MANILA, Philippines- After subjecting 2,405 policemen to a surprise drug test last Friday, July 1, nine of them have been found positive for drug use. New Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa expressed alarm over the number of cops who tested positive for drugs, reports ABS-CBN News.
In a press conference in Camp Crame on Monday, July 4, Dela Rosa revealed that all 9 cops were from outside Metro Manila but refused to name them prior to a confirmatory drug test.
PHOTO CREDIT: Facebook/Philippine National Police
Dela Rosa said the results of the confirmatory drug tests may be released in two to three days. Once confirmatory test verify the presence of methamphetamine or shabu and marijuana in their urine samples, the police will face administrative and criminal complaints and will be dismissed from their post.
“May isang confirmatory test pa na gagawin in the precincts. If they’re going to contest the findings nung first, then after that, ipi-pre-charge na sila. Pre-charge investigation, then ultimately, madi-dismiss ‘yan. We will dismiss them from the service,” he said.
Just hours after he officially became the 21st PNP chief of the Philippines, Dela Rosa ordered the surprise drug test of PNP personnel from police districts, regional offices and national headquarters. Dela Rosa as well as 75 high-ranking officials also underwent the nationwide drug test.
According to the tough-talking police chief, none of the high-ranking officials tested positive for drugs.
Furthermore, Dela Rosa warned police officers involved in the illegal drug trade to surrender in 48 hours.
“I am giving you 48 hours to voluntary surrender to me at ilahad ninyo sa akin ang lahat otherwise mag AWOL na lang kayo at magfull time drug Lord na lang at makipag gyera na lang kayo sa amin,” he said in his assumption speech.
Watch the video report.
Who is Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa?
Personally chosen by President Duterte to lead the PNP in his bid to go all-out against illegal drugs and criminality in the Philippines, Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa was the former Davao City police chief.
The 54-year-old one-star general is a member of Philippine Military Academy (PMA) “Sinagtala” Class of 1986. He was among the officers tasked to probe the Mamasapano incident in Maguindanao.