Thirteen of 145 employees of the Municipality of Isabel in Leyte tested positive for alleged drug use during a surprise test.

The drug test was conducted on August 6 and 7, 2026.

Following the result, Mayor Bennet Pongos directed that a regular employee, a casual employee, and 11 job order employees be removed from service.

One regular employee who tested positive will be made to undergo rehabilitation or intervention program based on guidelines provided by the Civil Service Commission (CSC).

The mayor said the surprise drug test was conducted in line with the local government’s mission of providing a drug-free, trusted, and efficient service to residents.

“As a leader, dapat ang imong klase sa pamunuan, patas, makiangayon, ug walay pabor-pabor. Kung kinsa to ang madakpan, kung kinsa to ang sad-an, kinahanglan patas ang imong treatment makauban man o dili sa politika,” Pongos said.

(Report by GMA Regional TV Balitang Bisdak)