Random drug tests for PNPA cadets to intensify

Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief, Gen. Debold Sinas said he wants more random drug tests to be conducted among cadets, personnel, and employees of the PNP Academy (PNPA) in Silang, Cavite in line with ongoing efforts to stamp out illegal drug users in the force, according to a report by Philippine News Agency. 

In a chance interview with reporters at the PNPA on Tuesday, Sinas said he wants a monthly random drug test in the academy.

"Mag pick up lang tayo, kagaya nung mga nagbabakasyon, tingnan natin. Umuuwi, hindi ba, nag-emergency leave. Yun tingnan natin kung gumagamit ba o hindi (We will pick up from among them, such as those who went on vacation, those who went home, or those who went on emergency leave. We will test them to determine whether they used illegal drugs during those periods)," he said.

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Sinas noted that the random drug testing order covers police officers, police non-commissioned officers, cadets, non-uniformed personnel, and job order employees.

Earlier, a job order employee of the PNPA was identified as the source of illegal drugs of the graduating cadet who earlier tested positive for drug use.

The suspect was identified as Diosdado Reyes, 25, a stay-in mess hall worker, as the source of illegal drugs used by Cadet 1st Class John David Macagba, who tested positive during a random drug test.

Citing reports from PNPA acting director, Brig. Gen. Rhoderick Armamento, Sinas said Macagba admitted that he bought PHP3,000 worth of shabu from Reyes.

PNPA officials apprehended Reyes at the Academy's mess hall quarters on January 5.