216 cops failed nationwide random drug testing in 2008 - PNP

MANILA, Philippines - Even the police ranks are apparently not safe from illegal drug syndicates. The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday admitted that 216 policemen tested positive in a nationwide random drug testing conducted last year, only 80 of whom were dismissed from service. PNP spokesman Chief Superintendent Nicanor Bartolome said 79 policemen are currently undergoing summary dismissal proceedings while 26 others have been pre-charged administratively and are facing dismissal. Aside from them, 24 policemen were suspended, two were dropped from the rolls while five others voluntarily resigned as a result of last year's drug testing, Bartolome said. Bartolome noted that most of those who tested positive either for shabu or marijuana are newly recruited non-commissioned officers with a rank of either Police Officer 1 or Police Officer 2. Bartolome noted that 25,134 police personnel were subjected to surprise drug testing from January to December last year. This number comprises 25 percent of the 125,000-strong National Police force. He added that 25 percent of their police force will also be subjected to random drug testing this year as part of their anti-illegal drugs campaign within their ranks. Meanwhile, Bartolome said they will not accept the usual alibis that a cop tested positive because he belongs to a unit conducting undercover operations. "That is not allowed, it is not a justification," said Bartolome. - GMANews.TV