Pubdate: Wed, 12 Jan 2005
Source: People's Journal (Philippines)
Copyright: 2005 People's Journal
Contact: http://www.journal.com.ph/contactus.asp
Website: http://www.journal.com.ph/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3381
Author: Alfred Dalizon
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Cannabis)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/testing.htm (Drug Test)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/rehab.htm (Treatment)

AX TO FALL ON DRUG COPS

STARTING this year, police officers and men who will test positive for 
illegal drugs face immediate suspension and, after conviction, dismissal, 
PNP Anti-Illegal Drugs Special Operations Task Force commander Deputy 
Director General Ricardo F. de Leon announced yesterday.

De Leon said that PNP chief Director General Edgar B. Aglipay also asked 
him to review the cases of policemen who were dismissed for violation of 
the anti-dangerous drugs law but managed to get back into the service.

"We will be conducting an inventory of these policemen in coordination with 
the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency headed by Undersecretary Anselmo 
Avenido Jr.," said de Leon.

De Leon yesterday started his first inspection of AIDSOTF headquarters 
outside of Metro Manila. In Southern Tagalog, he supervised a surprise drug 
testing of more than 100 AIDSOTF officers and men from Police Regional 
Offices 4-A and 4-B headed respectively by Director Oscar C. Calderon and 
Chief Supt. Alejandro C. Lapinid.

"Gen. Aglipay and I agreed to implement a one-strike and you're out policy 
when it comes to use of illegal drugs among policemen. Once a policeman 
tests positive for use of illegal substance such as shabu or marijuana, he 
will immediately undergo rehabilitation and summary dismissal proceedings," 
he said.

De Leon said the police officer will be sacked without any government 
benefits due him once a confirmatory test show that he is indeed a drug user.

"There is no place for addict policemen in the PNP. This is part of our 
program to rid the organization of misfits and scalawags," he said.

The AIDSOTF commander said that in coordination with the PDEA, they will be 
reviewing the cases of policemen dismissed from the PNP for involvement in 
illegal drug activities - either as protectors, traffickers or users - 
since the PNP was created in 1991.
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