegal drug trade.

A five-member committee will review the resignations of the police officers, Abalos said, as he described the decision as a “shortcut” for the long process of the justice system, technicalities, and other factors in purging the PNP of erring police officials.

The Interior chief initially declined to name but said on Friday that Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong is among those who will take part in the panel.

Estomo, for his part, reiterated the NCRPO fully supports Abalos’ call, saying all 67 third-level officials signed the courtesy resignation.

He also said he trusts the Secretary and PNP chief Police General Rodolfo Azurin will choose committee members who have integrity.

“Kilala naman natin sina SILG at Chief PNP, di naman sila maglalagay ng kahit sino-sino lang. Ang mahalaga diyan there’s integrity…para maging maganda ang kabuuan ng gagawin natin,” he added.

As for the drug test, Estomo said the results will be released simultaneously.

In the event he tests positive, the NCRPO chief promised to immediately resign from his position. Police officers who are positive for illegal drugs will be also removed from their posts “outright” and will be subject to investigation. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News