INTERNAL CLEANSING. Lt. Gen. Rhodel Sermonia, Philippine National Police (PNP) deputy chief for administration (left) and Brig. Gen. Vincent Calanoga, regional director for Eastern Visayas, during a press briefing at the police regional office in Palo, Leyte, on Tuesday (Sept. 12, 2023). Sermonia said about half of the police force in the country submitted to drug testing this year. (PNA photo by Sarwell Meniano)
PALO, Leyte – About half of the 230,000 police force in the country have been subjected to drug testing this year as the Philippine National Police (PNP) heightens its internal cleansing drive, a key official said.
Gracing the 122nd Police Service Anniversary of the Police Regional Office 8 (Eastern Visayas), PNP deputy chief for administration, Lt. Gen. Rhodel Sermonia, said drug testing is an endless program to ensure that no police officer uses illegal drugs.
They voluntarily submitted to the random drug testing as part of the efforts of the organization to ensure a drug-free PNP.
“We want to undergo everyone for drug testing, but funding is a major concern. It’s good that some of our local police units have been getting support from local government units to carry out the drug test,” Sermonia told reporters in a press conference.
He reported that test results revealed 25 personnel, or less than 0.02 percent, have tested positive for prohibited drugs.
This figure represents a significant decrease from the 2016 record of over 200 personnel testing positive for illegal drugs.
“This significant reduction is a testament to the PNP's commitment to rooting out any form of misconduct within its ranks and its dedication to maintaining the highest ethical standards,” he added.
Of the 25 personnel, eight have been dismissed from the service, one resigned, and the rest are on summary hearing proceedings.
Sermonia, the second highest PNP official, has been visiting regional offices to relay the internal cleansing campaign of the organization.
During his speech before stakeholders from the government and private sectors in the region, Sermonia said they have been tightening their recruitment process to ensure that only honest and reliable individuals enter the service.
“We have been implementing a nameless and faceless recruitment system to avoid the ‘palakasan’ (patronage) system. We don’t consider requests from politicians and our friends during the recruitment process,” he said.
Sermonia also asked commanders to carry out the internal disciplinary mechanism and intensify efforts in reiterating the doctrine of command responsibility and police operational procedures to every police officer on the ground. (PNA)
