Pubdate: Tue, 01 Feb 2005
Source: Philippine Star (Philippines)
Copyright: PhilSTAR Daily Inc. 2005
Contact:  http://www.philstar.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/622
Author: Non Alquitran
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/testing.htm (Drug Test)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth)

95 STUDENTS FOUND POSITIVE FOR DRUG USE

The Department of Education (DepEd) reported yesterday that 95 elementary 
and high school students from private and public schools nationwide were 
found positive for drug use.

DepEd Undersecretary Jose Luis Gascon said 26 of the students found 
positive for drug use were from Region 7 while 24 came from schools in 
Region 12.

Gascon said the drug tests were conducted among elementary and high school 
students randomly in seven regions of the country from July to November 
last year.

Results reaching Gascon's office also revealed that 18 students were found 
positive for drug use in the Caraga region, 10 each in Regions 9, 10 and 11 
and four from the National Capital Region (NCR).

Central Luzon has the lowest number of students using illegal drugs with 
only three students found positive for using the illegal substance.

Because of the alarming results of the drug tests, Gascon said the random 
drug tests will be conducted more often in elementary and high schools 
nationwide this year to prevent students from being addicted to illegal drugs.

The DepEd refused to reveal the names of the students found positive for 
drug use and instead recommended that they undergo strict rehabilitation 
process.
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