LEYTE COP FOUND POSITIVE FOR SHABU USE FACES DISMISSAL

PHILIPPINE National Police (PNP) acting chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. has ordered the start of the dismissal proceedings against a policeman in Palompon, Leyte who was found to be using illegal drugs.

The police officer, a member of the Palompon Municipal Police Station with a rank of police corporal, was among the subjects of a targeted drug test conducted on December 5.

The result of the drug test was released on December 13.

The drug test stemmed from a report received by Team 8 of the Integrity Monitoring and Enforcement Group of the PNP in September regarding a police officer using illegal drugs.

Following a series of validations that confirmed the information, the team formulated the Target Intelligence Packet “K9” to include the police officer in a random drug testing conducted by the Regional Field Unit-8.

The result of the drug test showed the police corporal tested positive for shabu.

“We are deeply concerned and disappointed. Walang puwang sa Philippine National Police ang paggamit ng ilegal na droga lalo na sa mga inaasahang magpatupad ng batas. This case reinforces our commitment to cleanse our ranks,” Nartatez said.

The country’s top cop directed the immediate filing of administrative cases against the police officer in accordance with existing PNP rules, with dismissal from the service among the penalties being pursued should the charges be proven.

Nartatez said if supported by evidence, criminal raps will also be filed against the cop as he reiterated that no one in the organization is exempt from accountability.