6 cops in Oro test positive for illegal drugs use

• Source: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cagayan-de-oro/local-news/2015/06/07/6-cops-oro-test-positive-illegal-drugs-use-411904
• Sunday, June 7, 2015

By Grace Cantal-Albasin With Stephanie Berganio (SuperBalita Cagayan de Oro)

SIX members of the Cagayan de Oro Police Office (Cocpo) have tested positive for illegal drugs use, Cocpo community relations chief Henry Cay-as told Sun.Star Cagayan de Oro Sunday evening.

Police Chief Inspector Cay-as clarified that there are only six policemen from Cocpo who tested positive since it started its random drug testing about eight months ago during the stint of former Cocpo Chief Police Superintendent Graciano Mijares.

“The last one who tested positive was in Puerto police station. On June 5, there was a random drug testing in Agora police station (PS3) but the result isn’t out yet. There will be a continuous random drug test in all police stations and special units. Di pa tapos ang lahat,” Cay-as said in a text message sent to Sun.Star Cagayan de Oro.

He added that those who found positive have been sent to the Regional Headquarters Support Group (RHSG) in Camp Alagar pending administrative charges.

“Yung bago pa, nasa respective stations palang nila (The new ones are still in their respective stations),” Cay-as added.

Police Superintendent Gervacio Balmaceda Jr., spokesperson of the Police Regional Office (PRO) Northern Mindanao, confirmed that the regional office recorded 30 police who tested positive after random drug testing was conducted in the region, which included those under the stint of former police regional director, Police Chief Superintendent Agrimero Cruz Jr.

Police Chief Inspector Lemuel Gonda, chief of operations and plans branch of Cocpo, said the new police who tested positive included a Police Officer (PO) 1, PO2, and a senior police officer.

Gonda is saddened that more police have been found involved in illegal drugs use despite several random drug testing that previously listed 30 police from the region who are now facing administrative charges.

Gonda added that Cocpo will continue with its "Oplan Linis Bahay" to cleanse its ranks from erring police members.

Gonda warned that police precincts that already went through random drug testing might undergo another surprise test to catch those police who have not heeded the call to stop using illegal drugs.

He also thanked the community for sending messages through text informing his office of police who are suspected to be on illegal drugs use or doing illegal activities.