SIX out of 85 traffic enforcers working for the Talisay City Government were found positive of illegal drugs during a surprise drug test conducted at City Hall last Thursday afternoon.
Emely Cabrera, Talisay City Human Resources Management office head, told reporters that they have given the six traffic enforcers until June 30 to submit their resignation. The six traffic enforcers are working as job-order workers.
During the drug test last Thursday, one failed to submit his specimen while four others were absent. They were ordered by the City to submit an explanation letter to Cabrera on why they were absent at the time of the surprise drug testing.
Almond dela Peña, City of Talisay Traffic Operations Development Authority (CTTODA) head, told reporters that he decided to conduct a surprise drug test after receiving reports that there were personnel under his office who were allegedly using illegal drugs.
He hopes this will tell him who among his personnel are doing their jobs and those who aren’t.
In a separate interview, Dr. Rey Ceasar Bautista, head of the city’s drug aftercare program, encouraged the traffic enforcers who were found positive to approach his office.
Bautista said they were willing to provide free community-based rehabilitation treatment to those found positive of illegal drug use.
Earlier this month, the City sacked Louie Monreal, a traffic enforcer, after he was found to have been using illegal drugs.
Monreal, along with police asset Leonil Bacalso, was having a pot session in Barangay Linao when two gunmen arrived and shot them.
Monreal sustained a gunshot wound on his left leg while Bacalso was killed.