ANTI-DRUG TASK FORCE

MEMBERS of the Anti-illegal Drugs Special Operations Task Group (AIDSTG) composed of policemen selected from various units in Pangasinan, recently organized to man the frontline in the campaign against illegal drugs, was ordered last Thursday, July 7, to take drug tests to determine if any of them are drug-users.

This was bared by Supt. Jackie Candelario, deputy police director for operations, at the KBP Forum, who said the drug testing were ordered by newly designated officer-in-charge of the Pangasinan Police Provincial Office (PPPO), P/Senior Supt. Roland Oliver Lee.

Candelario said the order for drug tests initially covered members of the AIDSTG but it will soon cover all PNP personnel, including members of the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team.

The results of the drug tests of the AIDSTG members will be known not later than Monday, July 11.

“If any one of the uniform men will turn positive of illegal drug use, he or she will be administratively charged and will likely dismissed from the service,” Candelario said.

He added a program being mulled by Lee is to ask all local government officials from city and municipal mayors, vice mayors and councilors (and possibly barangay officials) to also undergo drug tests but these will need logistical support because the tests have costs.

Lee took over from Senior Supt. Edgar Allan Okubo, who served as OIC police director of Pangasinan for less than seven months in simple turnover ceremony Last Monday, July 4, at Camp Oscar Florendo in San Fernando City. It was presided by P/Senior Supt. Reynaldo Biay, deputy regional director for operations.

A major reshuffle is reportedly expected among police chiefs in 48 towns and cities of Pangasinan in the next few days. (Leonardo Micua)

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