09 Sep Unannounced Drug Testing Conducted to Members of MisOr Sangguniang Panlalawigan
On September 5, Monday, in response to the order for getting rid of drug dependents in the city bureaucracy, the thirteen members of Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) were subjected to a surprise drug testing at the Provincial Capitol.
The members of the Provincial Board (PB) except for Mario Emano and Jigjag Pelaez, was accompanied by Vice Governor Joey Pelaez. Emano was unable to conduct the drug test for he was sick while Pelaez was attending a legislative conference in Metro Manila.
The vice governor said the once the two officials report to the office in the next session, they will also undergo drug testing. As he spoke, “Upon their return, ako mismo ang magdala sa ila for drug testing. Ako gyud ang mag-arrange.”
Pelaez said that it is mandatory that all legislative staff and employees should undergo drug testing.
Pelaez added, “We made it surprise and voluntarily to show other employees at the Provincial Capitol that we are serious in driving our goal for drug-free government offices in the province. The next to avail the drug tests are the rank and file employees of the SP.”
On September 8, Thursday, the result was disclosed indicating that the eleven members passed the drug test rendering them negative of shabu and marijuana.
Image Source: Joey Peláez Facebook Page posted 20hrs ago
As part of the program of Governor Yevgeny Vincente Emano to wipe out government officials and employees who are involved with illegal drugs, the drug test is free to all local officials and employees at the Provincial Capitol.
10 Capitol employees were already dismissed after proved to be positive for drug use.
To determine officials and employees who are drug dependents, Pelaez stated that they would conduct unscheduled random drug testing every now and then during the flag-raising ceremony at the Provincial Capitol.
Provincial Police Director P/Sr. Supt. Sukarno Alvarez reported that around 5,000 residents of Misamis Oriental surrendered and submitted themselves responding to their “Operation Tokhang,” and this urged Pelaez to have the drug testing.
Top five municipalities and cities that have the most number of drug suspects who surrendered during the “Oplan Tukhang” are, Tagoloan – 1,513; Gingoog City – 1,405; El Salvador City – 1,302; Jasaan – 1,282; and Manticao – 695, Alvarez reported.
Pelaez stated that he would again call Alvarez for updates with the drug operations in the province.
He added, “Our provincial PNP is very supportive in our effort to possibly declare Misamis Oriental as a drug-free province.”
Pelaez also said that about P1 million was allotted for the anti-illegal drug campaign to Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA).
News Source: Mindanao Gold Star Daily
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