A resolution requesting the Philippine National Police (PNP) in the city and province to conduct surprise and more comprehensive drug testing within their ranks was approved by the City Council Monday.
City Councilor Atty. Peter Maristela, who authored the resolution, told the media in an interview Monday, June 22, that this is aimed at bringing back the confidence of the public to the police force following the recent anti-illegal drugs buy-bust operation, which involved some PNP personnel as suspect.
“Kinakailangan ‘yon [ang kumpiyanasa sa kanila ng ating mamamayan] kasi sila ang nagpapatupad ng batas. Kinakailangan ‘yong nagpapatupad ng batas ay mayroong kredibilidad na mapaniwalaan, may trust sa kanila ‘yong ating mga kababayan,” said Maristela.
Maristela said he requested under this resolution that “all PNP personnel” of Puerto Princesa City Police Office (PPCPO) and Palawan Provincial Police Office (PPPO) undergo regular yet surprise drug testing.
Maristela said it is important that every personnel undergo drug tests.
“Kasi kung titingnan mo ‘yong suspect, si Police Officer Pablico ay hindi naman siya operative ng drugs. ‘Diba kung ang nira-random drug testing lang nila ay ‘yong mga operative lang ng drugs na police, ay papaano ‘yong mga hindi,” Maristela said.
“Kung hindi kaya dahil malaki ang budget, kahit na hindi every quarter, kahit na twice basta surprise,” he added.
PLTCOL Alonso Tabi, Jr., the PPCPO Deputy City Director for Operation (DCDO), told the media in an interview after the question hour at the plenary Monday that they fully welcome this request of the City Council.
However, he said the Puerto Princesa City Crime Laboratory Office (PPCCLO) depends upon the availability of its budget and resources.
“Tsaka regular naman namin ‘yang ginagawa. Depende po ‘yan sa availability ng crime lab natin kasi sila ‘yong nagko-conduct,” said Tabi.
PLTCOL Tabi added their regular drug tests cater not every personnel but only a certain percentage for one unit.
